A BETTER CHINESE PUZZLE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 80

Looking for a compact family-sized full-electric model from the 2021-2025 period with zero emissions and the rapid responses characteristic of today's EVs? Well the most affordable option you could consider is MG's ZS EV. In its original 2019-2021-era form, this model was let down by its modest drive range. That issue was sorted with the smarter, revised variant MG launched in 2021, which remained sensibly priced and well equipped. If you're buying on a budget, you might rather like it.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr SUV (EV)

Historyword count: 180

The world is calling for higher levels of electrified vehicle technology (which to some extent we've now got) and more affordable EV models (which to some extent we're still waiting for). Back in 2021, MG tried to do something about that, by launching this improved ZS EV model, priced to undercut similarly-sized rivals by a significant amount. There's a chance you might be familiar with the ZS. This decently spacious compact SUV was originally launched in 2018 with 1.0-litre or 1.5-litre petrol power. But MG were also keen to tell us at the time that this model's platform had been designed with full electrification very much in mind. Hence the introduction of the MG ZS EV in 2019 with a 44kWh battery, but that car could only go 163 miles between charges. MG knew it had to do better - and did, with this improved ZS EV longer range model. The 72kWh Long Range version arrived first in 2021, with the 51kWh Standard Range version arriving in 2022. This ZS EV sold until replaced by the S5 EV in 2025.

What You Getword count: 389

Some would number this car amongst the more stylish family sector EV models you can buy from this period. At just over 4.3m in length, it's an SUV sized somewhere between the smaller Crossover class (think Renault Captur/Nissan Juke) and the larger family-sized Crossover segment (think Nissan Qashqai/Kia Sportage). In this revised form, the ZS got a smarter electric-only front end, with a stamped-effect grille to improve aerodynamics and a revised side-opening charging port. The bolder face is set off by LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights. In this updated form, the car also got a redesigned rear bumper and smarter wheels. Take a seat up front and you're greeted with a spacious interior, though one with material quality not quite the equal of what you'd find from more established brands. Still, MG tried hard, with faux-leather upholstery and a range of 3D shapes, metallic and chrome finishes. There's a decently large 10.1-inch centre-dash infotainment display too, with plenty of features, over-the-air updates and built-in navigation that's quick to react. It'll usually display in a split screen format, with audio, navigation and Apple CarPlay options easily accessible. Without exception, all of the EV models you can currently buy from this period at this price point in this segment are considerably smaller than this MG, both inside and out. Careful packaging positioned the battery pack beneath the car, so that it doesn't impinge on either passenger or luggage space. With small crossovers, it's usually on the rear seat that you're reminded of their supermini origins. Not in this case. This car is slightly wider and longer than typical small SUVs and that really pays dividends at the back for passengers. In fact MG claimed that the kind of room on offer in the back of a ZS is much more comparable with the kind of space you'd get from a Qashqai-class family hatch-based SUV from the next class up - and there's some truth in that. The boot's 448-litre total capacity is exactly the same as you'd get in a combustion-engined ZS which, to give you some class perspective, is a figure around 60-litres higher than you'd get from most normal compact SUVs. Pushchairs, luggage and bulky loads should fit in with no trouble at all. Fold forward the 60:40-split rear bench and the capacity figure rises to 1,100-litres.

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