MG ZS EV Review incl running cost v petrol / diesel. Is this £20k family electric car still good?

[@KeithCaptain]

For a while this year the MG was the only EV actually being delivered in Australia. Friends have a ZS with 60kWh battery. Running it off solar. They absolutely love it.

[@jcflippen1552]

Excellent video highlighting the MG ZS EV value for money. Using 7.5p kWh Octopus Go tariff a no brainer if the range fits your daily lifestyle. VW steering wheel and Audi air vents, I loved it so much I now have the facelift LR model.

[@deedledumb790]

Thank you so much! We are considereding a 2021 ZS EV as our family car for school and work runs. Every other recent review has been for the refresh model. Very informative.

[@colinpearce3249]

We’ve had ours for two and a half years and it’s been good. Winter range can be as low as 100 miles, if loaded and 2 people and motorway driving. For our first full EV, it has been a good experience. We’re now waiting for a new MG4, mainly for the greater range. The dealer has offered 20k against the 4 but for a ‘fairly’ cheap EV, this is a good car.

[@simonyapp]

I bought one of these 2nd hand, great to drive, costs very little. feels well built, 22k so far and still love it (Like this one I got the rear windows tinted as its not standard) one thing I would add is I wish it had a rear seat area inside light. I will stick with MG in the future. 140+ miles on the motorway is around 2 hours and I need a break then so a 30 min stop is fine we find. Have used mine on the Tesla SC's that are open. (Note: the new FL model comes with V2L which would be great for power cuts or camping)

[@dgurevich1]

I own it from New since 2021 and drove 40000 km so far. I did add UV and infrared screen "tint" on the front windows and windshield because they don't have it built in. I also replaced the headlight bulbs for osram nightbraker Lazer hb3 they are much better then originals. It's a great driver and quite comfortable.

[@chrishyde1216]

James Coates in the James & Kate videos has placed a plastic storage box in the ‘engine’ bay of an MG5. Seems to have worked fine, and there seems to be similar space in the ZS. There’s no heat in there like a fossil car, and you just need to be careful not to force it into place or put over-heavy items into it.

[@teeceemax3283]

Couldn't have put it better myself, another great video Richard.

[@ramblerandy2397]

When this car first came out I was in a chat on a Southampton FC forum where a friend was bemoaning the lack of any affordable EVs. He pointed out his requirements. I pointed him in the direction of this MGZS EV. We have an MG dealer in the city, so he went there for a test drive and ended up buying one on the spot. It was that impressive for the money. I believe its chief, perhaps only, foible is that slightly awkward charging hatch. In the revised edition that has been sorted.

[@rosshunter9053]

Seriously considering the large battery version as our next car. It’s a simple, practical vehicle with some nice features, with a great warranty and the servicing isn’t going to break the bank, unlike some EVs out there of a similar price. Thanks Richard and the team for another enlightened review. Cheers

[@keithware5314]

Thanks for the videos, is nice to see you feature the MG brand. I have had an MG5LR for over a year and find it a great car and I'm looking to change it for the refreshed MG5LR when it becomes available soon. Plenty of space and no rattles.

[@jonathansmith5850]

For work I’ve driven a couple of the ‘standard’ range MG 5’s and I was really impressed with them. Glad your enjoying it

[@ustaadjiyassar1763]

A fair review...the zs ev is a good package. It's like a normal car only cheaper to run and more fun and relaxing to drive. Not surprised they ate maintaining their value.

[@jonathantaylor1998]

A very measured and positive review of a 'budget' EV, Richard. You could almost think of the standard range MG ZS EV as being the 'Gen 1 Leaf' for the modern age of EVs... 👍

[@Lsmith08062008]

We still have ours for the Wife after I swapped it for a model Y. 55k miles and still perfect. A lovely car with 140 miles range 😍

[@GrrMeister]

*Probably around 100 Miles after 4 years and in 10 Scrap Heap only !* 😂

[@davefitzpatrick4841]

@@GrrMeister average age of cars on UK roads is 8.4 years, my own EV is 6 years old with a battery state of health of 92.% and has flown through its MOT with ease and no advisories, it will easily still be on the roads in another 10 years time !

[@GrrMeister]

@@davefitzpatrick4841 *_Many cars around still 20 years old or more as owners can't afford a new car, my sons is an 04 plate !_*

[@briankavanagh7191]

This was my first EV traded in for a Kona 64kwh only because of the extra range. With the MG you can take the back seats out to create a larger boot space and you can put a spare wheel in.

