New MG ZS EV Trophy...it's bad

[DB Go Rex]

Recently took delivery of a new MG ZS EV (facelift).

This isn't my first EV (I had an Ioniq 38kwh) so it's all in comparison to that.

Bottom line for me is that it isn't as good as the Ioniq.

Positive
Interior is nice, it's a good place to be
Boot space is good
It's fairly quiet at speed, slight more than the Ioniq
Sunroof is very nice

Neutral

Range is ok, but after a couple of drives I'm getting 3.5 mi/kWh, in the Ioniq it would be well over 4 in similar temps/circumstances. The battery is a whole 13 kWh bigger, but it's thirster so the range is only slightly more. Progress?

Interesting carbon fibre pattern on the pleather...

Negative
The Infotainment system is just bad. It has a strong whiff of 5 year old Android tablet about it and there are some bizarre design decisions e.g. the menu to actually sync the car to the app is buried in a sub menu that is only accessible if you know that the menu bar slides down to reveal extra options. Nothing in the UI design hints that it slides. Even MG's own video on the subject doesn't show this. It isn't intuitive and it's all a bit haphazard.

The initial app experience was iffy as well. Failure to send the text message to the phone on setup - and yes I tried with and without the leading zero. After giving up and trying it an hour later it worked, presumably some server issues? Layout of the app and the way they've labelled things up isn't the best. Bluelink is much better. Room for improvement.

Regen is not strong enough in the highest setting. Why can't the car be brought to a stop with regen?

Not a fan of the looks in the metal. Yes I knew what it look like in photos, but it's worse in person. The front is good, but the rest of it just looks awkward. The short wheelbase makes it look is if it has been adapted from a super mini platform.

Steering is excessively vague to the point that there is no information about what the front wheels are doing. Ioniq wasn't great in this respect but at least there was some decent centering and responsiveness.

Tried the adaptive cruise out, and it works fine, implementation is about where the Ioniq is, but why on earth does it not do any regen on hills...

No steering reach adjustment - I think the last time I had a car without it was about 20 years ago.

Overall it's fine, but I'm not sure I share the same 'its worth the wait' sentiments after waiting almost a year that some had.

 

[Kithmo]

Some new Android phones and tablets have the same "bizarre" traits with hidden scroll, back and forward swipes etc.
Did you not have access to a test drive or at least a view at a dealers regarding the looks and steering ? ?
TBH I am of the opposite opinion on the appearance, I don't like the front and love the rest.
The efficiency drop is to be expected when you compare the shapes, the ZS has all the aerodynamic qualities of a brick.
You'll find over 4 mi/kWh will be easily achieved in Summer.
If you've gone off it already, now is probably the best time to sell it for a good price.

 

[Ayoull]

Recently took delivery of a new MG ZS EV (facelift).

This isn't my first EV (I had an Ioniq 38kwh) so it's all in comparison to that.

Bottom line for me is that it isn't as good as the Ioniq.

Positive
Interior is nice, it's a good place to be
Boot space is good
It's fairly quiet at speed, slight more than the Ioniq
Sunroof is very nice

Neutral

Range is ok, but after a couple of drives I'm getting 3.5 m/kWh, in the Ioniq it would be well over 4 in similar temps/circumstances. The battery is a whole 13kwh bigger, but it's thirster so the range is only slightly more. Progress?

Interesting carbon fibre pattern on the pleather...

Negative
The Infotainment system is just bad. It has a strong whiff of 5 year old Android tablet about it and there are some bizarre design decisions e.g. the menu to actually sync the car to the app is buried in a sub menu that is only accessible if you know that the menu bar slides down to reveal extra options. Nothing in the UI design hints that it slides. Even MG's own video on the subject doesn't show this. It isn't intuitive and it's all a bit haphazard.

The initial app experience was iffy as well. Failure to send the text message to the phone on setup - and yes I tried with and without the leading zero. After giving up and trying it an hour later it worked, presumably some server issues? Layout of the app and the way they've labelled things up isn't the best. Bluelink is much better. Room for improvement.

