2022 MG ZS EV Review

MG is a front runner in the push for EV acceptance here and with the arrival of this new, facelifted ZS EV that will only accelerate. It’s a good thing at a relatively affordable price.

 

In a win/win for consumers, new ZS EV has more of everything for only a little bit more money. There’s additional power and range, generous levels of kit even in the lower spec’ Excite at $44,990 drive-away, some high tech’ electronics like iSmart app control to many functions, V2L provision that would make camping so much better and plenty more to get, well, excited about.

 

A new Tesla-esque face heralds 2022 ZS EV complete with closed off grille and thin LED headlights. Behind that, ZS EV remains similar in appearance to any number of other small SUVs notably the Mazda CX-5.

 

It’s a somewhat dated look that is superseded on other, newer models with a more rakish Ranger Rover style, but the ZS is probably a five-year-old design at this stage due to the fact that it was originally penned as an ICE-powered vehicle.

 

From directly in front, it appears to have too narrow a track with front wheels too close together and the body protruding outwards and upwards from there. A minor criticism yes, but still a small blot on the ZS EV report card.

 

Apart from that it looks OK especially with a new colour palette including a striking light blue.

 

Driven was the top of the range Essence model that goes for $48,990 drive-away. Close to $50 grand for a small SUV but better than plenty of other offerings in the EV space.

 

You get extra kit in the Essence including a large “panoramic” sunroof, heated front seats and leather upholstery, none of which are needed in our opinion. Appreciated are the rain sensing wipers, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert… not fitted to the lesser Excite version.

 

It’s a roomy car with good size seats, plenty of adjustment for the driver and clear, easy to see and operate controls including the touch screen.

 

The air-conditioning is likewise simple to use once you get used to the way everything works which is slightly different to cars from other countries.

 

We felt safe in the ZS EV thanks to the MG Pilot system providing 10 active driver assist features, eight in the Excite model. Some are not to our liking as they tend to unnecessarily over-rule the driver.

 

There’s plenty of room inside right down to the load space with downward expandable floor.

 

The audio has decent tones, the AC pumps out cool air and the overall ambience inside is of a premium, sporty SUV… and the vehicle itself looks well put together in terms of build quality.