NEW MG ZS EV review - another electric BARGAIN?! | What Car?

[@TheChequeredFlagOriginal]

I road tested this car about a month ago, and was simply amazed by it... Well priced, well specced, excellent range, lovely interior and I thought it drove exceptionally well for a budget electric suv! When compared with the competition it still represents fantastic value for money...

[@devonbikefilms]

Very fair review, and having tried all the competitors you mentioned, as well as a Tesla Model 3, I still ended up going for the MG. It’s not the best ( that’s the Tesla) but for me it was more comfortable than the Kona, and quieter, not quite as nice as the e-Nero, but that was £38 to £40k. It was better built than the ID3, and way cheaper if you range match, and much nicer, and safer, than the Zoe. The Trophy I’ve ordered was the best compromise of price, performance and comfort for me. Roll on March.

[@alastairgoffey6073]

Same here, tried several other EVs and found the MG ticked all the boxes, didn't bother with a Tesla as they're well outside the budget for me.

[@MaDxStArZv]

Same here went for the MG, ID.3 was the biggest let down for me as it was in budget but cheap inside and the software was awful and climate control was plain unusable for me. Roll on March indeed.

[@stianthomassen6693]

I have also ordered one here in Norway. Won't come before March/April though. And for those looking for a cheap, bigger car than this MG, look at maxus euniq 6, that will be coming soon. I really liked this car , it was good to drive and good to sit in, and will be good for our kids as well. I also tested a Tesla Model 3, but it was just not the car for me, so we went to a car shop, and tested Kona, Niro, and the Ioniq 5, but they all were missing luggage space. We have a Zoe and that little Zoe had more luggage than some of these top models. Then I got to test the MG and yeah, it is practical, but that is what I want. A practical car with practical uses. All honors to Tesla for making a high quality entry model with good luggage space, the possibility to pull a trailer, and good space inside. But where are the rest? Yeah I know a lot of them are starting at around 35 000 - but that is on the entry-level with NOTHING added. This MG, Luxury version with full specs, winter wheels and towbar is around £37 000! Drop the towbar and the winterwheels and its £33 000. One bad thing is the starting wheel only going up and down, but hey, it's at least £10 000 cheaper with any of the other cars speced up to the same level.

[@mplovecraft]

@@MaDxStArZv I really don't like the ID.3 or ID.4. Neither of them are very nice for the price if you ask me, but where I live the ID.4 is by far the most common EV. On my street there's one Tesla, one Enyaq, one e-Niro, two ID.3 and four ID.4s.

[@raghuramsaripalli3040]

For the budget - this is quiet a deal, I ordered my trophy , waiting for the delivery.

[@andrewmarsden1970]

When £30k+ is classed as cheap! Sadly motoring is becoming far too expensive for many.

[@fpsplayer66]

it is cheap for electric vehicles.

[@norwegianzound]

No new electric vehicle is actually cheap. It's all relative, as they say.

[@kh-wg9bt]

I bought a 2015 Nissan leaf for 11k (2 years old at the time) Its been amazing! The range is limited but if it fits your life then its fine. I was looking at upgrading but you're right the prices are ludicrous. I was hoping after 5 years I could upgrade for a reasonable price. Looks like I'll be keeping my leaf and seeing how long it takes before the wheels fall off 🥴

[@brokensync]

You can buy a car for a grand

[@ryanjacques2007]

£30k is about the price of a gallon of petrol nowadays isn't it?

[@1911maxhtec]

I have driven the car, I have watched sooo many reviews and I get the feeling that the reviewer is not fair enough with the value this car has. Focusing on things like the "small icons" is a joke and he also doesn't know that the 360 camera is included in the SE package as well

[@Shaheel]

Is this 360 camera included on all tiers definitely true? All the material I've seen online suggest it's exclusive to the Trophy levels

[@greglewis8843]

Zs ev never had a 49kwh battery it was 44.5 kWh 42 usable you really should get these things right if you wish people to take you seriously

[@stianthomassen6693]

Don't get fooled! The enyaq gets very VERY fast up to £50 000 if you spec it up to the top model of the MG ZS EV. When it is fully speced up with Winter Wheels and towbar it will be at £37 000. Don't need winter wheels or a towbar it's £33 000. All these other cars have these nice entry prices but there are almost no features and a worse range the MG. The second you start putting stuff on these other models they skyrockets beyond the top speced MG model. The only one I can see and that doesn't "lie" that much is Tesla Model 3.

