MG5 Review (2023)
Read Caroline’s MG5 review for everything you need to know about buying MG’s electric estate in Ireland.
While the newly launched MG4 has been grabbing all the headlines this year, it's the brand's larger MG5 model that will offer you even more space and comfort at a competitive price.
Styled as an estate car, the MG5 is powered by a 61 kWh battery with a range of up to 403 kilometres (WLTP) and a starting price of €37,395.
The MG5 has also recently been facelifted and refreshed inside for 2023 so it's definitely worth a closer look.
Styling
The MG5 was one of the brand's first models to go on sale when MG launched in the market in Ireland in late 2020. It offers the traditional style and space of an estate car and slots into the MG range above the MG4. For 2023, the MG5 gets the new face of the MG brand with a redesigned nose and slim LED headlights that brings it right up to date. There's now some real design cohesion emerging between models in the MG line-up and the MG5 benefits greatly from this facelift. The design is a little more generic around the mildly revised rear of the car.
In Ireland there are two trim levels for MG5: Excite and Exclusive. 16-inch alloy wheels with aero covers come as standard. Exclusive models get upgraded to a nicer 17-inch design - though they reduce the range to a maximum of 379 kilometres (WLTP).
Interior
MG has also updated the interior of the MG5 for 2023. It's also a very welcome update. The new dashboard design is more modern and stylish than before. The MG5 feels like a proper grown-up car from behind the wheel. There's a new 10-inch touchscreen that uses the same updated software as the new MG4. It is an improvement on the previous system and is easy enough to navigate, though the minimalist design means that the ventilation must be adjusted from the screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, which will be the preference for many to access music, maps and contacts. But during my time with the car I found it difficult to get a stable connection with Apple CarPlay.
Standard features for MG5 Excite include the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, air conditioning, driver's seat lumbar support, reversing camera, vehicle to load charging and the MG iSmart app connectivity.
The Exclusive adds features such as rear privacy glass, leather-style interior with electric seat adjustment and heated front seats, automatic climate control, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror and a 360-degree camera.
Practicality
There’s a natural sense of practicality to the MG5 because it’s an estate car. There's good legroom in the back and plenty of headroom for adults. There’s also 479 litres of boot space with the load cover in place, or 578 litres with it retracted. The MG5 might be a better option than the MG4 for buyers who need a big boot and more practicality.
Battery
There is just one battery available and it's the same as in the previous version of the MG5. The 61 kWh battery offers a range of up to 403 kilometres in the Excite model and up to 379 kilometres in the Exclusive model.
Charging
AC charging is possible up to 7 kW for a full charge in about 10 hours. DC charging is possible up to 87 kW for a full charge in about one hour.
Driving
The MG5 is front wheel drive and powered by a 156hp motor. There's 280Nm of torque and 0-100 km/h is a healthy 7.7 seconds, so the MG5 never feels under pressure to keep up with traffic or join motorways. It offers a big car feel from behind the wheel, secure and planted on the road, more comfortable and softer sprung than the MG4. It may not be as lively or nimble to drive, but it feels like a better cruiser overall. It's efficient for its size too, with my consumption over a week of driving averaging at about 16.3 kWh per 100 kilometres.
You can adjust the level of the regenerative braking to recover energy back into the battery. There are also three different driving modes - Normal, Sport and Eco - that adjust the drive somewhat depending on your preference.
Pricing
The MG5 Excite with a range of up to 403 kilometres is priced from €37,395. The MG5 Exclusive is priced from €40,645. All prices include the SEAI grant.
Verdict
MG has made serious progress in the Irish market since the brand launched here in 2020. While new models like the MG4 have been helping grow the brand, the MG5 still offers a sound package overall of comfort, technology and practicality in an estate-style body.
It's not quite as trendy or modern as the MG4 but the latest update has done wonders for the MG5. It looks far more interesting now and the interior is also more contemporary. It performs well as an EV with smooth operation and competitive range. What's more, in today's market the MG5 still offers a lot of car for the money.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
MG4 Review
Read Caroline's MG4 review for everything you need to know about buying MG's new electric hatchback in Ireland.
