MG ZS EV

MG Hector has received good response from the market even after stiff competition. MG has now launched its second SUV in the Indian market, which is an EV. The MG ZS EV is the electric version of the ZS that is sold in the foreign markets.

MG ZS EV is longer than the usual compact SUVs that are available in the market. MG ZS EV is a crossover which means it is smaller than MG Hector, but larger than a compact SUV.

The battery of the EV has gone through various rough testing because of which it is IP67 certified and survive the Indian climate. MG ZS EV is available in two variants namely, Excite and Exclusive. Just like the MG Shield package that is offered with the Hector, MG offers with the ZS EV.

The comprises of an extended warranty up to 8-year or 1,50,000 km warranty on the lithium-ion battery and 24x7 roadside assistance for five years which is only for the private buyers.

MG ZS EV specs offer a 44.5 kWh ultra-high density battery that is capable of producing a max power output of 142.7 PS and a peak torque output of 353 MG ZS EV can hit 100kmph in just 8.5 seconds which is plenty quick for a crossover of this size.

MG ZS EV range is 340 km as per MG. However, the range in daily use may vary on the driving habits of the driver and the condition of the traffic. The battery can be recharged up to 80% in 8 hours from the household outlet, but the DC charger will take just 50 minutes to charge the EV from 0-80%.

MG ZS EV performance depends on the driving mode that you are in. There are three driving modes from which you can choose from, namely Sport, Eco and Normal.

The Sport mode maximises the performance, the Normal mode offers a balance between range and performance while the Eco mode maximises the range of the battery. The handling of the SUV is neutral and it absorbs most of the bumps and potholes of our Indian roads.

MG ZS EV competes against the Hyundai Kona Electric.

MG ZS EV exteriors look attractive due to the sleek treatment that the MG has given. MG has not tried to make the design of the crossover to be complicated or quirky. The ZS EV looks simple and sleek. According to MG, the sleek projector headlamps with LED Daytime Running Lamps are inspired by the London Eye. The centre of the concave grille houses the charging port behind the breathable glowing MG badge. The side profile consists of 17-inch machined alloy wheels and power-adjustable and folding body-coloured rear view mirrors. The roof rails and the muscular wheel arches enhance the side profile of the EV. At the rear, you get a set of LED tail lamps.

MG ZS EV interior looks plush and luxurious due to the leather used for the upholstery, door trims, dashboard, armrest and the steering wheel with stitching. The SUV also comes with dual-pane panoramic sunroof which opens a sense of airiness in the cabin.

The SUV features push-button start with smart entry, Cruise Control, Rain Sensing Front Wiper and 6-way power-adjustable driver seat and multi-function steering wheel.

The driver gets 8.9cm Multi Info Display, steering mounted audio and phone controls. The 20.32cm Touch Screen Infotainment System comes with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Connected Car technology that comes i-SMART EV 2.0.

The infotainment system is placed horizontally unlike the Hector which gets a vertically placed screen. The touchscreen infotainment system is connected to either 4 or 6 speakers. The gear shifter has been replaced by a rotary dial from which you can put the car in reverse, neutral or drive.

The parking button has been placed on the rotary dial. The automatic climate control comes with the PM 2.5 air filter which purifies the air before passing it in the cabin.

Braking duties are handled by disc brakes in the front and at the rear. There are plenty of safety features too. MG offers dual airbags in the front, side airbags and curtain airbags too.

The anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution and brake assist ensures that the stopping power is enough for the SUV. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control ensures that driving the SUV on the hills is fatigue-less.

The tyre pressure monitoring system alerts the driver when the tyre pressure is not optimum. Moreover, there is a Pedestrian Warning System, Front & Rear Seat Belt Reminder Heated ORVM, Electric Parking Brake and Electronic Stability Control. The reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors ensures hassle-free parking.