[@scottmullen2827]

The SE also has the 360 camera, and as far as I'm aware also has the soft fabric dash and leather stitching, it's just the seats which don't. I've test driven this car and the screen in the front is excellent, although I agree with the comment on the quality of the reversing camera. Feel the reviewer hasn't been fair on what is arguably the best value EV on the market when you look at what spec it gives you. A Tesla it ain't, but it's not meant to be.

[@adrianclayton6335]

Well said half of what he has said is wrong he just doesn't like the car, I've got one on order and I cannot wait for it to be delivered in about 3 months time . I think for the price you get good value for money

[@cliveneilands1449]

He did say several times it was good value.

[@wordsound420]

​@@adrianclayton6335 and after a year or two how are you finding it?

[@olajuyigbesegun2049]

Hey. how is your car doing. I am thinking of getting one

[@chrisandclaremoore6472]

I placed my order for this vehicle, after 4yrs of driving a 2017 Leaf Tekna 30kWh. Why did I place an order? 1 Will it fit my budget, Yes. 2 Does it have the range I want, Yes. 3 Will it suit my life style, Yes. 4 Does it have all the toots and whistles that my previous car had? Yes and more. 5 is it good value, Yes. (My opinion) So for me it was a no brainer to upgrade.

[@stevejones4697]

I have the gen1 MG ZS EV and I would never describe that suspension as unsettled or firm as mentioned. If anything, it's soft and spongy (as many other reviews say as well). This new model felt almost identical when I drove it, which makes it very comfortable but not sporty.

[@garethsaunders1260]

Agree it's not firm, ours gets very unsettled up here in the peaks at high speed.

[@brianmuir9059]

Indeed, the suspension is anything but firm, very spongy, ok in straight line but wallows through corners.

[@craigo2656]

Buying an MG supports the Communist Party of China. People that care about their own economy buy products from people/companies/brands that are designed and/or developed and/or researched in their own country or ally country. The people that work for those local companies, in free democracies, then buy other products developed in their own country or ally country and that keeps their families and friends in work and making money. Stupid people buy direct from Chinese brands and send every single penny out of their country and destroy their own economy and eventually their entire free society because they are cretins and/or greedy and/or want things they can't afford, and rather than wait and save. They are happy to screw over their entire economy in the pursuit of self-gratification, selfishness, and ego. Buying CCP owned brands and products fuels Chinese R&D and weakens free economies. Your children and your children's children will suffer as a result of your choices. This is not hyperbole, it is fact. Oh and the 'everything is made in china' argument is facile. A) production is slowly moving out of China, B) That is more reason not less reason to support western brands that way you limit the damage. Buying directly from China (CCP) by buying Chinese brands only worsens the situation. The only reason our economies have some level of balance is the fact that not everyone is stupid enough to buy Chinese (CCP) brands. So no. the 'everything is made in China' argument is not an argument of any substance what so ever.

[@shaheenshad5012]

@@craigo2656 I bought the mg just to support the zs.

[@Undisputed_King]

Depends on the wheel size

[@v88krb]

I can't get enthusiastic about EVs at £30k minimum when there will be improvements in years to come. They are just too expensive and hopefully I won't need to change my current petrol car for 3 or 4 years.

[@jamesmccormack3229]

If looking at one of these, please look in to the specs, sadly there is a lot not mentioned on this review, lots of safety specs and lots of additional features that some more expensive models done even get with out u having to pay loads extra.

[@pookiewookie9309]

Safe? This car does not even have an EURO NCAP rating. All is good with those safety features & this car untill you are in a crash

[@jamesmccormack3229]

@@pookiewookie9309 well the 2019 was 5stars so I am hoping the new model will have improved on its safety if anything.