The MG4 has arrived in Ireland and is one of the most anticipated new cars of 2023.
MG has slowly been establishing itself in the Irish market since the end of 2020 with a new dealer network and a range of hybrid and electric vehicles like the MG ZS, MG HS and MG5.
But it's the new MG4 that looks set to really accelerate the growth of the MG brand in Ireland.
The MG4 comes to market with the choice of two batteries, with an electric driving range of up to 450 kilometres (WLTP) depending on model.
And the best bit? It's available in Ireland from just €27,495. Let's take a closer look.
Styling
The new MG4 looks great and is a step forward in design for the MG brand. The sleek, aerodynamic design is full of interesting design features that help to sharpen the MG4's presence on the road. The MG4 is available in two trim levels - Excite and Exclusive - and 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic LED headlights and rear lights come as standard. At the back, the slim LED rear lights help the MG4 to stand out, as does the dual wing roof spoiler on Exclusive models. The MG4 is a sporty looking hatchback like the Cupra Born and is available in a range of paint colours including some charismatic hues like Volcano Orange and Ocean Blue, as well as subtler shades like Urban Grey and Black Pearl.
Interior
The MG4 has one of the most modern interiors we have seen to date from the MG brand. The design follows the trend for an open and minimalist layout like the interiors of the Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech. There is a small digital instrument cluster for the driver and a large touchscreen comes as standard with a wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection. The steering wheel has a modern two-spoke design. The modern cabin design frees up a lot of space between the two front seats, which the MG uses for some practical storage compartments and cup holders. The finish of the cabin is good for a car at this price. There are hard plastics but they blend in quite well, though a Cupra Born still feels like a plusher place to be. The part synthetic leather seats with blue stitching in the MG4 Exclusive look good too.
Standard features for MG4 Excite include the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise
control, automatic climate control and the MG iSmart app connectivity.
The MG4 Exclusive adds an upgraded MG Pilot system (Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with live services.
Practicality
The MG4 is styled as a five-door hatchback. It's the first MG to be built on a dedicated electric vehicle platform and that ensures a spacious interior for a car of this size. In the back seat there is generous legroom and a mostly flat floor making the car more comfortable for rear seat passengers.
The boot offers 363 litres of space, which is not far off the Volkswagen ID.3 (385 litres). But a Nissan Leaf (420 litres) and Renault Megane E-Tech (440 litres) offer considerably more. It's reasonable for a hatchback but there is no clever place under the boot floor to store the storage cables or under the front bonnet.
Battery
The MG4 Excite is available with a choice of 51kWh battery (350km WLTP range) or 64kWh (450km WLTP range). The MG4 Exclusive is available with the 64kWh battery only and can drive electric for a range of up to 435km (WLTP).
Exclusive models add the Active Grille Shutter System, which regulates air flow to improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Charging
The MG4 64kWh allows DC fast charging up to 135kW and it takes 9 hours to charge the battery from a 7kW wallbox.
Driving
The MG4 is the first MG to be built on the brand's new MSP platform from its parent company SAIC Motor. It's a dedicated EV platform with 50:50 weight distribution, a rear-wheel drive configuration and a low centre of gravity from the battery design and its placement in the car.
On the road the MG4 feels light, swift and fun to drive for a compact electric vehicle - whether you go for the 51kWh (170hp) or 64kWh (204hp) battery versions. It grips the road well, and feels agile when the roads get twistier. It is a firmly sprung car so you will be aware of any imperfections in the road surface beneath you, even on the motorway. Refinement could be better with a fair bit of wind noise at high speeds. Some compact electric vehicles like the Volkswagen ID.3 and Cupra Born offer more comfort and refinement.
Pricing
The MG4 Excite 51kWh Standard Range is priced from €27,495. The MG4 Excite 64kWh Long Range is priced from €30,995 and the MG4 Exclusive 64kWh Long Range is priced from €34,495. All prices include the SEAI grant.