[@rogerbrand6214]

Really? Removable back seats sounds great, do you need tools?

[@standupmoto]

Nic basic look at the associated costs of running an EV, thanks.

[@nzpomdotcom]

I owned one for 6 months whilst waiting for the Model 3, for the money it's a perfect town car and soooo much better than a Leaf

[@MultiSwordy]

Are you my doppleganger 😂

[@clarkwgriswold157]

Great video Rich. This highlights an issue for me though. It’s pretty much bang on my budget for my next used car. But 130 miles just isn’t enough. We’re heading to Cornwall on Friday which is 260 miles door to door. 4 people with luggage and a Vizsla in the boot. We’ll also have a roof box on due to the dog in the boot. I’d love to know what a roof box does to range. Anyway. As somebody else mentioned it would make a decent second car.

[@dgurevich1]

I use it but as the primary car. 99% of my driving is within its range. The second car is needed about once a week but it's the ZS that gets to do the longer journey always. It saved me so much money already.

[@Telcontarnz]

We had one and loved it. it will take longer for that journey for sure and 2 charges with roof box.

[@pauljames2407]

Being fully loaded & a roof box if you drive at 70 mph your looking at a min of 3 stops & if it’s cold "winter" 4 stops.

[@Telcontarnz]

@@pauljames2407 4 stops is a range of 60 miles…

[@clarkwgriswold157]

Thanks all. It has a negative impact on our current car which gets worse the faster you go. Which is stating the obvious I know :) . My OH’s car will need to be changed over the next couple of years and I think we’ll be seriously looking at an electric car as we have the ability to charge overnight.

[@solefreak2]

I'm averaging around 45mpg in my VRS diesel and over the last 13 fill ups, its costing me approx. £0.22p per mile.

[@johnnyonline]

Just picked up a used 2021 model last week to act as our 2nd EV along side the MG4. While not as sleek and nimble as the newer MG it's still incredibly great value for the money. Easily the most EV you can buy for $30K AUD in 2024, especially with that 7yr warranty.

[@jonathansmith5850]

Was curious what you would think of this. For my current work as a vehicle inspector and and delivery driver, I’ve driven a couple of the ‘base’ battery MG5 and I’ve been really impressed with their battery capacity, comfort, ride quality & performance. The tech was just quite laggy but like you say android auto or apple car-play fixed that…….not driven one of these though but the 5 is supposed to have similar tech etc.

[@garisport]

Thanks for thinking in the European people. Greetings from the continent

[@MarkSouthee]

I’ve got the new Trophy Connect Long Range. Suits me perfectly.

[@grahamralston5662]

Hi Richard, Thanks for another good honest review of the MG. I know a lot of folk mock the MG EV's, because they are Chinese, but honestly, we tested one, and totally value for money. However, wife decided on a Tesla M3 RWD, at £49950. However I am getting cold feet, with collection date fast approaching in middle December, are we still doing the right thing shelling out £50k on a Tesla ? Your opinions please.

[@dgurevich1]

Having a tesla is obviously better and if you can have it that's good. The ZS is a simple car with simple features and no overly gimmicky or luxurious stuff. Driving feels good at low speeds but above 120kph it feels a little less stable then I'd like and you won't get past 150. The MG pilot suite is nice but I just don't have anything to compare it to. People say tesla's system is nicer but they seem to cut it down because they want to sell FSD The sound system is good but not amazing The headlights suck, it doesn't have infrared screen on the windows so if it's hot it will cook you, the rear seats aren't that comfortable. On the other hand, the replacement parts are cheap and has a great aftermarket on aliexpress. I bought some cosmetic upgrades that are nice. At the time I bought it, a tesla wasn't much more expensive, and I do miss the opportunity to buy one, but I got a nice financing deal so I'm not too disappointed. One major gripe is with the steering wheel adjustment only going up and down. Another is complete lack of app connectivity, so no charge scheduling or preconditioning. Still it's a good first ev and will be great value on second hand market provided it doesn't suffer from degradation, which after year and a half and 40000km I am yet to notice.

[@imamiddleagedman]

Stick to the Tesla. Charging speed is excellent,range is very good, stereo brilliant and the whole experience of owning is fab. I was looking at this and mg5 but wife didn’t like so ended up with a Tesla.