Regen is not strong enough in the highest setting. Why can't the car be brought to a stop with regen?

Not a fan of the looks in the metal. Yes I knew what it look like in photos, but it's worse in person. The front is good, but the rest of it just looks awkward. The short wheelbase makes it look is if it has been adapted from a super mini platform.

Steering is excessively vague to the point that there is no information about what the front wheels are doing. Ioniq wasn't great in this respect but at least there was some decent centering and responsiveness.

Tried the adaptive cruise out, and it works fine, implementation is about where the Ioniq is, but why on earth does it not do any regen on hills...

Overall it's fine, but I'm not sure I share the same 'its worth the wait' sentiments after waiting almost a year that some had.

You've gone from a car that is recognised as one of the most aerodynamic EVs to driving a fridge freezer on wheels ? so efficiency is going to be lower

 

[DB Go Rex]

You've gone from a car that is recognised as one of the most aerodynamic EVs to driving a fridge freezer on wheels ? so efficiency is going to be lower

True, but is the aero making up an entire third of extra capacity? Maybe, but I'd be willing to wager the Hyundai drivetrain is also more efficient...

 

[DB Go Rex]

Some new Android phones and tablets have the same "bizarre" traits with hidden scroll, back and forward swipes etc.
Did you not have access to a test drive or at least a view at a dealers regarding the looks and steering ? ?
TBH I am of the opposite opinion on the appearance, I don't like the front and love the rest.
The efficiency drop is to be expected when you compare the shapes, the ZS has all the aerodynamic qualities of a brick.
You'll find over 4 m/kWh will be easily achieved in Summer.
If you've gone off it already, now is probably the best time to sell it for a good price.

Maybe, I mean I just selected the cheapest EV I could find with 5 seats and a proper boot.

In summer you'd get well over 5 mi/kWh in the Ioniq..

[ Edited Coulomb: kWh/m → mi/kWh ]

 

[PremierscfcEV]

Did you not have a test drive before you ordered?
I accepted its shortcomings from the two testdrives as the value had me sold.

 

[drmcw]

Should've gone LR if range was a consideration?

 

[DrJohnny Fever]

Interested post..was looking for something along the lines of a “what I like and dislike about the ZS” but came across this..

( I’ve had the car since Friday 18/11/22)

what I dislike about the car..

That black line below the face, makes it look like a stupid ugly face..
could do with more poky holes for change, bits and bobs, I have to put change in the door handle..not great.
maybe it’s just me, but I don’t seem to be able to get the car warm? have to put the seats on..
again maybe just me, but it seems to fog up a lot?..I have the front and back window on and off all the time..
am starting to have problems with the radio playing music off my phone..
not too keen on the drive knob, had a Mercedes and it was on the side of the steering wheel (miss that)
the lane keep..so that’s gone off..
why hasn’t it got a frunk?
why it hasn’t got anywhere to put sunglasses..
no electric boot operation..
I wonder how good the seats will feel in time..

guess there’s nothing too bad really..

what I like about the car..

well I guess like most..the sun roof..
the price of it, for what you get on it..
the boot..(not as big as the Mercedes, but that was an estate)
not having to pay for Dino juice or road tax at the minute.
sitting a bit higher and seeing over the top of other cars..
I like the way the brake hold, just comes on..(had to press the foot brake on the Merc)
like the lights, they do seem very bright..
and maybe unlike most, I like the way it just doesn’t come to a stop (one foot driving) as I leave it in regen 3 and roll up to the car in front..
plug on the window for a dash cam.

and right down here I’ll put worse thing I hate…the time it’s taken to get the car, plus the MG dealership I’ve had to deal with…

look forward to others post on the subject..

