Articles by Tim Nicholson

MG locks in a dual-cab ute for Australia.

The long-awaited replacement for the top-selling MG ZS EV has been detailed ahead of its imminent arrival in Australian showrooms.Dubbed the MGS5 EV, the new small EV replaces the affordable ZS EV that sold in significant numbers for the Chinese giant. Interested buyers can register their interest now and the new model will go on sale in May.MG is yet to confirm pricing for the MGS5 EV, but it is expected to be more expensive than the model it replaces. Earlier this year in runout the ZS EV was down to $36,888 drive-away for both model grades, but the regular pricing started around $45,000 drive-away.MG also has the mechanically-related MG4 small hatchback in its stable which is priced from about $41,000 drive-away. But being an SUV, the MGS5 EV is expected to also be popular with buyers.In Australia the MGS5 EV will be offered in two battery sizes and two distinct model grades, meaning there are four options for buyers. The battery sizes are 49kWh and 62kWh, with the Excite and Essence spec available for both.According to MG, the WLTP driving range for the 49kWh is 340Km for the Excite and 335km for the Essence. While the 62kWh offers 430km in Excite and 425km in Essence guise.Energy efficiency is rated between 16.6 to 17.7kWh/100km, which is not far off the outgoing ZS EV.The 0-100km/h time ranges from 8.0 to 8.6 seconds, depending on the grade.The rear-wheel drive EV has a motor that pumps out 125kW/250Nm and it offers one pedal driving with three levels of regenerative braking.It has a 6.6kW onboard charger and can boost the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in 19 minutes on a fast charger, according to MG. The maximum DC charging on the 49kWh is 120kW increasing to 150kW for the 62kWh.The MGS5 EV is larger in most dimensions than the ZS EV, except for height. But the 2730mm wheelbase is 145mm longer than the old EV. It also has a thin battery to liberate more room inside.Standard gear in the Excite grades includes 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric seats, manually adjustable seats, single zone climate control, keyless entry and start, vehicle-to-load functionality, 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, heated door mirrors, four-speaker audio, 12.8-inch multimedia screen with DAB+ digital radio, wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and sat nav.The Essence adds a wireless device charger, voice control, a six-speaker audio, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, panoramic power sunroof, leather steering wheel, synthetic leather/cloth seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, heated steering wheel, power tailgate, and 18-inch alloys.

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