[@garyheavens2389]

Great Video thank you. Any chance you can get hold of the facelift Mk2 version, it would be good to get your opinion. Although I have one on order, 10 months and still waiting :(

[@decimal1815]

You can now pick these up for about £12k, which seems about right for a 100 mile range EV. About the same as a Leaf from the same era, but with a warranty that hasn't expired, and CCS charging.

[@sargfowler9603]

Good as a 2nd car I reckon.

[@tesla-spectre]

great video as always

[@jasonw4601]

I've been waiting half a year for my MG ZS EV

[@Telcontarnz]

We had one for a while…great car. Add a wireless car play dongle and even better.

[@johnnyforeigner11]

Is it just coincidence that Martyn who produces the EV News Daily podcast has been talking about selling his MG ZS EV? 🤔

[@tesla-spectre]

is there an aftermarket frunk option ?

[@oliver90owner]

Check out the james and kate review of a 50k mile example. A ‘really useful box’, or something similar, sufficed for under hood storage.

[@johndouglas770]

You can get one for the facelift version www.evaccessoriesireland.com/product-page/mg-zs-ev-2022-facelift or just get a plastic box for lot less money and probably with a lid.

[@NO3V]

All things including value considered (unless you really need to charge fast) the fully loaded ZS EV maybe the best non-Tesla I've driven. Also a much more honest, just more reasonable and better working package than the MG Marvel R (there I disliked the gearbox, the infotainment, big wheels / comfort, .. A lot more wanna-be-fancy but with mediocre execution than in the ZS EV.)

[@jadamsnz]

As a model 3 owner I had a pang of jealousy when I saw its opening sun roof and motorised sun shield. I really don't understand why Tesla designed it as a mobile green house.

[@danpaul4975]

Anyone looking to buy will do well to note that "about £20k" won't get you the exclusive with average mileage, it'll get you the excite with about 40+k miles

[@deedledumb790]

What a difference 5 months makes, eh? The exclusives are now mostly £19,000-£21,000 for a 2021 model. I assume that's because more of the 2022+ refresh models have reached the UK.

[@MrGMawson2438]

Great review an I agree 👌

[@user-hf7jp2lt5x]

Now the ex fleet EVs are driving prices down that car would be less than 15k

[@MrGMawson2438]

Evening mate 👍

[@paulcrossman5079]

🥇

[@jonkenny6479]

Waiting time for a new one getting up to 12 months. We have been waiting 5 months. Seems like an age!

[@RedBatteryHead]

Good EV. Just not impressed with the Stance.

[@sme8499]

Nope, it looks pants.

[@nigelweir3852]

Ski hatch has become the latest pointless accessory for uk cars

[@Zan-br7iv]

For all those considering purchasing this car or any other electric car in 2024, DON'T. I bought one of these, and it was the biggest mistake of my life. The range is terrible, nothing close to the advertised range. I only get about 70-75 miles in cold weather, which is disappointing. The advertised range is inflated; every morning, you lose 5-10 miles for the battery to heat up. If you dare to turn the heating on, 20-30 miles are gone. Radio, lights, heating, cooling, touchscreen, and sensors all consume your mileage. Besides, it is not cheaper to run than a petrol or a diesel car. Whatever you save on fuel, you will end up paying towards your hyper-inflated insurance premium.

[@decimal1815]

??? Radio and most functions are powered by the 12V battery, just like on any other car. Losing range from using the heating or AC also applies to any car. With a 40kWh battery, you should be able to get 120 miles out of this in winter. Maybe you had a fault?

[@GrrMeister]

*This will save the Planet no doubt **-NOT-** what a Joke !* 🤣🥵☠

[@KjetilRoervik]

Mg is THE BIGGEST shitbox I have ever driven. Had one for a company car, lack of range, no fun factors, slow and laggy satnav no matter what. The charging is slow and the Apple Carplay is at best unstable. If your life is shit, you don’t see the happyness of waking up every morning, if you’re lonely and don’t really go anywhere, this is the ride for you. I get MG’s slogan, recharge yourself, because that’s exactly what you are going to do, recharge. Look at bright side tough you will get to eat a lot of unhealthy food at service stasions. Good friggen luck buying one these commie electric, life shortening, anxiety attack of a car. 🤮