MG Motor India today officially unveiled its fully-electric B-segment SUV, the MG ZS EV which is 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. After 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. Hyundai Nexo Launched Soon
MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Reviews
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. According to the company’s claim, 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.
As compared to the Hyundai Kona Electric that is 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.
MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Range Charge
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 while takes up to seven hours with a standard 7.4 kW charger. MG is also providing a 7.4 kW 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 selected 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.
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.
MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Features and Specification
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 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.
MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Price in India
The ZS electric price is expecred to be over Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom), but MG Motor India might have a surprise or two up its sleeve. On the other hand, the Kona electric is available in premium and premium dual-tone variants, with the former priced at Rs 23.72 lakh (ex-showroom) and the latter available for Rs 23.91 lakh (ex-showroom).
