Skip advert
Advertisement
Awards

Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2022: MG ZS EV

The MG ZS EV is the 2022 Auto Express Affordable Electric Car of the Year, with the Fiat 500 and Kia Niro EV commended

When it comes to fully electric cars, few brands offer as much for your money as MG. The Chinese-owned British brand’s range has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with regular updates to its product line-up to keep the cars feeling fresh and competitive with the best in the class – and the newest MG ZS EV is a prime example of the formula being exploited effectively.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Visual updates have kept the car looking smart, with a sleeker look than its predecessor, while a new Short Range model offers even more affordability, with prices starting from £29,245 for 198 miles of range. Few cars offer a better range-to-value ratio.

Due to a quirk of the battery and motor system, the Short Range car actually offers more power than the Long Range version, so it’s the faster-accelerating machine. But even the Long Range model offers more than enough performance, with 0-62mph taking 8.2 seconds, just 0.2 seconds slower than its sibling.

More impressively, it offers a claimed 273 miles of range from its 72.6kWh battery, and with a maximum recharge rate of 100kW giving an 80 per cent top-up in just 42 minutes, there’s plenty of flexibility on offer despite the MG’s value-focused price; even the Long Range model starts from just £31,495.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Every version gets a full digital dash and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree parking camera and sat-nav. Premium features such as wireless charging are available for a little extra on mid-spec Trophy models and above.

The MG isn’t the last word in dynamic sophistication, but it delivers enough comfort, secure handling and good refinement. And when you remember how little you’re paying for these qualities, it’s easy to see why this is the best affordable EV.

Our choice

MG ZS EV Trophy Long Range (£34,495)

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Long Range battery option adds an extra degree of usability to the ZS EV, while the mid-range Trophy trim is loaded with kit, including a 360-degree parking camera and a panoramic sunroof. Monthly PCP payments come to £465 when you place a £4,000 deposit on a three-year deal.

Commended

Fiat 500

Fiat is on a roll with its 500 electric city car, as we’ve seen already. The qualities that saw it win our city car award – range, price, style and tech – mean it also features here, with the smart-looking, impressively flexible and fun-to-drive small EV offering budget-conscious buyers a tempting choice with few compromises.

Kia Niro EV

The fully electric Niro EV helped the Kia to win the Small SUV category, and although the MG ZS EV outshines it for ultimate affordability, the Niro EV still offers plenty of range and tech – not to mention style – for the cash, which is why it also gets an honourable mention in this category.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The 2022 Affordable Electric Car of the Year is brought to you in association with Osprey Charging

New Car Awards 2022: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

Auto Express Issue 1,736

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special 2022 New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the print magazine cover price. You can currently subscribe or download individual issues of our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet as well.

Stay right up to date with the latest from the world of cars in 2022 and beyond, follow Auto Express on social media...

 
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models
Best selling cars - April 2025

Best-selling cars 2025: the year's 10 most popular models

These are officially Britain’s biggest-selling new cars so far this year
Best cars & vans
4 Apr 2025
MG3 and MG ZS get pure-petrol power and even lower prices
MG3 dynamic front 3/4

MG3 and MG ZS get pure-petrol power and even lower prices

Entry-level MGs trade the hybrids’ performance and economy for a lower price point
News
20 Feb 2025
Best Chinese cars 2025: the top options to consider for UK buyers
Best Chinese cars - header

Best Chinese cars 2025: the top options to consider for UK buyers

The Chinese have arrived in force on the UK car market and these are the current best of the breed
Best cars & vans
18 Feb 2025
MG ZS review
MG ZS - main image

MG ZS review

The latest MG ZS gets a tried-and-tested powertrain, plus plenty of kit
In-depth reviews
17 Dec 2024

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025