This isn’t just levelled at the electric ZS as petrol models look largely identical. It is clear that there are influences from other Asian cars, in particular a whiff of Mazda CX-3 from some angles. It is far from ugly, but it is just a bit generic to our eyes. The MG ZS EV’s standard equipment is a real selling point, even though some parts of the interior lack a little polishĪesthetically the MG ZS is so-so. The standard range car has the same torque figure, but delivers an extra 20bhp, helping to shave two tenths off the benchmark sprint time. Top speed is 108mph and while this seems modest, it is still significantly more than is legal to do on any UK road. The result is a 0-60mph time of 8.2 seconds that puts the MG ahead of Peugeot’s e-2008 but slightly behind the Kia Soul EV and Hyundai Kona Electric. Long Range models come with a single electric motor powering the front wheels that produces 154bhp and 280Nm of torque. The focus on comfort does come at the expense of body control, with the ZS pitching and rolling more than some of the alternatives. MG’s engineers have geared the suspension of the ZS EV more towards comfort and so it mostly protects occupants from road imperfections vibrating into the cabin, although it's still not as refined as its Kona Electric rival. In addition to this, motor whine is kept nicely at bay and the steering is light, if lacking in feel. This means that, irrespective of whether electric, petrol or diesel is being used to power a vehicle down the road, there are no shortage of rivals for a small SUV like the MG ZS.Īffordable, battery-powered SUVs such as the MG ZS EV are slightly less prevalent, but even this sub-sector is filling up fast. It is no secret that SUVs and crossovers have seen massive sales growth in the UK in recent years. Irrespective of its high-voltage powertrain, the ZS EV sits towards the practical side of the small SUV market, offering extra space compared to many of its rivals, while MG has tackled the issue of range by introducing Long Range versions for buyers who spend more time on the road. So, if you can get past having a badge that isn’t the most desirable, the ZS EV makes a lot of sense.

This can only be good news for MG as it continues to push for growth in the UK. As a package the MG ZS EV has genuine appeal – especially as a company car or a relatively affordable route into a pure electric vehicle.

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