2022 MG ZS EV facelift priced for Australia, available July

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MG ZS EV will be available in Australian MG dealerships from July 2022, however, the long-range version has been ruled out.

MG has given the all-electric ZS EV a major facelift, with new styling inside and out, fresh technology and crucially, a new, larger battery pack that unlocks an increase in the car’s range.

You can read our first drive review of the new 2022 MG ZS EV here.

The updated model will launch in Australia this July, priced from $46,990 drive-away right across Australia.

Two versions of the updated ZS have been confirmed – the entry-level Excite ($46,990 DA), and a highly-specified Essence ($49,990 DA). The models come with a 51kWh battery that extends the driving range, but miss out on the long-range 72kWh battery pack. The old ZS EV was only available with a 44.5kWh battery and capable of a range of 263km under WLTP testing.

An MG Australia spokesperson told Automotive Daily that the long-range version does, at the moment, offer the right balance for MG’s local offering.

“MG Motor Australia and New Zealand is in constant contact with its head office product team. The decision has been made to focus on the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate-equipped new ZS EV for the Australian and New Zealand markets, because it offers the right combination of range, battery stability and life, recharging time and value for our customers,” they said.

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The new 51kWh Standard Range model will be capable of 320km under the same certification. The new 72kWh would have seen the ZS step into territory occupied by electric compact SUVs that wear much higher price tags, such as the new Hyundai Ioniq 5. The long-range battery gives the ZS a range of 440km on a full charge.

The charging standard for the Australia ZS is a 7kW single-phase with compatibility for fast and wallbox charging. The first 500 orders for the updated MZ ZS EV will also be eligible for $500 towards an MG ChargeHub Wallbox.

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Design changes for the new-look ZS include a front end that’s more keeping with the model’s battery-electric drivetrain, and places distance between the electric version and its petrol powered siblings.

The conventional grille has been removed, and the front end is far more streamlined with a stamped pattern in its place. The charging flap is now visible on the car’s front end and no longer hidden beneath the grille. There’s a different design of LED headlights, along with alloy wheels a subtly redesigned rear bumper.

Changes inside include a new infotainment system. Called MG iSmart, the 10.1-inch screen runs new software with updated graphics, and it now offers smartphone connectivity with remote control of key functions such as charging status and climate control. MG has also equipped the ZS EV with fully digital instrumentation and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

The brand has also given the MG 5 electric wagon a facelift, introducing significant exterior design updates and a visually refreshed interior. The wagon is not currently offered in Australia but will be arriving at a later date.

2022 MG ZS EV grades, prices and specifications

MG ZS EV Excite – from $46,990 driveaway

  • 17-inch milled alloys
  • LED headlight and taillight
  • Reversing camera
  • MG Pilot (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist plus more)
  • 360-degree camera
  • 10.1-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and satellite navigation

MG ZS EV Essence – from $49,990 driveaway

  • Blind spot monitoring
  • Rear traffic alert
  • Stargazer panoramic sunroof
  • Six-speaker stereo
  • Power folding side mirrors
  • PU + PVC seats
  • Wireless phone charger
  • Front seat heating
  • Six-way electrically adjustable driver seat

The new ZS EV is covered by MG’s 7-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which also includes the high-voltage battery.

“Australian and New Zealand customers appreciate that the MG ZS EV is leading the way in affordable EV motoring,” said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao.

“We trust that our new ZS EV will grow that legacy. It offers more technology at a price that will allow everyday Australians to switch to electric motoring without compromise. It is the next step in MG Motor’s journey of making EV easy for everyone.”

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