MG Motor India entered into the electric vehicle segment with the ZS EV early this year. The electric SUV comes in two variants – Excite and Exclusive, which are now available in 11 cities – Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Jaipur, Surat, Pune, Cochin and Chennai. Powertrain of the model includes a 44.5kWh, liquid-cooled battery and an IP-67 certified lithium-ion battery pack, promising an ARAI-certified rangae of 340km.
Speaking to an online media publication, MG’s senior executive revealed that the company is planning to launch a new variant of the ZS electric SUV offering a range of 500km. Its launch timeline; however, is yet to be revealed by the carmaker. The company also aims to increase component localization for the electric vehicles and begin assembling lithium-ion batteries and other important components in the country.
The British carmaker beliefs that there will be high demand for the zero emission vehicles in coming years. Therefore, it will increase its investment in the electric vehicle segment from the next year. In order to appeal mass segment, MG will bring in an affordable electric vehicle that will be priced between Rs 12 lakh – Rs 15 lakh. It will be a beneficiary of the subsidy offered under the government’s FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme.
Reports suggest that MG will also launch the petrol iteration of the ZS EV sometime next year. Its prices are likely to be start from around Rs 16 lakh. The MG ZS petrol will take head-to-head against the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Save for the new grille and a few subtle changes, the petrol version appears exactly similar to the electric SUV.
Globally, the MG ZS petrol comes with two powertrains – the naturally-aspirated 1.5 and turbocharged 1.0L units. In India, the SUV might be offered with a 1.0L direct-injection motor delivering a claimed power of 111bhp and 160Nm of torque. It can do 0 to 100kmph in 12.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 180kmph. Transmission option on offer might include a 6-speed automatic unit.
Dimensionally, the MG ZS SUV measures 4,314mm in length, 1,809mm in width and 1,611mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,585mm and offers a boot space of 448-litres. The cargo space can also be expanded up to 1,375-litres by folding seats. Its fuel tank capacity stands at 48-litres.
As of now, the British carmaker is ready to launch the MG Hector Plus and the MG Gloster premium 7-seater SUV in the country. While the former will hit showrooms in July-August period, the latter one is slated to see a release during 2020 festive season.
MG ZS EV Review
