by Approximately 90% of electric vehicles in Ukraine are bought second-hand. It’s clear that this is not from a good life – most new models in our market are not available to everyone and there are no purchase incentives, as in the EU and the USA. However, the cheapest electric vehicle in Ukraine, the MG ZS EV, has recently gone on sale, and we decided to test it.
The new MG ZS EV is one of the models with which the British brand returned to Ukraine this year. Yes, it is assembled in China, like all MGs now. Although it is not just another Chinese crossover – it has been sold in Europe for several years and even received 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test. By the way, a gasoline version of the model is also available in Ukraine.
The MG ZS EV electric vehicle is a small urban crossover with a length of 4314 mm and a wheelbase of 2585 mm. It has slanted headlights and profiled sides. Instead of a grille, there is a plug that hides the charging ports. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, as well as LED daytime running lights and taillights.
The interior of the MG ZS EV is trimmed with eco-leather, and there are also black lacquered inserts. The steering wheel is wrapped in perforated leather: it, like the air vents, is borrowed from the older brother MG HS. Instead of a gearshift lever, there is a rotary dial. On the dashboard, the speedometer and electric motor power indicator are separated by an onboard computer display.
The 8-inch touchscreen is slightly turned towards the driver. The menu, however, is not very modern and quite simple, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are present. The USB port for smartphone connectivity is hidden along with the cigarette lighter in a small niche under the center console. In general, there are not many compartments for small items in the cabin, and the glove box and compartment in the front armrest are not very big.
The steering wheel is adjustable only in height, but the driver’s seat has an electric drive. The seats are comfortable and heated, but a little more back support would be desirable. The seating position is not very high for a crossover. Overall, there are no issues with visibility and you get used to the dimensions of the car quickly.
For its size, the MG ZS EV electric car is very spacious – there is enough space on the second row for legs and overhead. Rear passengers are provided with another USB port.
The luggage compartment volume is 448 liters, and with the rear seats folded, it reaches 1375 liters. The floor is two-level, and underneath there is an organizer with a compartment for charging cables and a tire compressor (there is no spare tire in the crossover).
The MG ZS EV 2021 is richly equipped, as the electric vehicle is brought to us only in the top LUX version. It features a panoramic roof, button start, adaptive cruise control, rain and light sensors, camera, parking sensors. Plus, there is automatic braking, lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, and road sign recognition. But for some reason, the crossover received air conditioning instead of climate control.
The electric car is equipped with a 143 hp motor and it is quite sufficient for the city. The traction is quite enough, as almost immediately all 350 Nm of torque is available. The dynamics are quite decent: acceleration to 50 km/h takes only 3.1 seconds, and the crossover reaches 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds. But on the highway, after 100 km/h, the speed increases more slowly. The top speed is limited to 140 km/h.
It should be noted that the above acceleration figures are achievable in Sport mode. However, the range in this case is about 25-30 km less than in Eco mode. According to the specifications, the MG ZS EV can travel 263 km without recharging, and in winter with the heater almost constantly on (it takes an additional 15-20 km), we managed 220-225 km.
The battery with a capacity of 44.5 kWh can be charged at home in 7 hours (if a wallbox is installed) and at a fast charging station to 80% in 40 minutes.
The new MG ZS EV is tuned for comfort – the steering is light, and the suspension is soft. The motor is almost silent, and in general, the cabin is quite quiet. The battery in the floor lowers the center of gravity of the crossover, which reduces body roll. The brake regeneration works unobtrusively, and its strength can be adjusted.
You can buy the MG ZS EV in Ukraine for a price starting from 921,780 hryvnias. Not exactly cheap, but all other electric cars are even more expensive. By the way, in Europe, a version with a 73 kWh battery and a range of 439 km has recently been released.
MG ZS EV Specifications:
- electric motor, transverse in the front
- Power 143 hp
- Maximum torque 350 Nm
- Front-wheel drive
- 1-speed reduction gearbox
- Maximum speed 140 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h 8.2 s
- Range (specification) – 263 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4314/1809/1648/2585 mm
- Trunk volume 448-1375 l
- Ground clearance 161 mm
