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Fresh styling, bigger battery with 440km range for new 2022 MG ZS EV

Alongside revised styling, MG is offering 51.5 and 72 kWh battery options for the new MG ZS EV, and an app-based software system dubbed i-Smart.

The 2022 MG ZS EV brings revised styling and more range. Images: MG Mot

The 2022 MG ZS EV brings revised styling and more range. Images: MG

  • 51.5 kWh and 72 kWh battery versions will be offered

  • Enhanced styling with LED lighting and a grille-less front

  • iSmart app-based software, allowing owners access to OTA updates

  • European deliveries will commence by the end of 2021, Australian deliveries in the second half of 2022.

In a design sense, is the new MG ZS EV the lovechild of the Hyundai Kona EV and Ford Mustang Mach-E? Whatever you think about the aesthetics of MG’s updated electric crossover, it’s a fresh and welcome change from the understated, quiet achiever that is the current ZS EV.

The changes are more than skin deep; the charging port is now offset to the drivers’ (in RHD markets) side, rather than behind the MG badge as on the current ZS EV. LED lighting clusters are now fitted front and rear, and on the inside, a brand new infotainment and navigation system is offered, as well as MG’s app-based software architecture known as iSmart. MG Australia claims iSmart will allow owners to perform over-the-air (OTA) updates, access real-time navigation and live weather updates. The company hasn’t said whether charging and interior climate control will also be available in app, similar to Tesla’s vehicles.

An enhanced interior, with MG’s new i-Smart app-based software.

An enhanced interior, with MG’s new i-Smart app-based software.

Greater range, larger batteries

The current MG ZS EV is a good car, but with a real world range of around 200-220km (125-137 miles), the vehicle is severely limited away from urban areas. MG plans to fix this, offering a 51 kWh (+6.5 kWh) variant, and a much larger 72 kWh variant. MG claims 320 km (198 miles) and 440 km (273 miles) range on the WLTP combined test cycle. Looking at our vehicle specifications sheet, that’s an additional 57 km range (35 miles) for the base model.

MG claims the ZS EV has sold over 15,000 units in Europe during its first year on sale, and according to Autocar, UK buyers will be able to purchase the updated ZS EV from November. MG Australia has told us that Australian deliveries will commence in the second half of 2022.

MG ZS EV Image Gallery

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Australian Electric vehicle range comparison - how do these 5 EVs stack up against their WLTP ratings?

Australian consumers are pretty familiar with fuel economy ratings, but things are a little less clear when it comes to the emerging EV market. The Chasing Cars team has shared a video comparing five of the most popular electric vehicles on the Australian market to their advertised WLTP range ratings.

Australian consumers are pretty familiar with fuel economy ratings, but things are a little less clear when it comes to the emerging EV market. There are three main standards used around the world; EPA, WLTP, and NEDC. You can find a bit more information regarding the different testing standards on our EV pricing page.

Overnight, the Chasing Cars team shared a video comparing five of the most popular electric vehicles on the Australian market against their advertised WLTP range ratings. The vehicles tested included the Hyundai Kona Electric, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range Dual Motor, Nissan’s Leaf, MG’s ZS EV, and Audi’s e-tron 55 quattro.

The judges established a set of test criteria to eliminate variables and maintain fairness; all vehicles would start the test from 100 percent charge, cruise control and energy recuperation would be activated, “eco” drive modes were enabled, and air conditioning was set to 24 degrees.

The Nissan Leaf was the first casualty, achieving 226km in the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube

The Nissan Leaf was the first casualty, achieving 226km in the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube

Highway roads outside Australia’s capital, Canberra were chosen for the test, with a combination of country roads and dual-carriageway highway, featuring speed limits between 90-110 km/h (56-62 mph). These roads are representative of the regular type of driving Australian motorists undertake, travelling between capital cities and regional centres.

The Nissan Leaf travelled 226 km (140 mi) against a WLTP rating of 270 km (168 mi), while MG’s ZS EV — the cheapest vehicle on the test — managed to achieve 191 km (119 mi against a rating of 263 km (163 mi).

The most expensive (and energy-hungry) vehicle on the test, Audi’s e-tron 55 quattro, claims a 436 km (271 mi) WLTP range, and managed to achieve 392 km (244 mi), while Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range achieved an impressive 508 km (316 mi) against a WLTP rating of 580 km (360 mi).

Hyundai’s Kona Electric and Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range proved the most impressive on the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube

Hyundai’s Kona Electric and Tesla’s Model 3 Long Range proved the most impressive on the test. Image: Chasing Cars via YouTube

Perhaps the most surprising result was from Hyundai’s Kona Electric, beating its claimed 449 km (279 mi) WLTP range (just), and achieving 450 km. The Kona Electric has always been known for its impressive efficiency, and this result should give reassurance to Hyundai buyers (and those looking at the Kona’s sister vehicle, the Kia Niro Electric) that this crossover can comfortably come close to its range claims.

The Kona Electric has actually just received a mid-life update for 2021, and the WLTP combined range figure has been upped to 484 km (301 mi). The new Kona electric will join the EV Brief garage in July, and we look forward to bringing you a range test shortly after that.

Source: Chasing Cars

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