2022 MG ZS EV gets new look, new features, and more range

KUALA LUMPUR: The British-Chinese marque MG is expected to make its comeback in Malaysia soon with two offerings - HS and fully electric ZS. The latter has recently received a facelift in the UK market with some significant cosmetic updates, new features, and larger battery packs with an improved range. The looks are identical to the petrol-powered updated ZS that recently made its debut in India as the MG Astor.

Like most electric cars, the new ZS now also features a body-colored panel (with a patterned finish) in place of the faux grille. The panel also incorporates a port for charging. MG also revamped the car’s air dam design; it now has a split in the middle for the ADAS sensors. Also, the front and rear bumpers look cleaner and feature lesser body cladding than before. Added to the cosmetic changes are new tail lights and alloys with a more turbine-like design.

Inside the cabin, the new 2022 MG ZS EV gets an updated digital instrument cluster, a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a new climate control panel, a revised central console, a wireless phone charger, and MG’s iSmart connected car tech. 

The UK-spec electric ZS also comes with driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, active emergency braking, and blind-spot detection. 

Speaking about the battery packs and driving range, the base trim is equipped with a new 51-kWh battery in place of a 44.5-kWh unit. On a single charge, the new pack offers a WLTP-certified range of 320 km i.e. 58 km more than the predecessor. The long-range version, on the other hand, gets a 72-kWh unit with a range of 440 km. 

When it comes to charging, MG claims the bigger battery takes 10 hours 30 minutes for a full charge if using a 7-kW AC charger. However, the charging time reduces to only 42 minutes with a 100-kW DC fast charger.

The new MG ZS EV long-range model will hit the UK showrooms in November this year while the base trim will go on sale early next year. 

Also read: 2021 MG HS SUV: Everything we know so far