MG Australia has reported at least 500 pre-sales for the updated ZS EV electric SUV, before it actually hits showrooms over the next few weeks.
It’s another example of how Australians are increasingly turning to electric cars if and when there’s stock, amidst all-time high fuel prices and cost-of-living hikes associated with inflation.
We know MG has sold at least 500 units pre-launch because a previously-announced offer is now exhausted. The Chinese company said in March it would give the first 500 buyers of the updated ZS EV a $500 discount on one of its branded home wallbox chargers.
You can read more about MG’s in-house wallbox charger, sold at dealers from $1990, here.
“This offering is inline with our ongoing goal to not only provide people with value packed vehicles but drive sustainable change through EV infrastructure as well,” the company claimed.
While MG is not immune from supply issues, it has fared better than most rivals, and is continuing to take orders for the updated MG ZS EV. It’s just the $500 charger discount that has now lapsed, not the allocation of vehicles.
MG also offered some data showing why it says the MG ZS is actually a cheaper vehicle than the less expensive petrol ZS – once a few years of running costs are factored in. The workings are shown in the image below.
Reflecting the MG ZS EV’s popularity, it was the second top-selling electric vehicle in Australia last year behind the Tesla Model 3. While the updated model is a bit pricier, it’s also a better product on paper.
There’s a lot more competition coming at the cheaper end of the EV market however, which up to now has been led by the MG, the Nissan Leaf, and the Hyundai Ioniq.
New relatively affordable models expected in the near future include the BYD Atto 3 (mid year) and GWM Ora (late 2022), both from China. Others include the Cupra Born (Q1 of 2023) and Kia Niro (quarter three of 2022).
MORE: All of the EVs coming to Australia: Electric car calendar
The updated MG ZS EV
Two variants will be offered this time, kicking off at $46,990 drive-away before rebates for the revised MG ZS EV Excite variant, and climbing to $49,990 for the ZS EV Essence. By contrast the outgoing model (with a few extra features at base level) was $44,990 drive-away.
But the updated car’s new 51kWh battery pack uses Model 3-style lithium iron phosphate chemistry and offers a claimed 320km of driving range – up from 263km (WLTP). MG has also updated the drive motor and claims to have improved the battery management electronics.
Unfortunately, the longer-range 72.6kWh version capable of a claimed 440km on the WLTP cycle won’t make it to Australia, with the company focusing on the cheaper, shorter-range model for the time being.
Other enhancements to the new Australian-market 51kWh ZS EV include a slicker driver display, 10.1-inch touchscreen, 21-module LED headlights with auto-dimming, new LED tail lights, new 17-inch alloy wheels, and a tweaked ‘grille’ with updated Type 2 charging port.
The new ZS EV will also debut the brand’s ‘iSmart’ smartphone app for remote functionality like monitoring the charge status, preconditioning the cabin’s climate control, and llocating the vehicle.
The revised MG ZS EV will be backed by an 80-plus site dealer network and a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty, the company adds.
MORE: 2022 MG ZS EV priced at $46,990 drive-away, with longer range
