MG ZS EV

MG ZS Overview

The MG ZS is a B-segment crossover SUV produced by the Shanghai-based SAIC Motor under the now Chinese owned MG marque. The best-selling model is the second SUV to be produced by the company after the larger MG GS. It rivals the highly popular Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Kona.

Internationally, the MG ZS is offered with two different powertrain options, the petrol-powered engines variant, or an all-electric EV variant. The latter became the cheapest electric car available in the market when it was revealed in Australia back in November 2020.

Thailand made models offers three variants of the 1.5 L petrol-powered version (C+, D+ and X+), and a single all-electric ZS EV (EZS in China) model. The ZS EV is the only variant that has been spotted testing on Malaysian roads. It is powered by an electric motor pushing out 150 PS and 350 Nm, paired to an e-CVT, with a range of 337 km. The MG ZS EV comes in a special Copenhagen Blue exterior colour and Dutch windmill-inspired alloy wheels design. It is expected to be launched officially in Malaysia sometime in 2021.  

MG ZS Exterior

The pre-facelift MG ZS’s exterior design, particularly the front, bore an uncanny resemblance to Mazda’s family front fascia. In 2019, the facelifted MG ZS was revealed in China, featuring a redesigned hexagonal front grille and sleeker sweptback headlamps that are now disconnected from the grille. It perhaps offers a more European flavor now that the new design conveys a hint of Ford Focus up front.

The crossover silhouette is retained along with the elongated hood, subtly curved body panels and the dramatically up-slopping window lines towards the D-pillars. Black plastic trims surround the lower bumpers, side doors, as well as on the wheel arches for an added utilitarian outlook.

At the rear, it gets a new rear bumper and redesigned taillamps. The huge octagonal-shaped MG badge at the back doubles as a boot release like in most Volkswagens. The chromed trapezoidal exhaust trims and the silver-coloured skid-plate-like bumper trims are strictly for cosmetic purposes only. The MG ZS is positioned below the larger MG GS in MG’s vehicle line up. It is 19 mm wider and 48 mm taller, but is 23 mm shorter than the Honda CR-V. Its wheelbase is shorter too by 25 mm compared to its Japanese rival.

MG ZS Interior

Soft touch material is used extensively across the cabin. The driver-oriented centre console design angles the 8-inch touch screen towards the driver for a more comprehensive view. Faux stitching effect, gloss-black inlays and satin chrome accents add a premium touch to the cabin.

The leather-wrapped flat-bottomed steering wheel reminds you of the sporty Volkswagen Golf GTi. The seats are upholstered synthetic leather and complete with an arm rest. 60:40 split-folding rear seats allows greater flexibility and even more storage space when required.

MG ZS Features

Standard features include smart key with push start button, digital air conditioning with PM 2.5 air filter, electric windows, electronic parking brake, 6-way power adjustable driver seat, instrument cluster with 7-inch multi-info display and an 8-inch touch screen infotainment display.

The MG ZS EV comes equipped with a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) Mode or regenerative braking system. It helps recover and recharge power back to the battery in normal driving during deceleration. It can be set to High, Normal or Low for different levels of energy recovery intensity.

Safety features include 6 airbags as standard, alongside ABS, EBD, EBA, Stability Control System (SCS) and Traction Control System (TCS). Also available are Hill-Start Assist System (HAS) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The MG ZS EV also comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of Advance Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which include Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHC), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Departure Warning.

MG ZS Powertrain Performance

The heart of NEW MG ZS EV is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, powered by a 44.5 kW/hr Lithium-ion battery pack. It delivers 110kW of power, equivalent to 150 PS and 350Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. Unlike internal combustion engines that require high revs to produce full power, electric motor can deliver instantaneous torque which result in immediate power delivery and acceleration.

An all-electric powertrain also translates to easier and cheaper maintenance due to the lack of engine fluids and fewer moving component. MG Battery comes with a superlative warranty that covers you for up to 8 years or 180,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

With the MG Home Charger at an AC rate of 6.6 kw, the battery will be fully charged in under 6.5 hours. DC quick charging will get the battery to 80% SOC in 30 minutes. The charging ports (CCS and Type 2) are tucked away behind the MG emblem within the front grille. The electric motor is paired to an e-CVT.

MG ZS Fuel Consumption

At full charge, the 44.5 kW/h battery pack offers 337 Km of pure EV range. A quick charge takes approximately 30 mins to charge the battery pack from 0 to 80 %, and a normal charge takes 6.5 hours from 0% - 100 %.

MG ZS Ride Comfort

MG ZS is fitted with MacPherson Struts up front and a torsion beam setup at the rear just like in the Honda HR-V. But with the heavy battery pack fitted down low in the chassis, the centre of gravity is significantly lower than most of its petrol-powered rivals, which should translate to a more stable and well-balanced ride.

However, sitting on a relatively short wheelbase and a less sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension, the MG falls short when it comes to dealing with fast changing surfaces and winding roads. The suspension is soft and comfortable at lower speeds but feels a tad clumsy at higher speeds. The softer setup and higher mass present quite a pronounced level of roll under fast cornering.

MG ZS Conclusion

An affordable and readily accessible full electric vehicle like the MG ZS EV is exactly what Malaysia needs right now to kick start the much-overdue EV trend on this side of our shore. While the officially available full EVs like the Porsche Taycan and the Mini Cooper SE are an exciting proposition, they are not exactly for the mass market. With a generous equipment list and descent looking exterior, the MG ZS EV should see itself getting driven off the show room by the bulk, if MG plays their card right for the Malaysian market.