Australia's Cheapest Electric Car 2023: MG ZS EV

MG Motor shook up the electric vehicle market in Australia and New Zealand with the launch of its all-new fully electric MG ZS EV compact SUV in September 2022. This game-changing vehicle sets a new industry standard for affordability, making electric cars a realistic option for many more car buyers.

With nationwide promotional driveaway prices of just $44,990 and a 7-year vehicle warranty with unlimited kilometres, it's no wonder the MG ZS EV has taken Australia by storm! Today, we’ll explore the features and performance of the revolutionary MG ZS EV, its affordability, and recent updates.

MG ZS: The Basics

The MG ZS EV is a compact SUV designed to offer Australian customers a high-specification, low-cost electric vehicle option. Two variants available - the Excite and Essence - feature a 50.3 kWh battery that provides up to 320 kilometres of range on a single charge.

The interior of the MG ZS EV is equipped with modern in-car technology, including a 7-inch Virtual Cluster dashboard and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen for maximum convenience and practicality.

On the exterior, the MG ZS EV boasts a sleek design, with 21-module LED auto-dimming headlights and 9-module LED tail lights, and 17-inch alloy rims. The vehicle also offers an updated Type 2 charging port for easy charging.

Safety is a top priority for MG Motor, and the MG ZS EV comes with a full range of active driving safety features to ensure a smooth driving experience. Features include:

• Emergency Lane Assist
• Speed Maintenance
• Intelligent High Beam Control
• Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control

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MG ZS EV Performance and Features

Let’s take a look at the performance and features of both variants of the MG ZS EV – the Excite and the Essence. 

What’s Inside MG ZS EV Excite?

The MG ZS EV Excite comes with an impressive range of features to enhance your driving experience. The Excite features three driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport) and three regenerative braking modes (1, 2, 3) to allow you to customise your drive. 

The Excite’s interior boasts a leather-trimmed steering wheel with contrast stitching and perforation detail, push-button start, and i-SMART connectivity. The 10.1" multi-function colour touch screen comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

There's a 360-view camera, LED daytime running lights, satellite navigation, fabric seats, and a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat for your comfort. 

The Excite also includes MG's Pilot Driver Safety Technology, Vehicle to Load functionality, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, making it one of the safest electric vehicles on the market.

What’s Extra in MG ZS EV Essence?

The more advanced MG ZS EV Essence includes everything from the Excite model. Additionally, it offers an elevated driving experience with added comfort and convenience. 

With front seat heating, a panoramic glass sunroof, and electrically folding door mirrors, the Essence is perfect if you’re looking for extra luxury in your everyday drive. 

Other features, such as the 6-speaker audio system with 3D sound effects, blind spot detection, and wireless phone charging, enhance the overall driving experience. 

The Essence's synthetic leather seats are both stylish and practical, and the driver's 6-way electrically adjustable seat provides maximum comfort on longer drives.

The Essence also boasts advanced safety features such as rear cross-traffic alert, providing peace of mind on the road. With these added features, the Essence has plenty to offer those who appreciate a little extra in their electric vehicle.

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MG ZS EV Performance

The MG ZS EV is powered by an impressive 50.3 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery array and single synchronous electric motor, delivering a brisk 130kW and 280 Nm of torque that allows it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds. It offers three drive modes - Eco, Normal and Sport - for different driving styles and energy harvesting systems for maximum efficiency. 

The vehicle also provides a comfortable ride quality due to its revised spring rates, dampers, and low road noise, thanks to improved acoustic deadening in the cabin. 

MS ZS EV Pricing and Recent Updates

Although MG ZS EV initially portrayed itself as the cheapest electric car in Australia, the manufacturer has decided to remove the promotional pricing.

Now, based on where you purchase the vehicle in Australia, you will have to pay an additional amount ranging from $205 to $4,140 over the earlier pricing.  

The entry-level Excite model saw the most substantial price increase. You will have to pay a whopping $49,130 in WA to buy the Excite. Prices in other states for the Excite variant are as follows: 

• ACT: $46,521
• NSW: $46,709
• NT: $46,195
• QLD: $47,319
• SA: $47,940
• TAS: $46,284
• VIC: $48,416

The pricier Essence variant, meanwhile, has gone through moderate price increases in most states. Its updated prices are as follows: 

• ACT: $49,521
• NSW: $49,709
• NT: $49,195
• QLD: $50,379
• SA: $51,060
• TAS: $49,284
• VIC: $51,542
• WA: $52,518

MG ZS EV Pros and Cons

Now, let’s briefly go through the pros and cons of this affordable EV.

Pros

• Good range and powerful battery in its class
• Snappy electric motor
• Excellent functionality with the interiors
• Improved handling and noise isolation
• Good warranty and service coverage

Cons

• Unimpressive charging speed
• No spare wheel
• Lack of control at higher speeds

Other Low-Cost Electric Cars In Australia

Even after the price increase, the MG ZS EV still stands out among its competition, offering a compelling price point starting from $46,195 driveaway. However, if you're still exploring your options, other low-cost EVs in the market include the BYD Atto 3 Standard Range, which comes at a slightly higher cost of $48,011. 

The Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric Elite Standard Range, and the Mini Cooper SE Classic also come at slightly higher prices of around $50,990 to $55,650. 

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Sales of MG ZS EV and Other Electric Cars in Australia

According to the VFACTS annual sales data, 1,081,429 cars were sold and delivered in the Australian market in 2022. Battery-operated or electric vehicles comprise 3.1% of the total sales, thanks to the influx of highly affordable EVs from China, including the MG ZS EV.

MGZ ZS helped MG Motor to stand at 7th position among all car brands with a total annual sales of 49,582 units, an astonishing 27.1% increase over the previous year. The MG ZS EV contributed substantially to the brand’s success with a total delivered units of 22,466, the highest among EVs. 

Wrap-Up: Should You Choose MG ZS as Your EV?

MG ZS EV is a game-changer in the electric vehicle market in Australia and New Zealand, offering affordability and advanced features. With its impressive battery range, advanced safety features, and modern connectivity, the MG ZS EV is worth considering. Whether you're after a practical and affordable car or looking for an electric vehicle with all the bells and whistles, the MG ZS EV has got you covered.

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