Verdict
The new MG4 is shaking up the market for compact electric vehicles with excellent pricing and competitive battery range that makes this car very appealing. Standard equipment levels are high across the range and the MG4's sharp styling really stands out. The MG4 is one of the most desirable cars the MG brand has brought to market so far and is sure to become a popular sight on Irish roads.
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
MG5 EV Review (2022)
Read Caroline's MG5 review for everything you need to know about buying MG's electric estate car in Ireland in 2022.
MG returned to Ireland at the end of 2020 with a new suite of electrified vehicles. Under a new distributor, the brand has launched three new models here - the MG ZS electric SUV previously reviewed for Changing Lanes, the MG HS plug-in hybrid SUV, and this, the MG5, an all-electric estate car for the Irish market.
Now in 2022, MG has updated the ZS and the MG5 with a new long range battery to give buyers more comfort and convenience behind the wheel.
The MG5 launched in Ireland for the first time in 2021 with a 52.5 kWh battery giving a range of up to 345 km (WLTP).
It's replaced now by the MG5 EV Long Range with a 61 kWh battery that bumps the range up to 403 km (WLTP) - and the price. It's now available from €30,645.
Let's take a closer look.
What's so special about the MG5?
Well first of all it's an estate car, and an electric one at that. For the moment it's the only electric estate car you can buy on the Irish market.
We don't hear much about estate cars these days as the market is obsessed with SUVs and crossovers. Yet estate cars were always the default choice for buyers seeking a lifestyle vehicle that can fit the dog and some gear. While also giving a more active image than a saloon or hatchback.
But SUVs these days seem to capture most of that market. Though it's debatable how well they fit the brief for space and practicality.
The new MG5 has the classic silhouette of an estate car and is discreet in its styling. It's clearly not as trendy as the MG ZS, which has more fashionable SUV styling. But it's cheaper to buy and gets almost as much range on a full charge.
The MG5 sits quite low for an electric car, with the water-cooled battery pack integrated into the car’s chassis. There are dynamic benefits here too, with the low centre of gravity influencing how the car feels on the road.
With pricing starting from €30,645 for the Excite model and from €33,895 for the Exclusive model with more equipment on board, the MG5 remains affordable in today's EV market.
What's it like to drive?
The MG5 EV Long Range on test uses a 61.1 kWh battery with up to 403 km (WLTP) of range available. There's a 115 kW motor on board, equivalent to 156 hp.
The performance figures are good and the MG5 feels swift and responsive on the road. It is agile and simple to drive with a very conventional layout to the controls used to operate the vehicle and monitor its progress. The low centre of gravity means it feels planted at all times, behaving in a natural way in response to driver inputs.
The car is comfortable in driving on its 16" wheels and will cruise happily on the motorway. In that way it can't be faulted. The MG5 is predictable in charging and there are no massive drops in range when you get it out on the motorway.
Ownership of the electric MG5 of course will mean acquainting yourself very quickly with charging. With a 7 kW wallbox installed at home for example, a full charge can be got in about 9.5 hours or overnight.
The MG5 is also equipped with a CCS charging port so can avail of fast charging, gaining 80% in about an hour from a public 50 kW fast charge point. The charging port is easily accessed from the front of the car behind the MG badge.
From a 100 kW rapid charger, it will take about 40 minutes to charge the MG5 to 80%
What's it like inside?
Inside the MG5 there is a traditional dashboard layout with all the controls logically laid out. The cabin is nicely appointed for the price point of the vehicle. The layout and design is more traditional than avant garde. But the rotary gear selector on the centre console is a neat feature.
Standard equipment includes the 8" colour touchscreen and Android Auto/Apple Car Play, auto air con, parking sensors and rear view camera. There's also a full suite of safety equipment 'MG Pilot' including lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist and high beam assist.
The MG5 Exclusive has plenty of nice features like heated front seats, keyless entry and electrically adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support.
However, it doesn't get MG's latest infotainment system as seen in the new MG ZS, which is more modern and responsive. Or a digital instrument cluster for that matter.
