Chinese-owned brand MG has increased the range of its new ZS EV model to over 270-miles by introducing a larger battery.
The revamped SUV is now available to order, with prices starting from £28,495 including the government’s plug-in car grant. Sold in ‘SE’, ‘Trophy’ and ‘Trophy Connect’ trim levels, all models share the same sharp new look.
The biggest change comes at the front with the addition of LED headlights that incorporate a new DRL signature. Fresh wheel designs and a re-sculpted back bumper also make their debut.
The colour palette is limited to five hues and includes ‘Battersea Blue’ – which is new to the value electric crossover – ‘Arctic White’, ‘Black Pearl’, ‘Monument Silver’ and ‘Dynamic Red’.
With the bigger 72kWh battery powering the 154bhp e-motor on the front axle, the ZS will sprint from 0-62mph in 8.4 seconds and go on to a top speed of 108mph. It is now also capable of towing up to 500kg.
The Long Range 72kWh battery can charged from 0-100% in 42 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger, MG says, or ten-and-a-half hours when connected to a standard 7kW home wallbox. And for the first time, vehicle-to-load capability is standard meaning owners can either charge, or power, electrical leisure equipment or power tools.
The ZS EV range kicks-off with the ‘SE’. Priced at £28,495, it gets a digitised driver binnacle, automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, sat-nav, a 360-degree parking camera and bi-function LED headlights.
‘Trophy’ starts at £30,995 and adds leather-style seats, heated front seats, rain sensing wipers and wireless phone charging. A panoramic sunroof and roof rails are also included in the price.
Completing the range is ‘Trophy Connect’ (£31,495) which benefits from live traffic and weather information; this is relayed on the same 10.1-inch infotainment system called ‘MG iSMART’ that is found in ‘SE’ and ‘Trophy’ derivatives.
Running new software, the system allows owners to check the vehicle’s battery charge level, remotely lock and unlock the car, prime the air conditioning and heating, and activate the windscreen demister via an app on their smartphone.
As for safety features, Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist are standard across the board.
‘Trophy’ and ‘Trophy Connect’ add Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.
