New facelifted MG ZS EV Standard Range starts from £27,495

• Available with 51kWh and 72kWh battery options
• Flagship model capable of up to 273 miles of range
• On sale now, starting from £27,495 after the PiCG

The new MG ZS EV Standard Range is now on sale, starting from £27,495 after the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) deduction. It’s capable of up to 198 miles from a charge, and sits beneath the flagship 273-mile Long Range model in the facelifted ZS EV range.

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The refreshed MG ZS EV received a significant mid-life facelift late last year, with an exterior redesign, a refreshed interior and a host of upgraded technology. Thanks to the two new battery options, the expanded MG ZS EV lineup is pitched directly against models such as the Nissan Leaf and Renault ZOE, with the larger-battery version offering a longer range than the entry-level Kia e-Niro.

2022 MG ZS EV: prices and specifications

The refreshed MG ZS EV is available in three trim levels, starting with the SE version. In Standard Range form with the smaller battery, prices start from £27,495 after the PiCG. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, a 360-degree parking camera, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen and sat nav. It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging, which allows owners to power or recharge other electrical devices. Prices for the Long Range model with a larger battery start from £29,495 after the grant deduction.

Stepping up to the Trophy model in Standard Range spec costs from £29,995 after the grant deduction. This model adds a panoramic roof, heated front seats, electrical adjustment for the driver’s seat, faux-leather interior trim, roof rails, rain-sensing automatic wipers and a wireless phone charging pad. Prices for the Trophy trim in the Long Range model start from £33,495, meaning it does not qualify for the PiCG discount.

Above this, the Trophy Connect adds live services for the weather, traffic updates and Amazon Prime. The Standard Range version costs £30,495 after the grant, rising to £33,995 for the Long Range model.

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Every version of the MG ZS EV gets an array of standard safety features dubbed ‘MG Pilot.’ This features active emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, traffic-jam assist, high-beam assist and speed-limit assist.

Powertrain, battery and charging

Two versions of the updated MG ZS EV are available, with the top 72kWh Long Range version officially capable of 273 miles between charges, while the 51kWh Standard Range model manages up to 198 miles.

When connected to a 100kW rapid charger, the 72kWh Long Range model can be charged from 0-80% in 42 minutes, with the 51kWh taking 36 minutes to achieve the same level of charge. When using a standard 7kW wallbox, a full charge for both models takes between 9-10.5 hours.

Every version of the MG ZS EV is powered by a single electric motor, sending power to the front wheels. The Standard Range version produces 174bhp, getting it from 0-60mph in eight seconds. In Long Range spec, power is reduced to 154bhp, with 0-60 mph taking 8.2 seconds.

Design

The redesign of the new MG ZS EV includes a blank, closed front grille incorporating the charging port, to set it apart from the petrol model. The LED headlights have also been tweaked and there are a new set of aerodynamic alloy wheels with a two-tone paint finish. A new tail light design, restyled rear bumper and a new rear diffuser with silver trim inserts also feature. 

A further addition to the refreshed model is a useful charging status indicator located in the nose-mounted charging port. This features four LEDs, giving owners a visual indicator of charging progress.

Interior

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Inside, a new larger 10.1-inch infotainment screen is fitted and features new graphics. This setup runs the brand’s latest ‘iSMART’ smartphone connectivity, which allows remote access to a variety of the car’s functions, such as security, charging and the climate control, with the option to pre-warm or cool the cabin before a journey. A new digital instrument cluster is also standard, along with a wireless charging pad on the flagship model.

What does it mean for car buyers?

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The arrival of the new MG ZS EV is great news for buyers who want an affordable EV. With a range of between 198-273 miles across the two models, the budget-focused electric SUV is now a genuine competitor to far more expensive models like the Kia e-Niro. The update could make the MG ZS EV an affordable electric car with few compromises. 

Read our picks for the best electric cars on sale now.