MG has announced the Irish specs and pricing for its updated electric ZS SUV model which gets a restyled front-end, longer battery range and an improved infotainment system.
What's new?
Most noticeable is the ZS's new front end which has been given a light revamp to differentiate it from the petrol versions of the ZS which aren't sold in Ireland. Rather than the large grille of the petrol models, the electric ZS gets a blanked-off stamped effect panel with the charging port flap just to the left of the badge.
A new 72.6kWh battery pack as standard, driving the 156hp electric motor, provides 440km of range which is far more than the previous model's 263km. For convenience, the level of charge is now visible on four LED lights inside the charging port. Fast 76kW DC charging is possible, and, with the standard 7kW AC charger, refilling the battery from empty to 100 per cent takes 10½ hours.
Whereas previously the electric ZS wasn't rated for towing, the new model is capable of pulling 500kg, which, though not enough for, say, a caravan, will be sufficient for a small trailer or bike carrier.
Tech tweaks
MG says that the graphics and functionality of the iSmart infotainment system has improved. There are screens aplenty with the new digital instrument cluster and the sizeable 10.1-inch centrally mounted infotainment touchscreen.
Access to the iSmart system through an app is also available, with owners able to remotely lock and unlock the car, set the air conditioning system, heater and windscreen demister as well as monitoring any ongoing charging.
All models come with automatic air conditioning, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start, a 360-degree parking camera and vehicle-to-load charging which means that the car's battery can be used to power other electrical devices - potentially useful while camping or in the event of a power outage at home.
There's a good level of driver assistance too with Active Emergency Braking and lane-keeping assistance with a lane departure warning system. Traffic Jam Assist can take some of the workload off the driver in tiresome stop-start tailbacks; Intelligent Speed Limit Assist is able to recognise speed limit signs; Intelligent High Beam Assist can dip the car's headlights when it detects oncoming traffic. Additionally, the higher-spec Exclusive model gets a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist for extra safety on the motorway.
Software upgrades to the iSmart system and extra features will be available through over the air updates.
Models
The latest ZS will be sold in Ireland in two versions: Excite and Exclusive.
Excite models are priced at €31,995 on the road (inclusive of grants and VRT relief).
Exclusive models, priced at €34,995, in addition to the base Excite spec, also receive a panoramic glass roof, faux-leather upholstery, as well as options such as roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver's seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging.
The updated ZS goes on sale in December.