There's a natural sense of practicality to the MG5 because it's an estate car. Rear legroom is good for the C-segment also. There's plenty of headroom from that tall roof line.
Buyers will be pleased to note that there's 464 litres of space available up to the luggage cover, or 578 litres up to the roof. Other advantages include a wide loading area. There is a bit of a lip between the boot opening and the boot floor. A flat loading area would have been an even greater advantage and more practical for an estate car. The rear seats also split fold 60:40 for even more space.
Did you like it?
Estate cars often get overlooked in favour of SUVs. But the MG5 is a practical family car that just happens to be electric too.
Still, the MG5 lacks contemporary style and does feel a generation behind in terms of its styling and interior. It does without MG's latest interior digital technology and app. But thankfully it's not behind in battery technology and charging.
The new battery in the MG5 gives buyers that little bit more comfort between charges. The MG5 behaves in a predictable way on the road, with high equipment levels and a comfortable ride.
Though the entry price into the range has gone up, the MG5 still offers a lot of car for the money in today's market. It undercuts the more fashionable MG ZS on price.
At a time when it's getting even more expensive to run and own a fuel car, the MG5 is a good value entry into electric motoring.
Model tested: MG5 EV Exclusive
Price: €30,645
Battery: 61.1 kWh
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 260 Nm
Top speed: 185 km/h
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 7.7 seconds
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes
MG ZS EV Review (2022)
Read Caroline's MG ZS EV review for everything you need to know about buying MG's compact electric SUV in Ireland in 2022.
MG made a return to Ireland in 2020 with the launch of a new line-up of electric and hybrid cars. The MG ZS electric was the first to launch here and has been joined by the MG HS plug-in hybrid SUV and the MG5 electric estate car.
But the MG ZS seems a particularly well-placed car in the Irish market, combining the trend for SUVs with an electric powertrain.
Now MG has given the ZS EV a facelift and a new battery with a significant increase to range, which bodes well for this SUV. The ZS EV will continue to be offered in two trim levels, Excite and Exclusive.
What's new for the 2022 MG ZS EV?
On sale in Ireland priced from €32,995, including the SEAI grant and VRT relief, the MG ZS EV for 2022 has a new 72.6 kWh battery with a range up to 440 km (WLTP).
This replaces the first edition of the ZS EV, which launched with a 44.5 kWh battery and a range of 263 km (WLTP). The starting price has gone up, but the MG ZS offers that bit more comfort now on a full charge.
The MG ZS EV has a quite conventional look for an electric compact SUV. But the facelift has certainly given it a more modern and confident stance. That's mostly down to the new front end design. There's a closed, stamped-effect grille for the very first time, which helps the car stand out more. Especially in a bright colour like the Brilliant Blue of the test car!
This design feature is said to improve aerodynamics but it also now houses a more on-trend, side-opening charging port. It feels a bit sturdier than the access point on the previous version of the car that was positioned behind the MG badge.
LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights also feature, as does a redesigned rear bumper and new wheel designs.
Inside the MG ZS EV
The revamp continues inside the 2022 MG ZS EV. The cabin of the MG ZS has a nice snug and sporty feeling from behind the wheel. It's quite a mature design for a B-segment SUV.
This new version gets a significant upgrade when it comes to the infotainment and digital technology on board. There's a new digital instrument cluster for the driver. The 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen has new graphics and improved functionality. It looks better than the previous version and is more responsive.
There's also a new iSMART connectivity system, which offers connection via a dedicated smartphone app for the first time. Features in the app include remote locking and unlocking, setting the air conditioning and heating, and activating the windscreen demister. Charging status and statistics can be viewed through the app, and you can also instantly stop or start a charge, and schedule charging.
There's also wireless phone charging, as well as the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG, including new features and improvements.
The MG ZS EV is a generously sized small SUV for the B segment. There is lots of headroom and large windows make the cabin bright and welcoming. The rear will seat three, though it will be most comfortable for two. The rear footwells are a decent size for this class of vehicle too.
