MG ZS EV Gen 1

Overview

The 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 was a plucky all-electric compact SUV aimed at budget-conscious buyers, though it never officially graced US shores. As the final model year for this first generation, it represented an accessible entry into EV ownership in markets like Europe. Key highlights included its practical SUV body style and straightforward electric motoring. While US pricing isn't available as it wasn't sold here, it would have competed fiercely on price, likely undercutting many established EV players. Its focus was on delivering core EV benefits without too many frills, making it a sensible urban runabout.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, the Gen 1 MG ZS EV was essentially in its run-out phase, as an updated facelifted version was on the horizon for other markets. This means significant new features or sweeping changes were not part of the 2021 Gen 1 package. Instead, it carried over the familiar setup that made it a popular budget EV choice in its existing territories. Think of it as the final bow for the original design, offering a proven, no-nonsense electric experience before the next iteration took the stage later in the year outside the US.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 rocks a friendly, conventional small SUV look that’s easy on the eyes. It doesn't scream "I'm electric!" apart from its unique star-rider grille which cleverly hides the charge port. It's a tidy package, measuring 169.8 inches long, 71.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 64.7 inches tall, making it perfectly sized for city streets and tight parking spots. While not a head-turner in the traditional sense, its unassuming and practical design gave it broad appeal, especially with its neat alloy wheels rounding off the look.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Hop inside the 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 and you'll find a functional and surprisingly spacious cabin for a compact SUV. It seats five, with decent passenger comfort for daily trips. Material quality is what you'd expect for its price point – durable rather than plush. Cargo-wise, you get a useful 15.8 cubic feet in the trunk. Information on maximum cargo capacity with seats folded isn't provided in the specs, and there's no frunk for extra odds and ends. Tech usually included an 8-inch touchscreen, often with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected.

Performance & Driving Experience

The 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 isn't a drag racer, but it’s zippy enough for daily duties, hitting 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.9 seconds. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) powers the front wheels (FWD), delivering 105 kW and a healthy 260 lb-ft of instant torque. This makes it feel quite punchy off the line. The driving experience is generally tuned for comfort and ease of use, ideal for navigating city traffic. It offers a smooth ride and selectable regenerative braking modes to help claw back some energy.

Range, Battery & Charging

Under the skin, the 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 features a 42.5 kWh usable battery pack. Green Cars Compare calculates its real-world range at around 147 miles, with an efficiency of 3.46 mi/kWh – decent for city hops. Its 6.6 kW on-board AC charger can replenish the battery overnight, taking roughly 6.5 hours. For quicker top-ups, it supports DC fast charging at up to 76 kW, getting you to 80% in about 40 minutes. While it uses a CCS Type 2 port in Europe, a US version would have sported a CCS Type 1 connector.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While the 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 wasn't tested by the NHTSA due to not being sold in the US, it did earn a solid 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, which is reassuring. For a budget-friendly EV, it often came equipped with a decent suite of driver aids. Depending on the specific trim level in its markets, this typically included features like automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, and sometimes adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. These systems helped bolster its credentials as a safe and modern family runabout.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the 2021 MG ZS EV Gen 1 had made it to the US, its warranty would likely have been competitive. In markets where it was sold, MG often provided generous coverage, such as a 7-year comprehensive warranty in the UK. For a hypothetical US model, one might expect a basic vehicle warranty around 3-5 years/36,000-60,000 miles, and a battery/powertrain warranty of 8 years/100,000 miles, including a degradation guarantee. As an EV, maintenance is typically lower than gas cars, focusing on tires, brakes, and cabin filters, though no complimentary maintenance was standard.