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MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range (2019 - 2022)

The ZS EV is a five-door family SUV that boasts a fairly quirky design that is guaranteed to turn heads

Starting price:
£33,995

Pros:
  • Funky design and lots of tech
  • Instant power makes city driving fun again
  • Impressive driving range between charges
Cons:
  • Quite pricey now there is no Government grant
  • Some rivals charge faster
  • Steering feels a little light
Secure your test drive today
Request a MG Motor UK ZS test drive

Introduction

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

MG has given its all-electric ZS model a makeover and it also gains the option of a larger battery pack, which is good news as it means extra driving range between charging. And that is an area that often deters buyers from making the transition towards fully electrified motoring. 

Standard Range models are still available with a 51kWh battery pack, but we are focussing on the newer Long Range 72kWh additions to the line-up.

The ZS EV is a five-door family SUV that boasts a fairly quirky design that is guaranteed to turn heads, but it’s very capable when it comes to performance too. There are trims called SE Long Range, Trophy and Trophy Connect with the entry-level model costing £30,995. We opted for the range-topping Trophy Connect version.

It’s difficult to imagine that MG, a company once renowned for its sporty MGB and Midget models, would be developing such an impressive electric car.

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

The latest MG ZS EV has been given a more distinctive look thanks to some design upgrades. There is a grille-less front face and the lighting has been improved, along with a redesigned rear bumper, plus extra choice for alloy wheel designs and body colours. 

Roof rails and distinctive LED daytime running lights complete the styling of this five-door family SUV.

Moving inside, the interior is upmarket with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and neat upholstery. There is a power-adjustable driver’s seat that can be heated, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sat nav, Bluetooth, a six-speaker sound system, a wireless charging pad and five USB and USB-C ports to stay connected on the move.

The main focal point is a new 10.1-inch widescreen infotainment system, featuring sharper graphics. It is faster and more intuitive than its predecessor, working similarly to a smartphone with swipe and scroll functions. It is also simple to operate on the fly, which is a vital factor.

An iSmart app allows owners to pre-heat or cool the car via a smartphone, as well as pre-setting charging times, performing health checks, finding the vehicle and lots more besides.

On The Road

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

Handling & Performance

We tested the MG ZS EV on a three-hour route from West London into the Chilterns and it impressed beyond our expectations. With three different levels of KERS (regenerative braking), single pedal driving is possible. This is great news for anyone who frequently drives through congested cities. The power is instant as you press the accelerator pedal and when you lift your foot off, the car comes to a complete standstill without touching the brakes. It actually makes London driving fun.

Then out on the more open roads, the vehicle was nicely grounded through tight bends and delivered ample zip to cruise at 70mph on motorways.

Drive modes called Eco, Normal and Sport alter the responses with Sport sharpening up the characteristics considerably delivering faster acceleration from the single-speed transmission. My only slight criticism was the steering felt a little light. But I am being picky!

The new, larger 72kWh battery pack, powering our car, delivers 156PS and 280Nm of torque which translates into a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.4 seconds and top speed of 108mph.

But, perhaps most importantly, it has a driving range of up to 273 miles between charges (Standard Range models cover up to 198 miles).

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

Space & Practicality

The front-wheel drive MG ZS EV stretches 4,323mm in length, is 1,809mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1,649mm tall with roof rails fitted. It has a wheelbase of 2,581mm and that means there is plenty of space within the cabin for a couple of adults in the back, or a trio of youngsters.

With a nice wide opening tailgate for ease of loading, the boot can swallow 470 litres of kit, increasing to 1,100 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats lowered. An adjustable boot floor is a handy feature and there are nets to stop items rolling around.

Additional storage compartments include door bins, a compact but deep cubby box, seat back pockets, a glovebox, along with front and rear cup holders.

The back doors offer easy access to child seats with Isofix fittings on the two outer rear seats.

Charging the MG ZS EV takes 34 hours via a domestic socket, 10.5 hours on a standard 7kW home wallbox or 42 minutes via a 100kW fast charger.

Also worth noting is the impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty offered on the car.

Ownership

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

Running Costs

The MG ZS EV line-up costs from £30,995 to £33,995, but unfortunately, the recent withdrawal of the Government Plug-in Car Grant means there is no longer any financial incentive.

However, any city driver frequently travelling through Congestion Charge zones will notice instant savings as this car will be exempt. And with the timed charging facility, if tariffs permit, it will be possible to charge the car when electricity prices are lower.

Company car drivers would also see attractive savings from the MG ZS EV with a Benefit in Kind tax rating of just two per cent.

All new Long Range models have a combined driving range of 273 miles between charges, although this figure would be higher if the vehicle is used solely for city driving thanks to the regenerative braking recouping energy that would otherwise be lost. 

Frequent lengthy motorway runs and colder weather would see a reduction in the range, as would a particularly aggressive driving style.

With zero tailpipe emissions, owners will not have to pay any road tax and the MG ZS EV Trophy Connect, as tested, sits in insurance group 28.

Verdict

MG ZS EV Trophy Connect Long Range

Few cars really surprise us these days, but the MG ZS EV did just that. The thought of driving through London wasn’t a prospect that particularly appealed, but we were proved wrong by this impressive, easy-to-drive model that was sharp off the mark and both accomplished and confident when faced with the open road.

Secure your test drive today
Request a MG Motor UK ZS test drive
By Maxine Ashford
Aug 18, 2022

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