There are plenty of handy storage spaces in the cabin. Buyers will find a good boot of 470 litres. The split folding rear seats enable you to expand this to 1,116 litres. Charging cables can be stored neatly under the boot floor leaving the boot clear of any apparel.
What are my options?
The ZS EV Excite model, priced from €32,995 (after grant and VRT relief) comes with automatic air conditioning, bi-function LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, 360 parking camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, sat nav, iSMART infotainment system and multiple USB charging points.
The Exclusive model, priced at €35,995 (after grant and VRT relief), adds a full panoramic roof and leather-style seats, along with more comfort and convenience options such as roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging.
MG’s suite of driver assistance technology also features. MG Pilot includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist. The Exclusive model also gets Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.
The 2022 MG ZS is the first fully electric vehicle in the MG range to offer towing capability. A 500kg towing capacity means owners can now attach small trailers or fit a bicycle carrier.
The new MG ZS EV is also equipped with a V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) system as standard. This allows the battery to supply energy to an external electrical system via a charging cable with a type 2-plug on one side that fits into the car’s charging socket, and a power strip with household sockets on the other side. Ideal for powering a kettle, cooling box, e-bike, laptop, electric scooter or even another electric car!
Driving the MG ZS Electric
On the road, the MG ZS EV makes good progress, moving effortlessly from town to motorway. Steering is light and the MG ZS feels agile through bends. It's generally comfortable on the smooth stuff for a compact SUV, though you will feel the bumps over rough surfaces in town or rural roads.
The new 72.6 kWh battery gives this latest MG ZS a clear advantage over the previous version. The WLTP range is now 440 km, with 156 hp available. From my experience, the MG ZS will comfortably return over 350 km in mixed driving, which makes all the difference between charges.
Regenerative braking also features and the automatic transmission can be set to Eco, Normal or Sport mode.
The combination Type 2 and CCS charger provides up to 7kW fast charging using the on-board AC charger, or up to 76kW DC rapid charging. The new MG ZS EV can reach an 80% charge in about 40 minutes from a 100kW rapid charger, about 1 hour from a 50kW charger, and a 100% charge in about 10.5 hours using a 7kW charger at home.
Did you like it?
The latest MG ZS EV is more than just a facelift, with the new battery giving this car more flexibility and appeal.
Yes the price has gone up since the MG ZS first entered the Irish market. But with more range, the new MG ZS 72.6 kWh gives buyers more comfort between charges. It is also still competitively priced among a still rather limited market of small electric SUVs.
The new front end design also lifts the ZS considerably for more style and presence on the road. The interior update makes this car more user-friendly, along with the addition of the new app and new interesting technology features like vehicle to load charging for the first time.
The MG ZS EV has become a more familiar sight on Irish roads in just over one year since launch. This new version will help the brand to establish itself even more among buyers in the market for a new electric car.
Model tested: MG ZS EV Exclusive
Price: €35,995
Battery: 72.6 kWh
Power: 156 hp
Torque: 206 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.4 seconds
Top speed: 175 km/h
CO2 emissions: 0 g/km
Motor Tax: €120 per year
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Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes
MG ZS Updated For 2022
Following on from the launch of the MG brand in Ireland in late 2020, MG Motor Ireland has confirmed the arrival of an updated MG ZS to the Irish market.
The MG ZS was the brand's first model to launch here in 2020. The all-electric compact SUV now gets renewed styling, more range and more technology for 2022.
Pricing for the new ZS will start from €31,995, including SEAI grant and VRT relief. It will arrive in Irish MG dealerships in December.
The MG ZS is now available with a 72.6 kWh battery that gives a range of up to 440 km (WLTP). The ZS will continue to be offered in two trim levels, Excite and Exclusive.
There is a new front end, with a stamped effect grille to improve aerodynamics and a new side-opening charging port. LED headlights and distinctive daytime running lights also feature, as does a redesigned rear bumper and new wheels.
