Try it, MG ZS: the compact SUV with excellent value for money
Try it, MG ZS
Economically attractive, comfortable and with a complete standard equipment. The MG ZS focuses on value for money and low fuel consumption to stand out in the crowded compact SUV category. The famous British brand returns to the fore on the Italian market and does so by betting on the value for money. The trump card of the English manufacturer who now speaks Mandarin (the owner is the Chinese group SAIC) is the MG ZS crossover. The car has a muscular appearance, characterized by prominent ribs and smooth lines that underline the robust look of the Anglo-Chinese SUV, as well as the style trending today in the category.The MG ZS has an extremely competitive list price, to be attractive even to all those who are more attentive to costs. In fact, after its arrival in the battery-only variant, now the range of the compact SUV is also expanding for those who do not want to electrify themselves: the 106-horsepower five-speed naturally aspirated 1.5 is available, to which the three-cylinder 1.0 turbo-petrol is added. from 111 horses. And if the technical data does not excite, it is certainly the wallet that makes the difference: the 1.5-liter has a price from 13,950 euros, while the more powerful three-cylinder is on sale starting from 19,990 euros.
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Versatile and easy to handle, the MG ZS proves to be at ease in an urban environment, while its natural habitat is long journeys on the motorway; the on-board comfort and low fuel consumption stand out, transforming it into a real “mileage grinder”. The cockpit offers ample space and is well equipped: essential features for family cars. The driver's seat is comfortable and raised, and with such an attractive price, the completeness of the on-board equipment is surprising. We find the two-quadrant digital dashboard and the 10.1-inch color touch screen for the infotainment that offers standard Dab radio, bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Aux and Usb sockets, navigator and camera at 360 ° (for the Luxury version, the most premium). - th_motorlabs_d_mh3_1 slot id: th_motorlabs_d_mh3 "); } Federicovecchio.com The navigation system, on the other hand, would require an update, the only flaw in the responsiveness of the response which thus lengthens the address entry times. Furthermore, the graphics are poorly maintained, an aspect that, although almost only subjective, we still believe it is right to have to report. Moving on to quality, the choice of materials and the coupling between the panels are good even if some plastics of the dashboard and doors are rigid.
In line with its competitors, the MG ZS is 432 centimeters long, 181 wide and 162 high. versatile model suitable for multiple uses. There are two configurations available, the Comfort and the Luxury, only the latter version includes the three-cylinder turbo, available with both 6-speed manual and automatic transmission (for an extra € 1,000). The standard equipment of the Luxury package is complete and includes headlights with LED low beams, rear parking sensors with 360 ° camera, panoramic roof, digital dashboard, navigator and 17 "alloy wheels, to which adds the blind spot monitoring system. Last note, certainly positive (in addition to the price) is the coverage that the MG offers on the ZS: there are 7 years of warranty (or when the 150 thousand kilometers are reached) on all versions.
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In conclusion MG ZS is a complete car and appealing to a clientele who finds themselves displaced by seeing the prices of cars soar to excess; with this you will not be disappointed and despite some shortcomings it presents itself as a very valid proposal for a family.
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Nexon EV Max vs MG ZS EV facelift comparision
With its larger battery, increased range and added features, the Nexon EV Max has inched closer to its arch rival – the MG ZS EV.
The Nexon EV has been the go-to choice for anyone in the market for an urban EV. The compact dimensions, a sizable range for a week’s-worth of driving, and the overall price-to-performance ratio has been the winning formula for the thousands that are on the road. And with the introduction of the ‘Max’, the Nexon EV aims to extend that lead further and offer a lot more in terms of kit and the all-important range. But the added range and price also bring it closer to its main rival in the EV game – the MG ZS EV. So, the question arises, is it worth paying a premium for the Nexon EV Max, and, if you are stretching, should you go all the way up to the MG ZS EV?
THE BIG QUESTIONLet’s get to the big one first – the range. Thanks to the larger 40.5kWh battery pack on the Nexon Max, Tata claims a healthy 437km on a full charge. The recently updated MG ZS EV is equipped with an even larger 50.3kWh battery that promises 461km, and both these numbers are enough to calm down the range police. However, claimed numbers for range are not too different from claimed fuel efficiency numbers for ICE cars. You can try all you want, but you just won’t see that figure on the cluster. Real-world range is what counts, and out in the real world, change is the only constant. A chock-a-block traffic jam on Monday can be a breezy drive on Tuesday, so getting a sure-shot number is a bit tricky.
