MG ZS EV updated: New look, longer range for Australia’s cheapest EV

The MG ZS EV has undergone a model update that will make it to Australia in the second half of 2022 – and there will be two variants in the revised range.

The cheapest electric car currently on sale retains the same basic body but has major changes beneath the skin that unlock more EV range.

There will also be the availability of two ZS EV models – one with longer range – as well as the introduction of over-the-air software updates.

The new ZE EV also a cleaner new nose courtesy of a new bumper and grille, while a new back bumper freshens things from behind.

The radically different grille now matches the colour of the car and incorporates a mesh pattern. The charging door is still hidden within the grille but is now offset, so no longer requires the badge to open with the rest of the charging flap.

FULL REVIEW: 2021 MG ZS EV

Revised lights – shown here as LEDs – add to the distinctive new look.

But it’s in the electrical system where there are even bigger changes. They’re designed to make the Chinese-made small SUV better to drive – and for longer.

The battery pack has increased in capacity from 44.5kWh to 51kWh, which MG says extends that WLTP range from 263km to 320km.

Those wanting more can opt for a 72kWh battery that takes the EV range to 440km.

The maximum AC charge rate has increased from 7.2kW to 11kW, which allows a full charge in about five hours for the 51kWh battery or seven hours for the 72kWh battery.

Faster DC charging can now be done at up to 76kW (previously 50kW), which allows for a 30-80 percent charge in as little as 30 minutes for the 51kWh battery.

Inside, the basic layout remains unchanged, although there is a new 10.1-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The ventilation control cluster has also been removed with some controls now integrated into the touchscreen.

Additional features include wireless charging and a new connected smartphone called iSmart. It allows for over-the-air software updates, among other things.

No word on pricing or whether both model variants will come to Australia.

“To be confirmed, was the comment from an MG Australia spokesperson, who added “it’s a good chance”.

The current ZS EV is priced from $44,990 drive-away.

Clearly the new MG ZS EV with the bigger 72kWh battery will bring a price premium, although don’t expect the entry level 51kWh car to deviate much from the current pricing.

One option could be to split the two on more than just the battery; the entry-level 51kWh may miss out on some features fitted to the 72kWh version for example.

And considering the regular ZS EV undercuts the $49,990 Nissan Leaf, it’s pretty much guaranteed the bigger-batteried 72kWh model will comfortably undercut the $60,490 Nissan Leaf e+ (which gets a bigger battery and longer range than the regular Leaf).

MG also has to be aware of pricing pressures for more premium-focused EVs lurking not far above the current price of the ZS EV.

The Telsa Model 3 Standard Range Plus and upcoming Polestar 2 are both priced from $59,900 before on-road costs.

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And, of course, there’s the promised arrival of newcomer Chinese brand BYD, which is talking a big game on pricing with the upcoming BYD compact SUV and BYD circa-$30K hatchback.