Charging status is now easily viewed on the four stage indicator LEDs inside the charging port. The combination Type 2 and CCS charger provides up to 7kW fast charging using the on-board AC charger, or up to 76kW DC rapid charging (depending on climatic conditions).
This means the Long Range 72.6kWh battery can be charged from 0-100% in 10½ hours on a standard 7kW charger, or up to 80% in 42 minutes on a 100kW rapid charger. With Vehicle-to-Load capability now available as standard, buyers can even charge or power
other external equipment, for example, an electric bike, using an accessory charging cable.
Inside there is a new iSMART connectivity system, which offers connection via a dedicated smartphone app. Owners will benefit from new convenience features in the app to remotely lock and unlock the car, set the air conditioning and heating, and activate the windscreen demister when required. Charging status and statistics can be viewed through the app, and owners can also instantly stop or start a charge, and schedule charging to optimise lower rate energy.
The 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen has new graphics and improved functionality. The latest MG ZS also gets a new digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging, as well as the first over the air (OTA) software updates from MG. Owners
will receive any new software updates, including new features and improvements, through iSMART.
The ZS EV Excite model, priced from €31,995 (after grant and VRT relief) comes with automatic air conditioning, bi-function LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, vehicle-to-load charging, 360 parking camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, sat nav, iSMART infotainment system and multiple USB charging points.
The Exclusive model, priced at €34,995 (after grant and VRT relief), adds a full panoramic ‘Sky Roof’ and leather-style seats, along with more comfort and convenience options such as roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and
wireless phone charging.
MG’s suite of driver assistance technology also features. MG Pilot includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist. The Exclusive model also gets Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.
The 2022 MG ZS is the first fully electric vehicle in the MG range to offer towing capability. A 500kg towing capacity means owners can now attach small trailers or fit a bicycle carrier.
MG ZS EV (2021) Review
It’s not every day a new car brand enters the Irish market! But last November, MG announced they were making a return to Ireland. This time with a range of pure electric and hybrid vehicles.
Now under the stewardship of the Frank Keane Group, the brand has already appointed a 6-strong MG dealer network with retailers around the country in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway.
MG was originally a British brand with numerous MG cars marketed in Ireland over the years. But now the parent company is SAIC Motor (Shanghai Automobile Industry Corporation). SAIC is the 7th largest car manufacturer in the world and was the first automobile group in China with annual sales of more than 7 million units.
So it's a completely fresh start for MG Motor Ireland with some very on-trend new models that combine SUV-style with new electrified powertrains.
What’s so special about the MG ZS?
At Changing Lanes, we are meeting the MG ZS EV for the first time, which looks to be one of the brand’s most important new launches here. The all-electric compact SUV retails from a headline grabbing €28,995 including Government grants and VRT relief.
Powered by a 44.5 kWh battery, giving a range of 263 km (WLTP), the ZS makes a strong statement about the affordability of electric cars that are also capable of realistically supporting the needs of a family.
The MG ZS is launched on the market as a compact SUV, and people love these at the moment, right? MG looks to be finding its niche with design but as a new brand, it may not be immediately recognisable on the road. At the front there is a large MG badge to dominate the front grille, flanked by headlights with LED daytime running lights.
It sits well among the other SUVs, and with that sort of pricing it should gradually become a more familiar presence on Irish roads. MG is the fastest growing car brand in the UK and growing across Europe with sales in a number of markets.
Inside the new MG ZS
With the new MG ZS, we are encountering a new brand for the first time at Changing Lanes so first impressions will account for a lot as we get to know the MG way of doing things. The interior of the ZS makes a good impression. The perceived quality is good with a mixture of cabin materials and soft touch surfaces, finished with detail stitching. In fact, it’s all a bit sporty inside here! Exclusive versions have leather-style upholstery.
MG has gone with more traditional analogue dials for the driver but there’s a familiar touchscreen to the driver’s left that keeps things modern. It can be on the slow side to respond to touch presses, but Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility mean you are unlikely to be frustrated too much.
