What is the cheapest new EV in Australia right now?
Imported from China, the ZS EV is a light SUV in the mould of the Mazda CX-3 rather than the larger Hyundai Kona EV.
Similarly, the ZS EV uses its small dimensions to good effect with strong performance from a 105kW/353Nm electric motor, though range is a little on the weak side at 263km. MG reckons a 50kW fast charger needs 40 minutes to replenish 80 per cent of the battery pack, while a 7kW wall box at home needs under eight hours.
Reviewers have criticised the existing ZS EV’s suspension as feeling too stiff over bumps, while the steering lacks the responsiveness expected from a sporty model wearing the storied MG badge.
Though designed for urban conditions, it is agreeably roomy with a modern dashboard and a reasonably generous cargo capacity to boot.
It’s also difficult to ignore the pricing and standard features for your $43,990-driveaway, which includes an electric driver’s seat, panoramic sunroof and satellite navigation. There are also driver-assist safety systems like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert and lane-keep assist.
Tested in 2019, the MG ZS EV also scored a five-star ANCAP crash-test rating.
MG ZS EV specifications
Motor: Synchronous electric
Transmission/drive: Single-speed reduction gear/front drive
Battery: 42.5kWh Lithium Ion
Power/torque: 105kW/353Nm
0-100km/h: 8.2s
Consumption: 18.6kWh/100km
Electric range: 263km
Warranty: 5yr/unlimited km
Battery warranty: 8yr/160,000km
Safety rating: 5 stars
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