Affordable MG ZS EV will have 163-mile range and start at £21.5k

The all-electric MG ZS EV will be available for £21,495 for the first 1,000 retail customers, the manufacturer has revealed.

At that starting price range, it could be the first truly affordable, family-friendly electric car. Its WLTP range of 163 miles means the ZS EV will compete with cars like the 39kWh Hyundai Kona Electric.

However, that price won't be around for long and be available to everyone. The MG ZS EV Excite really starts from £28,495 OTR. After deducting the government grant of £3,500 and the matching MG EV Grant, only the first 1,000 retail customers will be able to get it for £21,495. MG will also match the government Grant on Exclusive versions, reducing the £30,495 OTR price to just £23,495.

Despite its affordable price tag, the ZS EV doesn't scrimp on tech and is the most high-tech MG ever. It comes with an 8in colour touchscreen featuring satnav, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth.

Excite and Exclusive versions both include MG Pilot driver assistance suite as standard, with features including Advanced Emergency Braking, Blindspot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control.

The ZS EV is ideal for families who value practicality and are looking to go electric. It boasts some of the most generous shoulder, leg and headroom in its class, and a substantial, full-sized boot measuring in at 448 litres.

Although its no Tesla-beater, the ZS EV features a 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, fed to a front-mounted electric motor which delivers 143PS and 353Nm of instant torque.

Daniel Gregorious, head of sales and marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “With an exciting £21,495 price point at launch, ZS EV is a compelling option for customers who want to switch from old school petrol and diesel cars and enjoy all the wonderful benefits of electric motoring.

“ZS EV is here to revolutionise the way people think about electric cars. With the first truly affordable, family friendly electric car, MG is bringing zero-emissions motoring within everyone’s reach. Make no mistake, this car isn’t a brand statement or a vanity project, we’re here to sell electric cars and to sell big!”

No lease deals are available yet but the standard petrol MG ZS is currently available for around £150 a month.