The feeling of space inside the MG is excellent for a B-segment SUV. There is lots of headroom and large windows, which makes it bright and spacious feeling. The rear will seat three, though most comfortable for two and the rear footwells are a decent size for this class of vehicle. The feeling of space makes it simply family friendly, and there are plenty of storage places in the cabin also. Buyers will also find a good boot of 448 litres. The split folding rear seats enable you to expand this to 1,116 litres. Charging cables can be stored neatly under the boot floor leaving the boot clear of any apparel for charging so you can get on with your life!
Standard equipment (Excite trim) includes air conditioning, keyless entry with push button start, adaptive cruise control, electric windows, 8" colour touchscreen, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist, high beam assist, rear parking sensors and 17" alloy wheels.
The Exclusive model (from €31,995) adds equipment such as rear parking camera, silver roof rails, panoramic opening glass roof, rain sensing wipers, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, electrically adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and leather style upholstery.
Powering the MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV is powered by a strong 143 hp (105 kW) electric motor and combined with the 44.5 kWh lithium-ion-battery gives a WLTP range of 263 km. Maximum torque is 353 Nm, so the MG feels nifty once you hit the accelerator, with 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.
Real life driving range is very realistic with over 200 km possible and my Dublin-Wexford drive done with range to spare. Charging is super easy using the fast charge network for example to pick up 80% charge in 40 minutes using the CCS charge port that lives behind a panel in the front grille. Charging at home takes about 6.5 hours using a 7kW wallbox charger.
On the road, the MG ZS EV makes good progress moving effortlessly from town to motorway. There are no large drops in range out on the motorway and losses in range are accurately reported to the driver. Regenerative, 3-level braking is also included and the automatic transmission can be set to Eco, Normal or Sport mode.
Steering and controls are light, while the automatic transmission makes it simple to drive too. It’s easy to drive around town and compact enough to be simple to park. It's not quite as cohesive a drive as some rival electric crossovers like the Peugeot e-2008 and the Opel Mokka-e, but the higher SUV stance of the MG goes some way to explain this more languid feeling behind the wheel.
Did you like it?
The MG ZS follows the rules of a classic B-segment compact SUV – raised ride height, chunky styling, big windows and some attitude. But with a twist. The fully electric powertrain and very nice range of over 200 km is likely to get the attention of many buyers.
So is the starting price. On closer inspection, the MG ZS EV can do a fine job of carrying people and their things in comfort. Perceived quality is also good, though it's not the most sophisticated drive or cabin in this segment.
The MG brand makes an electrified return to the Irish market. We expect the brand will hit its stride quickly with its range of new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The MG ZS could quickly become the star of the range with its delicate entry into the electric SUV market and attention grabbing starting price.
A great start for MG in Ireland once again!
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: MG ZS EV Exclusive
Price: €31,995
Battery: 44.5 kWh
Power: 143 hp
Torque: 353 Nm
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds
Top speed: 140 km/h
Range (WLTP): 263 km
CO2 emissions (WLTP): 0 g/km
Motor Tax: €120 per year
MG5 EV Expands MG Range In Ireland
MG Motor has confirmed that the new MG5 will arrive in Ireland in April, priced from €27,645 including grants and VRT relief.
The new MG5 EV Sportwagon will join the new MG ZS and the MG HS, which went on sale in Ireland at the end of 2020.
The brand has already established a network of 6 new MG dealers.
The addition of the new MG5 to the range will help strength the brand's presence selling exclusively electric and hybrid models on the Irish market.
The new MG5 is a unique offering in the electric vehicle market, offering the practicality of an estate car with an electric powertrain. It's powered by a 52.5 kWh battery with a system power of 156 hp and range of 345 km (WLTP).
A CCS adaptor allows fast charging that will charge the battery to 80% from 0 in 50 minutes. A full charge at home using a wallbox will take about eight and a half hours.
Two trim levels are available: Excite and Exclusive.