So, we put them both back to back on the same cycle, which included some maddening city traffic, a bit of relaxed highway driving, a few twisties thrown in to sample the ‘Sport’ mode that both of them have, and the results were not too shocking
The Nexon EV Max managed an average range of 263km, which is roughly 55km more than the standard Nexon EV, while the ZS EV, thanks to its larger battery pack, managed 339km which is a very useful 76km advantage over the Nexon Max.
In the city, specifically, the Nexon Max delivers 266km compared to the ZS EV’s 351km, which is an 85km difference. But out on the highway, that gap reduces to 68km, with the Nexon covering 259km compared to ZS EV’s 327km.
DRIVE TO SURVIVEEngage ‘Sport’ mode and both these EVs see a severe drop in range. That said, performance is brisk and at times even a bit more than necessary. Their handling manners are similar, with neither SUV offering much in terms of thrill and dynamism. But, for what it’s worth, the Nexon’s consistent and weighty steering offers a lot more for driving enthusiasts.
Ride comfort, though, is where the Nexon falls behind. The extra 100kg in kerb weight has led to a retune of the suspension, and the ride, as a result, is on the firmer side. The ZS, meanwhile, is a bit more supple and well cushioned on our broken roads.
However, performance is much closer, and the ZS EV, despite having 176hp (33hp more than the Nexon Max), is faster only by one second. Where the Nexon EV Max clocks 9.4sec for a 0-100kph dash, the ZS EV does it in 8.4sec. That said, off the line response for both EVs is impressive and you’d never really notice the performance difference.
HOLD THAT THOUGHTWhat is a clear difference, though, is the way the regenerative braking feels. On the ZS EV, even in its strongest mode, it lacks the resistance you would expect, and the rate of recharging isn’t too impressive either. The Nexon, on the other hand, is more aggressive when engaged into level 3 regen, and in fact it can be used to crawl in stop-go traffic as well. What helps is the one-pedal driving mode where you barely need to use the brakes. Sure, it won’t come to a complete halt, like the Hyundai Kona, but it does work well in toll lines and peak hour traffic.
That said, on both these SUVs, the gain in range using regenerative braking is only decent.
Also, the range numbers will fluctuate depending on the drive mode you are in, selected regen level, road elevation, temperature and, of course, driving style. But for this comparison, we made sure to eliminate as much error as possible by swapping drivers at specific intervals and driving close to each other for similar average speeds.
When it comes to charging, the Nexon has a natural advantage with its smaller-sized battery, which allows for quicker top-ups. Also, since the Max gets the option of a 7.2kW AC fast charger, it is now close to the ZS EV’s battery recharge times. Using a 50kW DC fast charger, Tata says the Nexon EV Max’s battery will go from 0-80 percent in just 56 mins. However, in the real world, its battery management system accepts charge only at around 28-29kW at the most. The ZS, on the other hand, accepts a higher rate of DC charging, usefully reducing the waiting time, offering better range.
Tested Range and Charging TimesNexon EV MaxMG ZS EV facelift-Range (km)Range (km)City266351Highway259327Average263339Claimed437 (ARAI)461 (ICAT)-3.3kW AC - 15 hours (10-100%)15A portable charger - 18-19 hours (0-100%)-7.2kW AC - 6.5 hours (0-100%)7.4kW AC - 8.5-9 hours (0-100%)-50kW DC - 56 mins (0-80%)50kW DC - 60 mins (0-80%)SIZE ‘EM UPComing to the aesthetics, these two electric SUVs aren’t exactly from the same segment. The Nexon is a compact SUV measuring under four metres, while the ZS EV is a midsize SUV that plays with Creta-sized rivals. So, if space and practicality are to be talked about, the ZS EV has a clear advantage.
