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AWD, MG, SUV/4X4

Few can match value of electric MG

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MG ZS EV

By Bill McCarthy

Once an upmarket British marque, under Chinese ownership MG is firmly aimed at the family market offering, excellent value for money and a seven-year warranty.

Now the ZS EV has joined the race to electrification alongside the MG5 EV and the HS plug-in hybrid and offers excellent value for money.

It is a smart move because the ZS is a fine looking vehicle and the EV version deviates little from its plugin and petrol siblings.

In terms of price, as electric SUV/crossovers go, there’s nothing to match the MG, which can be bought for just under £27,500, inclusive of the Government EV grant.

The cosmetic changes include a different grille that has a cleverly hidden port for the charging point and bespoke alloys wheels, together with the green stripe on the number plate signifying an electric vehicle.

And while they are becoming more common, the car still attracts some curious gazes from passers-by.

While looking like the SUV/crossover that it is, it has some neat new design touches and the large and still famous MG badge adorning the grille.

And MG is also doing its bit to alleviate EV range anxiety with its latest 72.6kWh battery which delivers a driving range of up to 273 miles from a single charge on the WLTP combined cycle.

In addition, it’s quick, hitting 60mph in just over eight seconds and delivering 150-plus bhp.

It looks the SUV part with a muscular stance and full LED headlamps, while the interior is also impressive with a roomy cabin, much improved fixtures and fitting and cutting edge technology. 

Centrepiece is the 10.1 inch colour touchscreen which is the brains of the car, controlling navigation, connectivity and infotainment while also standard is wireless mobile phone charging. It also features the MG iSMART app you can pre-start the climate control system to cool or heat the car, and also schedule battery charging. 

There are three specifications, SE, Trophy and Trophy Connect driven here, with either the 51.1 kWh or 72.6 kWh battery, the lesser battery still has a claimed maximum range of just shy of 200 miles according to WLTP figures.

But like other electric models, get up to motorway speeds with the wipers and lights on the go and the range plummets alarmingly.

 All models are well equipped with a 360-degree parking camera, air con, cruise control, USB connectivity with Bluetooth, electric windows and door mirrors, LED daytime running lights and a host of other goodies.

 The Trophy model adds a couple of grand to the price and more bells and whistles with updated 10.1 inch floating colour touchscreen.

The interior is much more upmarket, with this model offering heated, leather-style powered front seat and multi-adjustable front passenger seat, new piano key buttons and better quality trim, fixtures and fittings. 

Seats are supportive and there is excellent head and legroom for a car of its dimensions and all round vision is also good. Stowage space is impressive with a deep split-level boot offering a huge 470 litres.

It is a pleasant car to drive, a smooth and comfortable ride, with passengers well insulated from road and wind noise.

There is plenty of safety kit, including full complement of airbags, electronic stability programme, assisted emergency braking and hill launch assist. 

There’s no doubt that MG’s growing success will continue with an ever-improving range and more models coming on stream. Add to that a hugely attractive price tag and that seven-year warranty.

Factfile

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect

Price: 33,495

Mechanical: 151bhp, 72 kWh electric motor driving front wheels via auto gearbox

Max speed: 109mph

0-60mph: 8.2 seconds

Range: 273 miles (WLTP)

Insurance group: 11

CO2 emissions: 0g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles

Motoring news

Drivers aspiring to go electric

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Photo by Rathaphon Nanthapreecha on Pexels.com

Two thirds want EV ownership, while most EV journeys will be catered for by a single charge

A recent survey of nearly 2,000 drivers has revealed some intriguing insights into consumers’ views on electric cars.

Sixty per cent of drivers admitted to considering an EV for their next car citing environmental benefits, being able to charge at home and being taxed less on their salary as the top three main reasons, according to the report commissioned by car benefits provider Tusker,

Looking into driving habits 79 per cent of survey respondents admitted to driving less than 150 miles a week. That means models like the Tesla Model 3 (263 miles), the Audi e-Tron (220 miles) and even the new Vauxhall Corsa-e (200 miles) will cater for a week of driver journeys on a single charge.

The survey also reinforced how quickly drivers are being educated about EVs. Of those drivers who said they would consider an electric vehicle (1,107) 36 per cent said they were confident in naming up to three or more charging locations they would use in their local area.

Seventy five per cent of people were also aware of EVs being in their budget, while 25 per cent felt EVs were just for the wealthy. When looking at the numbers this minority view is quickly dispelled with a £42k Tesla Model 3 available on Tusker’s salary sacrifice scheme from as little as £399 per month, and the £26k Corse-e from just £249 per month, both inclusive of maintenance and insurance on a four-year agreement.

“Our Car Benefit Scheme aims to put the majority of EVs in the reach of everyday drivers by using some of a driver’s salary before it’s taxed in exchange for the use of a brand-new car,” said Paul Gilshan, Tusker’s CEO.

Tusker runs a fleet of almost 20,000 cars, which is being transformed by the green revolution with EVs accounting for 50 per cent of orders in 2020. In turn, its fleet has gone from three per cent EV to 20 per cent in just 12 months, which means Tusker is outperforming the overall industry.

“This year’s research shows that drivers better understand how electric cars can fit into their life even down to the location of their charging points.”

“Salary sacrifice works on the same principle as Cycle to Work and Childcare Vouchers and provides drivers with a hassle-free new car, inclusive of maintenance and insurance,” he added.

The survey found:

  • 63% of drivers are considering an EV for their next car
  • 79% of drivers travel less than 150 miles per week which means a single charge will cater for their weekly journeys
  • EVs account for 50% of Tusker’s new car orders in 2020
  • 36% of drivers can name three or more local EV charging stations
  • Salary sacrifice schemes put all EVs into easy reach of drivers (from £249 a month for the new Vauxhall Corsa-e on a four-year contract inclusive of maintenance and insurance)