MG Motor India today officially unveiled its fully-electric B-segment SUV, the MG ZS EV. Expected to be launched in January 2020, the ZS EV is the second model to be launched by the Chinese-owned British brand, and the first electric car from Morris Garages in India. Upon its launch, the new MG ZS EV will mainly compete with the Hyundai Kona Electric, which is currently the only long-range electric car sold in India. But is the MG ZS EV capable enough to take on its Korean rival? Let's find out.
Also Read: MG ZS Electric SUV Unveiled In India
The MG ZS EV is the second model from the company after the Hector
The new MG ZS EV comes with a 44.5 kWh battery pack that powers a synchronous motor can develop 141 bhp and 353 Nm of peak torque. The company says that the battery is also capable of offering a maximum range of about 340 km on a single charge. The ZS EV also comes with a power electronic (PE) solutions from UAES, which helps the car go from 0-100 kmph in just 8.5 seconds.
In comparison, the Hyundai Kona Electric offered in India is powered by a 39.2 kWh battery, that powers a 100 kW motor which sends power to the front wheels and the output is equivalent of 131 bhp and 395 Nm of peak torque. Despite the smaller battery, the Kona Electric offers a longer range of 452 km on a single charge, and the India-spec car can sprint from 0-100 kmph in 9.7 seconds, which makes it quite quick for an SUV.
Also Read: Hyundai Kona Electric Review
The Kona Electric gets a smaller 39.2 kWh battery but offers more range of 452 km
The Lithium-Ion battery powering the MG ZS EV can be charged up to 80 per cent in 40 minutes with a 50 kW DC charger, or takes up to seven hours with a standard 7.4 kW charger. MG is also providing a 7.4 kWh charger in all the ZS EV cars, which can be used at any 15-Amp socket. The company will also have DC superfast chargers at select MG dealerships and the company is setting up a charging network throughout the country. There's also the option of Charge on the go, which is roadside assistance in partnership with Allianz.
Also Read: Hyundai Kona Electric's Price Reduced; Now Priced At Rs. 23.71 Lakh
On the other hand, the Kona Electric's battery can be fully charged in seven to eight hours using a regular charger, while a fast charger can charge the battery up to 80 per cent in under an hour. Hyundai also provides a portable charger and an AC wall box charger with the Kona Electric. The portable charger can also be plugged into any three-pin 15 Amp socket and will take up to three hours to give you enough charge for 50 km, whereas the AC wall box charger can offer the same amount of charge in about an hour.
The MG ZS EV gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto
The MG ZS EV comes with feature like - 17-inch machine-cut alloy wheels, LED daytime running lamps, front and rear seat-belt reminder, heated ORVMs, reverse parking camera with dynamic lines, hill descent control, 6 airbags, and electric stability control. The battery system used in the new ZS EV is IP67 certified making it water and dustproof. The MG ZS EV gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The car also gets a flat-bottomed steering wheel, USB mobile charging at the front and rear, Bluetooth functionality and even a rear-view camera. For those wanting a sunroof, well, MG Motor India offers a panoramic sunroof on the car, which is standard. The MG ZS EV is also equipped with I Smart EV 2.0 connected car technology which makes it a connected car. The MG ZS EV comes with a PM 2.5 air filter which can bring bad air quality level of up to 300 AQI down to regular levels in just 35 mins.
The cabin of the Hyundai Kona Electric has a clean, simple design and is loaded with features too
The cabin of the Kona Electric too is not futuristic and gets a simple, clean design. There are three driving modes on offer, Eco, Comfort and Sport. The Kona Electric will get features such as a floating 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, ventilated seats, heads-up display and ABS along with EBD as well. The unit also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other features include leather seats, digital instrument console, bi-function LED headlamps, electric sunroof, ventilated front seats, 10-way adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake and more. The car also comes with six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, VSM, HAC, disc brakes for all wheels, and a virtual engine sound system.