Gerard Rice, Managing Director of MG Motor Ireland, said: “Building on the recent successful launches of the ZS EV and HS PHEV, the MG5 EV completes the package to essentially offer electric for all drivers in Ireland. The MG5 EV will appeal to both families and business users alike, with plenty of flexibility for loading the passengers and cargo combined with an impressive electric driving range."
The new MG5 EV comes with a 7 year/150,000km fully transferable warranty as standard.
MG Motor Ireland Appoints Dealer Network
MG Motor Ireland has released details of the brand's new dealer retail network in Ireland.
This news follows the announcement last month that the brand will relaunch here, with a new range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The six dealerships are Linders Finglas, Finglas Rd, Dublin 11; Frank Keane MG, Ballymount, Dublin 22; Johnson & Perrott, Mahonpoint Retail Park, Cork, Sheils Limerick, Ennis Road, Limerick; Sheils Galway, Headford Road, Galway; and Colm Hanly Motors, Cashel, Tipperary.
The all electric MG ZS and plug-in hybrid MG HS will debut in showrooms in December.
The MG ZS compact SUV has a range of 263 km and is available from €28,995 for the Excite trim level, and from €31,995 for the Exclusive trim.
The MG HS is a mid-sized family SUV with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that delivers a 52 km driving range in pure electric mode.
Pricing for the HS range starts from €33,150.
In early 2021 the MG range will be joined by the all-electric MG5 Sportwagon with a range of 345 km.
Gerard Rice, Managing Director, MG Motor Ireland, said:
“We are delighted to announce our MG Motor Dealer network from launch and are thrilled to be working with such valued partners to deliver MG Motor sales and aftersales in the Irish market. We look forward to the growth and success of the brand by working closely with the dealers who will look after the electric vehicle desire of the customer as the MG Motor brand is re-born in Ireland.”
MG Motor Returns To Ireland
MG Motor is returning to Ireland this winter with a new range of electric and plug-in hybrid cars on the way.
Frank Keane Group has been announced as the new distributor for the MG Motor brand in Ireland and will be responsible for the roll out of the brand's range here in Ireland.
The first model to go on sale here in November will be the MG ZS. It's being pitched as 'Ireland’s first truly affordable, family friendly electric car as a compact SUV'. The new electric compact SUV from MG will be priced from €28,995 and will come with a 7 year warranty. It has a 44.5 kWh battery and a range of 262 km (WLTP).
The launch of the MG ZS on the Irish market will be followed by the arrival of the electric MG 5 Sportwagon and plug-in hybrid MG HS mid size SUV in the coming months.
Billy Riordan, CEO of the Frank Keane Group, commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be getting involved with MG as their Irish partner. It is an exciting time for this growing brand which has such a rich history. The Frank Keane Group started its life in motor distribution over 50 years ago and we look forward to this next step in our journey.”
MG is the fastest growing car brand in the UK and growing across Europe with sales in a number of markets. Gerard Rice, Managing Director at MG Motor Ireland says the brand is currently in the process of building a nationwide dealer network for the MG Motor brand, with keen interest from a number of potential retail partners in becoming an MG Motor dealer in Ireland.
A website will also follow shortly where consumers can find out more about the MG range.
Gregory Webb, Head of Business Development UK, Ireland and EU right-hand-drive markets commented: “We are delighted to be working with the Frank Keane Group to bring the new electric MG brand to Ireland. We selected Frank Keane Group because of its wealth of experience in the Irish market. With our exciting new range of electric MGs, we will be able to offer the Irish motorist fantastic low and zero emissions options across the board.”
Frank Keane Group has over 50 years experience in the Irish motor industry. In 1967 Frank Keane was awarded the franchise for BMW, and was responsible for establishing, promoting and enhancing the brand and reputation of the marque in Ireland. In 1984 the Group was awarded the Irish distributor rights for Mitsubishi Motors and FUSO Trucks.
In 2003 the Group established its first retail presence with a BMW dealership in Dublin and in 2011 added a successful partnership with Volkswagen.
The Group now has a retail presence across 6 separate locations in South and West Dublin.