[@darrensaquaticsworld]

Bit of a poor review, didn't mention half of the features the car comes with like blind spot monitoring and Lane assist to mention just a few. At around £32.000 it may sound like not very good value but at that price it's fully loaded compared to a base model of any other brand available. So you would be looking at 40k plus else where to match like for like. It also comes with a 7 year warranty or 80.000 miles, that wasn't mentioned either.

[@brianmuir9059]

@john h Most people? Doubt that!

[@jonathantaylor1998]

Thanks for this review, Doug. Couldn't help but giggle though... when you said the driver's seat is "too high"...! I mean, come on - pretty much the universal reply to the question, "Why do you drive an inefficient SUV and not a more efficient estate / hatchback / saloon?" is... "I wanted a higher driving position..." 🤣

[@4wheelsgood]

The SE base trim also has 360degree cameras. There are also companies that sell under bonnet storage for the ZS

[@tommyhelgevoldie2636]

Which place can you buy "frunks"?

[@yellowmitch]

Yeah, where can you buy the frunk

[@tashluvsbrian]

I would also like to know

[@martinadekoya1475]

Devil's advocate! you are playing, ain't you?

[@Cabmax78]

Didn't mention the government reduction of EV grants and how that might have pumped the price.

[@MattOn1010]

Its good value for money for sure. One reason I personally rule out this car is the position of the infotainment screen, its far too low, taking eyes off the road when using sat nav. I want high up like in the ev6! When can I afford £53.5k for the top spec tho.....

[@Nigel-nar53]

I don't call 30k a low price tag!

[@jdmguy44]

@ Nigel Especially for a Chinese car

[@davidmaclean5326]

@@jdmguy44 what difference does the fact that the car was built in China make?

[@SurferKroky]

Compare it to all the other EV SUV’s

[@debbiewalter6577]

Does anyone know what the real world servicing costs are and how often it has to go in to the garage for updates etc.?

[@ripmax333]

I think I don't like is that front charging port, I would prefer to have it on the side like a normal fuel cap location in an ICE car.

[@georgej4546]

This days ...30k "equals as cheap "....50k " just affordable " ...

[@hurbrowns5397]

Yep. Crazy times.

[@brianmuir9059]

Improvements have clearly been made but many of the foibles of first version remain, vinyl seats, silver vents that reflect onto the mirrors, poor infotainment system, etc. The problem as to price is now supply and demand, version 1 wasn’t cheap either but was very heavily discounted (as much as £8k) but now its difficult to get any good discount anywhere.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

Hmmm, quite a price bump over the previous gen and not the bargain it once was. Shame they didn't keep the smaller battery as an entry level trim version to keep that headline price advantage they used to have.

[@hooksforestchin]

There is - you can find it on leasing sites but MG don't show it yet for some reason. Slightly bigger batter than previous gen, better range (190+) and cheaper so Trophy still gets grant. Not sure how well the long range Trophy versions will do for sales as they've effectively got a £1500 price above other versions just from the grant.

[@thomasm7108]

They are releasing a smaller battery version next year with about 200 miles of range. I'm assuming that would be around the same price as the old car.

[@SteveWithers]

Does the 2022 model work with the Tesla Wall Connector Gen 3? The TWC gen 3 is a very reasonable price and works with every Type 2 EV I've tried *except* my 18 month old MG ZS EV.

[@hhhj6631]

What is the total charge ie milage and what is the price in re?

[@shabsc4723]

Does the SE model have a 360 degrees camera or atleast a reversing camera?

[@MrJdebest]

I owned a MGB in the 1970s, the trauma from the relentless, ongoing repair bills led to a decade in the nervous hospital. I hope that they have improved. Arghh..

[@amyjeffs3269]

all that the same is the name,its chinese now for starters....as far removed from 70`s MG`s as its possible to be.Walnut trim long gone!

[@PassportToPimlico]

@@amyjeffs3269 I believe that 0-60 they are almost as quick as the old V8s.

[@MrJdebest]

@@amyjeffs3269 Oh, it's going to be interesting watching the development of the Chinese cars. I saw the rise of the Japanese cars throughout the 60s and 70s while American cars became junk.

