MG ZS EV 2020: Could this be Australia's cheapest electric vehicle?

MG Motor Australia is priming what could be the country’s cheapest full-electric vehicle in the form of its ZS EV, which is expected to land in local showrooms next year wearing a circa-$40,000 pricetag.

Priced at £21,495 in the UK, a direct conversion would place the emissions-free MG eZS small SUV at $38,133 before on-road costs, undercutting Australia’s current most-affordable electric vehicle (EV), the $44,990 Hyundai Ioniq Electric, by almost $7000.

The catch however, is that the introductory price of the ZS EV is only available to the first 1000 customers, after which costs will rise to £28,495 ($A50,551), placing it close to the second-generation Nissan that kicks off at $49,990 in Australia.

Even at its revised pricetag though, the MG eZS will still likely be the most-affordable electric SUV, priced below the Hyundai Kona Electric that kicks off at $59,990.

Underpinned by a 105kW/353Nm electric motor that powers the front axle, the MG ZS EV is also fitted with a 44.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that will propel the small SUV up to 262km, as tested on the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing (WLTP) procedure.

In comparison, the new Nissan Leaf will hit 270km of distance from its 40kWh battery and the Hyundai Ioniq Electric will travel 280km thanks to its 28kWh battery, although the latter was tested on the now outdated New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) test.

Hyundai’s Kona Electric will have the upper hand in driving range though, boasting a 449km distance from its 64kWh battery when tested on the WLTP.

UK-spec MG ZS EVs will also come packed with advanced driver assist safety features that are expected to migrate to local vehicles, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity is also fitted from the factory, while a sunroof and new-look 17-inch wheels are also available to buyers.

MG Motor Australia’s current three-variant ZS line-up kicks off at $22,990 driveaway for the Excite, moves up to the $24,990 Excite Plus and tops out with the $26,990 Essence.

Deliveries of the MG ZS EV start in September in the UK, indicating a 2020 launch for Australia.

Will the MG ZS EV be the first all-electric vehicle to find mainstream success? Tell us what you think in the comments below.