2024 MG ZS EV in Malaysia – bargain B-segment EV SUV to rival BYD Atto 3, 176 PS, 320 km range, RM127k

2024 MG ZS EV in Malaysia – bargain B-segment EV SUV to rival BYD Atto 3, 176 PS, 320 km range, RM127k

Aside from the MG4, SAIC Motor Malaysia has also launched the MG ZS EV, an electric B-segment SUV that’s poised to provide a bargain-priced competitor to the BYD Atto 3. It’s been a long time coming – the car was first spotted back in 2020, but it’s finally here, entering a hotly-contested market segment.

The MG ZS EV is available in just a single variant, priced at RM126,629 on-the-road without insurance. As per the MG4, this includes a seven-year/150,000 km warranty and an eight-year/180,000 km battery warranty, plus a one-for-one battery replacement if the battery health drops below 70% during the warranty period. For a limited time, you’ll get a free 7 kW AC wallbox charger worth RM4,600

Power is derived from a single electric motor at the front that produces 176 PS (130 kW) and 280 Nm of torque, getting the car from zero to 100 km/h in eight seconds flat. The lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is fairly small at 51.1 kWh, resulting in a range of just 320 km on the WLTP cycle.

2024 MG ZS EV in Malaysia – bargain B-segment EV SUV to rival BYD Atto 3, 176 PS, 320 km range, RM127k

In terms of charging, the ZS EV can support just 50 kW of DC fast charging, taking 54 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80%. A 7 kW AC wallbox charger, on the other hand, provides a full charge in seven hours.

The MG ZS is not a new car, having been revealed back in 2017, the electric version being shown the following year. It’s a size smaller than other electric SUVs like the Atto 3 and the Chery Omoda E5 – measuring 4,323 mm long, 1,809 mm wide and 1,649 mm tall, it’s around 100 mm shorter than those two, while its wheelbase measures 2,581 mm. Despite the smaller size and lower price, the ZS EV uses a relatively sophisticated multilink rear suspension setup instead of a rudimentary torsion beam.

2024 MG ZS EV in Malaysia – bargain B-segment EV SUV to rival BYD Atto 3, 176 PS, 320 km range, RM127k

This is the facelifted model, first seen in 2021, which adds slimmer and sharper projector LED headlights with arrow-shaped daytime running lights, along with a grille-less front end with the charging port moved from the centre to the driver’s side. The arrow graphic is repeated in the revised LED taillights, while the rear bumper has been cleaned up with a greater proportion of body colour.

Inside, the ZS EV has shades of Mk6 Volkswagen Golf, particularly in its businesslike centre console and steering wheel controls. The tech has been modernised with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, replete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; there’s also a Qi wireless charger and a rotary gear selector.

2024 MG ZS EV in Malaysia – bargain B-segment EV SUV to rival BYD Atto 3, 176 PS, 320 km range, RM127k

Click to enlarge

Standard kit includes 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels, keyless entry, push-button start, auto lights and wipers, six-way power-adjustable front seats, leather upholstery, four speakers, a 360-degree camera system, six speakers and stability control.

In terms of driver assists, the ZS EV comes with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert and auto high beam.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • pEVning on Mar 27, 2024 at 11:30 am

    Good
    Competitive price
    Bad
    Headache to choose since BYD or GWM put almost in that price range

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 2
  • Habisla CX30. CX30 is too expensive to buy. Even standard CX30 spec too basic also can’t beat MG ZS

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • look better than atto3 !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
    • Lawrence on Mar 29, 2024 at 3:41 pm

      Depends. But both Atto 3 and MG ZS are good but better than any of Japanese cars that looks outdated and not advanced these days

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Nice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • So how about MG ZS petrol? Should bring here too, it is quite interesting and also can beat those competitors

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • CarGuy on Mar 29, 2024 at 9:02 am

    This car is ok but BYD Atto 3 looks way better and BYD has way better specs and battery quality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
    • Lawrence on Mar 30, 2024 at 1:54 pm

      Depends. But both Atto 3 and MG ZS are good but better than any of Japanese cars that looks outdated and not advanced these days

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Lawrence on Mar 29, 2024 at 3:32 pm

    Better than any of Japanese cars that looks outdated and not advanced these days

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • ClownsEverywhere on Mar 29, 2024 at 5:51 pm

    Good pricing but outdated exterior and interior… nothing suprising but the price only

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
 

Add a comment

required

required