[@amyjeffs3269]

@@MrJdebest well they make everything else these days..seems odd really that they decided to keep the MG brand going,as it used to be the sporting brand of Rover.I suppose when the chinese bought MG Rover,that paticular brand name held a degree of kudos.Nothing else in the Rover brand did!

[@vorlon81]

@@amyjeffs3269 The Rover, haven't heard that in Years. Now is called the Roewe in China. I think MG is for export only.

[@Markcain268]

Hate those grill less fronts, they look like they aren't finished!

[@brianwilson245]

Touch screens as low as in this vehicle should be banned.....way to dangerous because of drivers who can't help fiddling with them on the move

[@rippedupno1]

Instead of just spouting the WLTP range,why oh why wouldn't you tell us what range /mi/kWh you were actually getting? You were actually driving the car after all!

[@kevinmc5626]

WLTP range is achievable though. everyone is going to get different results based on how they drive. I don't see anyone making a fuss about a diesel car not achieving its 5.4L/100km rated consumption, so why do we have to keep going on about the EVs like this?

[@martinadekoya1475]

@Wooly Chewbakker thx 4 the range/charging info. Also, I think the MG5 is shy in range what it lacks in battery size in comparison to the long range ZS with 25mi/40km difference.

[@billybobjones4317]

We get 7 years battery and 7 years unlimited k's in Australia, why don't you get the same in England ?

[@michaelkellett2460]

Have they rectified the issue with the side windows, rocking too and fro. Can someone help us. Characteristic of the car the dealership in Crewe says , they won’t adjust, it’s MG to blame.it’s the same in them all.Please help. I am really struggling to understand why nobody is prepared to help Michael

[@Nick-7432]

Start of video says model tested was ZS SE but its the TROPHY, Also has 360 cameras as standard.

[@Jz-fj5ki]

The previous version with the front grille looks more appealing. Without front grille, it looks plain and boring.. mg kept the charging port at front, which affected the looks even more with the cutout for it.. Provide some sort of fake grille that doesn't affect aerodynamics

[@TassieEV]

Also no coast mode along with no frunk which is sad as I use coast mode all the time in my classic Ioniq. The ZS EV also can tow I've heard up to 500kg which is enough for my needs.

[@AoyagiAichou]

The kinds of cars that get called "SUV" nowadays, honestly...

[@--Nath--]

Shopping Utility Vehicle is a good way to regard what SUV means.

[@AoyagiAichou]

@@--Nath-- Quite!

[@R2D2trashcan]

Had to laugh when he compares it to the Niro EV. $45,000 vs $65,000 in Australia.

[@vinceblack5353]

Do you prefer this car over a Kia E-Niro (2021)?

[@andreipop1]

When EV hit a 12 000 euros or pounds mark, then people might be interested. 30 000 plus is expensive.

[@androo4519]

Look up the Dacia Spring

[@steves7973]

I found the suspension just as you described, it's quite hard and bouncy, uncomfortable even on short runs.

[@talkandplay]

Have you tried the Citreon e-c4? Possibly the most comfortable EV ride for its price.

[@steves7973]

@@talkandplay Good suggestion, I had a diesel C4 and it was the most comfortable car I ever owned.

[@Peter-vn8ue]

Still an ICE converted Ev. A lot of wasted space.

[@martinadekoya1475]

A lot of USEABLE space if so desired

[@michaelgoode9555]

Good progress but I still prefer the eNiro.

[@parsifal102]

It is eternally surprising how review-channels like this "What Car?" only use "miles" (or only use kilometers when e.g. a continental European channel). It should be fairly easy and perhaps expand the subscription base to include "kilometers" when discussing and presenting range etc. of EV´s.

[@TheSeafordian]

Or you convert it yourself.

[@pokerman111111111111]

real world 240-250 summer - 180-200 winter

[@Mr31Vince]

Have you driven one in the summer?

[@androo4519]

When it was cheap I might have considered the old version, but the updates don't do this one any favours visually and better rivals are already here or coming soon. I think MG needs a proper new model pretty fast.

