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