 

[Lovemyev]

You've gone from a car that is recognised as one of the most aerodynamic EVs to driving a fridge freezer on wheels ? so efficiency is going to be lower

I totally agree !.
But I am surprised, that your surprised, to be honest @Bodgerx ?.
You have issues with how it looks in the metal, which I am struggling to grasp ?.
How many ZS's have you seen in the metal, in the LONG time that you have waited for your car to arrive ?.
But only now, you are not keen on the cars shape etc ?‍.
It's not really a good "Like For Like" comparison between the Ioniq and the ZS if you are being honest to yourself.
The words "Chalk & Cheese" comes to mind .
Comparing your previous Ioniq with the MG4 would have got you much much closer IMHO.
Sometimes waiting SO long for something, leaves you feeling empty and wanting more ?.
As a previous Gen 1 ZS EV owner myself and being happy ( ish ) with the product, then the Gen 2 IS a big step up improvement.
Most people upgrading from the Gen1 to the Gen 2 are going to pretty happy to do so.
Remember the ZS model is a LONG way short from being a NEW model - period !.
It's a ICE model adapted into a EV first of all, that then had a second life with a quick facelift make over, plus some much needed improvements and goodies added.
Has it addressed ALL of the issues - NO but it has taken a large step in the right direction.
I guess it really depends on what height your "expectation bar" was set too really, at this price point certainly.
Are there better EV's out there - Yes of course and a lot of people are in little doubt of this.
But at this price point ????? - honestly, you are going to struggle !.
The new ZS EV on the new platform ( when it comes ) has to really up it's game now though.
As the gap in price structures against the competition, is very very quickly being eroded !.
MG4 has followed in a similar way as the original ZS EV when it comes to the price structuring.
How ???? - MG 4's closest competition / target car was the VW ID3 which was plainly obvious.
The reviews on the MG4 has certainly given VW a LOT of food for thought.
The cars are fairly equal in a back to back comparison test, but just look at the price differential !.
This is clearly how the original ZS EV made its mark on the market.
If the honey moon is over and you are unhappy with the car at this very early stage, then the car is on borrowed time.
The perfect car has not been made yet !.

 

[DB Go Rex]

Did you not have a test drive before you ordered?
I accepted its shortcomings from the two testdrives as the value had me sold.

I don't do in person interactions with sales people. No time for that silliness

 

[DB Go Rex]

Should've gone LR if range was a consideration?

Not within budget.

 

[DB Go Rex]

I totally agree !.
But I am surprised, that your surprised, to be honest @Bodgerx ?.
You have issues with how it looks in the metal, which I am struggling to grasp ?.
How many ZS's have you seen in the metal, in the LONG time that you have waited for your car to arrive ?.
But only now, you are not keen on the cars shape etc ?‍.
It's not really a good "Like For Like" comparison between the Ioniq and the ZS if you are being honest to yourself.
The words "Chalk & Cheese" comes to mind .
Comparing your previous Ioniq with the MG4 would have got you much much closer IMHO.
Sometimes waiting SO long for something, leaves you feeling empty and wanting more ?.
As a previous Gen 1 ZS EV owner myself and being happy ( ish ) with the product, then the Gen 2 IS a big step up improvement.
Most people upgrading from the Gen1 to the Gen 2 are going to pretty happy to do so.
Remember the ZS model is a LONG way short from being a NEW model - period !.
It's a ICE model adapted into a EV first of all, that then had a second life with a quick facelift make over, plus some much needed improvements and goodies added.
Has it addressed ALL of the issues - NO but it has taken a large step in the right direction.
I guess it really depends on what height your "expectation bar" was set too really, at this price point certainly.
Are there better EV's out there - Yes of course and a lot of people are in little doubt of this.
But at this price point ????? - honestly, you are going to struggle !.
The new ZS EV on the new platform ( when it comes ) has to really up it's game now though.
As the gap in price structures against the competition, is very very quickly being eroded !.
MG4 has followed in a similar way as the original ZS EV when it comes to the price structuring.
How ???? - MG 4's closest competition / target car was the VW ID3 which was plainly obvious.
The reviews on the MG4 has certainly given VW a LOT of food for thought.
The cars are fairly equal in a back to back comparison test, but just look at the price differential !.
This is clearly how the original ZS EV made its mark on the market.
If the honey moon is over and you are unhappy with the car at this very early stage, then the car is on borrowed time.
The perfect car has not been made yet !.