[@chrispack3131]

Does anyone know the bhp figure is actually 177 bhp? I believe it was 158 bhp in the previous model

[@Edvard.Munchkin]

Think they went backwards with the grille and moving the charge port to side opening, other than that, fantastic car

[@AchrafRa]

No talking about charge speed...?

[@T_Perkins]

Still would rather wait to see what the bz4x has to offer - will truly have a clear representation of all the major manufacturers then.

[@talkandplay]

Was hoping the range would have been better in the bz4x

[@Meduk]

If its same price range as the MG then it's a big competition.

[@chrisbuxton7790]

Too expensive still. Anything above £250/month is. (and only £1500 deposit)

[@pauljarman7452]

We have one and as not a lover of electric cars i find it nice to drive and kind of see the point of them especially as daily drive is 5-10miles! For the price it's good! If wanted to spend more yes would look else where but lots of good things about the mg would recommend

[@chloescanlon1107]

A low price tag?? It’s £30,000 😳

[@hellcat1988]

That front looks like someone took a Tesla and Fiesta and just kind of....mashed them together.

[@Mike_5]

This car looks smiley at the front as a lot of EV cars look angry and bitter and twisted at having no fossil fuel in them

[@martinadekoya1475]

Funny

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

And the bigger mg hs looks like a Renault koleos/Mazda cx5

[@fayleya3865]

I love high driving position

[@talkandplay]

A lot of comments about 360 /reversing camera resolution on this new facelift,any owners of this new facelift like to comment? Acceptable/does the job or poor /blocky/?Or anyone care to name an EV with top clear resolution for its 360 cameras, except tesla :)

[@ZongqiDU]

It’s not super high resolution but does the job

[@garrygadget]

Don't think you'd know what an 80s tv was like lol

[@cardi60]

I love my great wall jolion, but the new EV jolion for 7000 bucks extra, seems to me that it would take too long to get that money back. So really what is the point.

[@philipwookey599]

The front end is ghastly and having the charging port on the front is daft.

[@RDJSec88]

It's a handy feature,especially with most modern chargers now having big bright juicy screens.

[@nigel.w]

Very balanced review. Thank you.

[@OldLien1]

There is NOT! a car on the road that dose not have some bits that are not perfect

[@sunnii1603]

I’m in shock that my mom chose this over another Tesla, but the mg is very nice still!

[@ernstpeterlegrand]

I have a strange question. I hope to get one (though the waiting list is enormous. In Thailand where I live, the MG ZS EV is a connected car which I don't like. I have some chats with people on this and the question now is where the antennas for this are because I want to be able to disconnect them. Any idea?

[@happysnapper6132]

30k low price tag lol...

[@sargfowler9603]

I can only assume people are buying these on some sort of PCP scheme because £34k isn’t exactly a bargain 🙈 Also, take off the stupid MG badge, it's an insult to the MG brand.

[@davidspencer7254]

Yeah, to be worthy of the MG brand it needs to rust quickly, break down, fall apart and end up being placed on the nose of Metro, Maestro and Montegos. It's way too good for that badge.

[@lauram2456]

Great review!

[@chloeneo6047]

No moonroof?

[@pereldh5741]

Must be the ugliest car in 10 or 20 years?

[@chrismon-ke9849]

You can see where they have also ripped off some exterior design looks…. I can see hints of a Volvo V40 on the side and Mercedes Daytime Running Lights. But it’s just a mis-mash

[@Cabmax78]

The e nero takes that honour.

[@jeebangurung7014]

Mg motor making nice evs .front design is nice if back lights also little changes then more attractive.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Ues nice inside outdoes and nice fute perfect fiter telngh na k es chef oriud

[@Reddylion]

Nice ev.

[@rogergilmour9612]

So this car is is good but not good, sorta kinda good? Or not good?

[@thomasm7108]

It's good. It's fantastic value and comes with lots of kit and space

[@Maria-bb7xv]

Thank you for speaking at a good pace, it's helpful when you have a disability.

[@norwegianzound]

Just went to have a look and my wife walked away. Lots of car companies hust haven't copped on that women like to sit bolt upright, slammed against the steering wheel. To accommodate that, the top window rail must be placed vertically above mid dash top, not the steering wheel top. As a result we are getting a big stupid SUV phev.