The longer length, wheelbase and taller height give it more road presence, and the overall design is more ‘EV’ than the Nexon, what with the closed-off grille. You also get LED headlamps with DRLs, as opposed to halogen units on the Nexon, larger 17-inch wheels compared to the 16-inch ones on the Tata, and overall a more new-age and modern look. That said, the front-end does split opinion and isn’t to everyone’s taste.
The Nexon, meanwhile, is quite familiar in terms of design. No closed-off grille here, but you get a good dose of blue accents signifying its EV nature. Surprisingly, there isn’t a single badge on the Nexon stating it is a ‘Max’. The only way to figure that out is by zooming into the wheels, which get a different design and rear disc brakes.
INSIDE JOBOn the inside, the differences are, again, quite significant. The Nexon doesn’t feel cramped or uncomfortable, but the extra space in the ZS EV is noticeable. The Nexon Max also gets beige upholstery, which further heightens the sense of space, but the dark interiors of the ZS are surely easier to look after.
Interior lacks premium appeal, but the Max gets new and useful equipment.
Where the ZS EV edges ahead is in terms of the overall quality. The switchgear and fit-finish are better in comparison to the Nexon and it does have an air of premiumness as well. Sure, the Nexon gets important bits like ventilated front seats, but the ZS EV isn’t too far behind in the features game.
Quality of materials is better on the whole, and cabin feels modern and plush.
You get a larger touchscreen, at 10.1 inches, with a 360-degree parking camera, a fully-digital instrument cluster that looks more modern than the semi-digital unit, and the big one, a panoramic sunroof that dwarfs the standard sunroof in the Nexon.
Shorter wheelbase doesn’t allow it to be as spacious as the MG in the back.
If backseat space is also very important to you, you’d be more comfortable in the ZS EV. The raised floor in the Nexon Max results in rear passengers sitting knees up, and the shorter wheelbase means you won’t be able to stretch as you would in the more spacious ZS EV.
Spacious, comfy back seat in the ZS EV. Dark upholstery easy to maintain.
The ZS EV ties with the Nexon EV when it comes to boot capacity, with both measuring at 350 litres and offering a 60:40 split as well. In terms of safety, the Nexon Max gets dual airbags, as opposed to the six on the ZS EV, but the rest of the tech like ABS with EBD, ESP, hill start/descent, and TPMS are present in both.
EquipmentNexon EV MaxMG ZS EV faceliftLED headlightsNAYesAuto headlamps/wipersYesYesCruise controlYesYesDigital instrument clusterSemi-digitalYesVentilated front seatsYesNATouchscreen7.0-inch10.1-inchRear view cameraYes360-degreeWireless phone chargerYesYesSunroofYesPanoramicESCYesYesBlindspot assistNAYesAirbags26THE DEFAULT CHOICEBoth these EVs can be your daily drivers, as they have enough range to push out of the urban confines, and comfortably handle that occasional farmhouse trip. However, more than the range, it is the value proposition that plays a crucial role. The MG ZS EV is a no-brainer, until you look at what it costs. The Exclusive variant, which is the top-spec with all the bells and whistles, costs Rs 25.88 lakh. A massive Rs 6.64 lakh premium over the top-spec Nexon EV Max.
Sure, you get a slightly bigger car with more space on the inside, and a higher range, but paying over Rs 6 lakh for roughly 80km extra is a steep ask. The cheaper Excite trim (Rs 21.99 lakh) of the ZS EV will also be on sale starting July. The warranty though is higher on the MG, with the ZS EV offering 5 years/unlimited km compared to Tata’s 3 years/1,25,000km. And the battery warranty is much closer, with the Tata offering 8 years/1,60,000km and the ZS EV offering 8 years/1,50,000km.
To sum it up then, the Nexon EV Max offers the best balance of everything you would need. It gets all the useful and important features like ventilated seats, wireless charging, a sunroof and fast charging options, along with a healthy range, strong regen and decent performance.
Price and VerdictPrice (ex-showroom, India)Rs 17.74 lakh-19.94 lakhRs 25.88 lakhVerdictThe best price-to-performance ratio in the EV segment.A capable and practical EV but expensiveRating8/108/10Yes, the MG has better range, but going by the sheer value the Nexon EV Max brings to the table, it is the better buy here and hence the winner of this comparison.