It was like for like in price.

Both are reasonably priced 5 door EV hatchbacks.

The Ioniq is actually an older design. It was the facelift model, but still dated back to 2014 I think...

I maybe remember saying one or two on the road, I mean they are pretty bland. Looks aren't a big deal tbh.

It's transport.

 

[Ayoull]

I don't do in person interactions with sales people. No time for that silliness

Unfortunately that "silliness" has put you in your predicament of expecting a larger less aerodynamic car to perform the same as one if not the most aerodynamic EVs, other things such as lack of regen with ACC have been documented since 2019 when the ZS EV premiered, and MG has stuck with utilising breaking opposed to regen for speed control.

It's a case of it appears a lack of research and no physical interaction even if it's to just see one in the flesh has left you with a car you're not fully happy with but are facts that are readily available with a quick Google.

 

[profdraper]

True, but is the aero making up an entire third of extra capacity? Maybe, but I'd be willing to wager the Hyundai drivetrain is also more efficient...

Indeed, the Kona extended range is getting surprising mileage according to some owners /fora; in mnay cases actually more than the WLTP.

 

[DB Go Rex]

Unfortunately that "silliness" has put you in your predicament of expecting a larger less aerodynamic car to perform the same as one if not the most aerodynamic EVs, other things such as lack of regen with ACC have been documented since 2019 when the ZS EV premiered, and MG has stuck with utilising breaking opposed to regen for speed control.

It's a case of it appears a lack of research and no physical interaction even if it's to just see one in the flesh has left you with a car you're not fully happy with but are facts that are readily available with a quick Google.

Nothing a salesperson could have said would have changed anything.

It was this or nothing.

A salesperson job is to sell you their car, not to have an objective view across all makes and models.

 

[DB Go Rex]

Indeed, the Kona extended range is getting surprising mileage according to some owners /fora; in mnay cases actually more than the WLTP.

Yes easily made WLTP numbers in the Ioniq.

 

[Deleted member 9196]

A tiny bit of basic research online would have told you the original Ioniq (in both battery sizes) is one of, if not THE most efficient EV drive trains on the planet. If you had instead bought (sight unseen, apparently) a new Ioniq5 or EV6 you would also have been disappointed as they are nowhere near as efficient as their older sibling. Nothing is. And it's very little to do with aerodynamics - there are more slippery cars than the old Ioniq that can't compete on efficiency.

Do your research more thoroughly. And take a test drive.

 

[DB Go Rex]

A tiny bit of basic research online would have told you the original Ioniq (in both battery sizes) is one of, if not THE most efficient EV drive trains on the planet. If you had instead bought (sight unseen, apparently) a new Ioniq5 or EV6 you would also have been disappointed as they are nowhere near as efficient as their older sibling. Nothing is. And it's very little to do with aerodynamics - there are more slippery cars than the old Ioniq that can't compete on efficiency.

Do your research more thoroughly. And take a test drive.

It’s all irrelevant. You are suggesting that this information would result in an actual choice. I didn’t have one. It was this car or nothing.

Regardless, both cars are 5 door hatches, reasonably priced. One has a battery that’s about 50% bigger, arguably a slightly newer battery tech, and yet with a jacked up suspension and larger frontal area manages to reduce that advantage to about zero. I don’t know, someone make that make sense (where unlike me you actually had a choice) you’d choose the MG over the Ioniq.

 

[Deleted member 9196]

You are suggesting that this information would result in an actual choice.

No. I'm suggesting it would result in you being better informed and consequently unsurprised at your findings.

 

[DB Go Rex]

No. I'm suggesting it would result in you being better informed and consequently unsurprised at your findings.

I'm not really that surprised. The consumption I knew about but everyone gets different mileage so I was optimistic that I might get okish numbers, but it's actually panning out to be a fair amount worse than official numbers.