[@TrenyCwm]

I like these but hasn't been been trouble with them leaking oil?

[@rogerhanbury677]

Is it correct house insurance is going up if you have a EV charging point installed due to increased fire risk ?

[@rob-fb5xs]

Strange sound in the background is annoying

[@frankpinion4937]

seems like it's not the great bargain it once was. Sounds like you're better off with the Kia Niro EV light which seems to be getting all the rave reviews for performance & value for money.

[@Realwaqasaslam]

So you mean i should leave the video and open Google chrome and Use miles to kilometers converter? What a waste of time

[@daisysmithson7558]

I picked up my new ZS EV today and hate it. It is the most uncomfortable car to sit in. I am 5ft 2" and slim, the headrest is rock hard and pushes my head forward, if I recline the seat by about 35 degrees the headrest is okay but I have no support in my neck and upper back. I've driven about 9 miles and am in absolute agony. I had the old ZS EV and loved it. I am heartbroken, I have a brand new car and I hate it. Also, it won't pair with my phone so all of the techy features aren't enabled. Gutted....

[@daisysmithson7558]

there is also no support, I have the Trophy Connect and I slide from side to side in the seat. The seat is shallow and doesn't reach my knees - remember, I am only 5ft2! The arm rest is really low. Horrible. I hate it.

[@bastooopanooo2311]

Was this sponsored by TESLA ? Seriously

[@MrGMawson2438]

It's cheaper

[@mediamike693]

++++++++++++++MY NEXT CAR+++++++I WILL GET IT IN RED+++++++(RED CARS GO FASTER) "SO THEY TELL ME !!!+++++++++++++++

[@Undisputed_King]

Look how low he's sitting in the back. That's made for kids

[@DaniloShub-u5t]

Harris Mary Garcia Christopher Lopez James

[@emad5819]

Shashidam to in car

[@MrGMawson2438]

👍

[@jamesstanley7263]

Lol, think all the cheapskates complaining about the price need to stick to ex-taxis on eBay with 100k miles on the clock. £30k is not a lot of money in 2022

[@jdmguy44]

TBH As a car enthusiast I would rather drive a cool interesting old ICE car with 100k on the clock rather than a £30 Chinese electric car!

[@DohertyMax]

Davis William Robinson Anna Taylor Richard

[@dannnsss8034]

No to CCP. No to China. No to MG.

[@esm7708]

Where was your phone made?

[@fatpigeon1066]

MG is owned by SAIC, which is state owned company

[@oris247]

so you own no electronics then?

[@smcgeminimustang]

Most Covid test kits are made in China,a lot of furniture,white goods,tvs,electronics,so to avoid Chinese products is never easy if you pay attention to the pricing of anything you buy.If the suspension was better,it would be worthy of a 2nd look but an unsettled car would drive(forgive the pun)me nuts!

[@darrensaquaticsworld]

Why?

[@julieli6313]

😃

[@CarolWilson-e1k]

Perez Deborah Hall Amy Lewis Mary

[@jdmguy44]

It's Chinese, and electric. It's a no from me on both counts.

[@MatthewMartin-u9l]

Wilson Larry Moore John Moore Eric

[@dataman4503]

Not able to ignore the ugly front grill.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

From the side and rear it’s clearly an ix35 ripoff and at the front it’s very Ford kuga like with Mercedes headlamps

[@MariaThomas-j1y]

White Matthew Martinez Eric Lewis Christopher

[@RichardGonzalez-v6y]

Thomas Thomas Davis Donald Davis Deborah

[@Steve-gc5nt]

Chinese. No thanks.

[@hooksforestchin]

Typed on an iPhone from the comfort of his Tesla...

[@jdmguy44]

@@hooksforestchin I think your missing something. Tesla and Apple are American companies. SAIC are a partly state owned Chinese company. Like Huawei.

[@martinadekoya1475]

@@hooksforestchin very well phrased

[@johnathansturric8998]

It’s a disgrace to the name

[@rovercoupe7104]

Avoid Chinese goods, remember the Uighars. M.