Scenario: Your car is delayed until Sept. What other cars are you looking at?

[Lovemyev]

I haven't ordered a new ZS yet but I'm looking at a Kia Soul as my next EV, possibly next year.

To be totally honest, if you are even thinking about either car @Kithmo , I would strongly suggest that you place a refundable deposit on them, sooner rather than latter.
If your not on the list, your not coming in ( type of thing ).
I placed a refundable deposit on our original ZS EV as soon as I could, the car was in the first batch of 1,000 cars to be ordered.
Ordered in late July 2019 and arrived totally out of the blue, just before Xmas 2019.
Collected the car on the 6th Jan 2020.
I did the very same thing when the face lift model was released, order place early November.
Let's see what happens next Hey !.

 

[luis]

I spent a LOT of time researching a successor to my Nissan Leaf 2017 30kWh. Originally bought as a second car to do all the short journeys - the other car died and we've been managing with just the Leaf. The range is very limited and public charging on long journeys is stressful and unreliable. So I started looking for something with more range. The MG5 LR looked great at start - and the compromise was not having a phone app to control it... That was too much for me so I hesitated, then the MG ZS EV LR came out and it ticked all the boxes: even longer range and had an app + 360 cameras. I wouldn't normally buy a new car - but there just doesn't seem to be anything in the second hand market to compete with the ZS EV LR Trophy for the price.

I eventually went to try one and instantly placed my order in early Feb (LR Trophy Black).

Incidentally, I checked the MG site today for dealers with UK stock - called a couple, and they only have demonstrators "in stock".... So I'll sit back and try to think of something else

My original core criteria for my next EV are
1) big enough for a "family of 4",
2) 250+ mile range,
3) nice gadgets - including phone app control

Here's my take on alternatives, looking for a car of similar size with similar range.

2nd hand LEAF (just because someone mentioned it)

First of all, I would avoid the Nissan Leaf predominantly due to the less-popular Chademo connector - meaning you have less chargers available to you on the motorway. Most cars (and even the new Nissan £50k Ariya use CCS). (I know this because I own a Leaf..!)
​

2nd hand Kia e-niro 4+

This is the closest car I could find, with similar range and good reputation: the Kia e-niro 4+.
It has specs that closely match the LR Trophy. (the 4 is also available, cheaper - no sun roof but older still)

There's a few on auto-trader - most with the old Kia badge - some with the newer badge), here's my pros/cons on buying a used e-niro 4+

Pro: available instantly!
Pro: technically a better-built car (as had higher original cost)
Pro: front parking sensors (though no front camera - I still prefer to hear the beeps)

Cons: more expensive (£35k-£38k)
Cons: used - no way to tell how the battery has been treated
Cons: shorter balance left on the original 7 year warranty
Cons: much smaller sunroof
Cons: only rear parking camera vs 360
Cons: price is very close to new £2k-£5k - and the car may have been bought when £2.5K grant was available for sub £50k cars, so you may be buying a used car for more than the current owner paid for it.
Cons: the e-niro is getting a face-lift this year, so extra depreciation?​

​

If you can stretch to £40k-£50k

You could consider the
Kia EV6 (£40k-£50k) - very nice, longer range, but my specced one was pointing towards £45k...
Hyundai Ioniq 5 (£40k-£50k) - same as above...
The VW ID4 & Skoda Enyaq both seem to get closer to £50k when I specced them up.

The biggest downside with all of those in ENTRY LEVEL SPEC cost a LOT more than the MG ZS EV Top spec! So even though you could possibly stretch even more and reach one of those (delivery issues aside) - you'd be getting the lower specs and would envy all the nice touches that the higher specs offer.

With the MG ZS LR EV Trophy / Trophy Connect - you're getting the best there is - so there's no FOMO.
​

For me, at the end of the day, the reason WHY I'm sticking to electric cars going forward is for the environment.

So I could spend £10k-£15k more on a "nicer" car, or put that towards a solar panel/home battery setup. Environment wins.

 

[Kithmo]

To be totally honest, if you are even thinking about either car @Kithmo , I would strongly suggest that you place a refundable deposit on them, sooner rather than latter.
If your not on the list, your not coming in ( type of thing ).
I placed a refundable deposit on our original ZS EV as soon as I could, the car was in the first batch of 1,000 cars to be ordered.
Ordered in late July 2019 and arrived totally out of the blue, just before Xmas 2019.
Collected the car on the 6th Jan 2020.
I did the very same thing when the face lift model was released, order place early November.
Let's see what happens next Hey !.

Not ready yet, I'm looking at the second half of next year (2023) to change, when this one's 3 years old.

 

[Deleted member 7171]

I spent a LOT of time researching a successor to my Nissan Leaf 2017 30kWh. Originally bought as a second car to do all the short journeys - the other car died and we've been managing with just the Leaf. The range is very limited and public charging on long journeys is stressful and unreliable. So I started looking for something with more range. The MG5 LR looked great at start - and the compromise was not having a phone app to control it... That was too much for me so I hesitated, then the MG ZS EV LR came out and it ticked all the boxes: even longer range and had an app + 360 cameras. I wouldn't normally buy a new car - but there just doesn't seem to be anything in the second hand market to compete with the ZS EV LR Trophy for the price.

I eventually went to try one and instantly placed my order in early Feb (LR Trophy Black).

Incidentally, I checked the MG site today for dealers with UK stock - called a couple, and they only have demonstrators "in stock".... So I'll sit back and try to think of something else

My original core criteria for my next EV are
1) big enough for a "family of 4",
2) 250+ mile range,
3) nice gadgets - including phone app control

Here's my take on alternatives, looking for a car of similar size with similar range.

2nd hand LEAF (just because someone mentioned it)

First of all, I would avoid the Nissan Leaf predominantly due to the less-popular Chademo connector - meaning you have less chargers available to you on the motorway. Most cars (and even the new Nissan £50k Ariya use CCS). (I know this because I own a Leaf..!)​

​

2nd hand Kia e-niro 4+

This is the closest car I could find, with similar range and good reputation: the Kia e-niro 4+.​

It has specs that closely match the LR Trophy. (the 4 is also available, cheaper - no sun roof but older still)​

​

There's a few on auto-trader - most with the old Kia badge - some with the newer badge), here's my pros/cons on buying a used e-niro 4+​

​

Pro: available instantly!​

Pro: technically a better-built car (as had higher original cost)​

Pro: front parking sensors (though no front camera - I still prefer to hear the beeps)​

​

Cons: more expensive (£35k-£38k)​

Cons: used - no way to tell how the battery has been treated​

Cons: shorter balance left on the original 7 year warranty​

Cons: much smaller sunroof​

Cons: only rear parking camera vs 360​

Cons: price is very close to new £2k-£5k - and the car may have been bought when £2.5K grant was available for sub £50k cars, so you may be buying a used car for more than the current owner paid for it.​

Cons: the e-niro is getting a face-lift this year, so extra depreciation?​

​

If you can stretch to £40k-£50k

​

You could consider the​

Kia EV6 (£40k-£50k) - very nice, longer range, but my specced one was pointing towards £45k...​

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (£40k-£50k) - same as above...​

The VW ID4 & Skoda Enyaq both seem to get closer to £50k when I specced them up.​

​

The biggest downside with all of those in ENTRY LEVEL SPEC cost a LOT more than the MG ZS EV Top spec! So even though you could possibly stretch even more and reach one of those (delivery issues aside) - you'd be getting the lower specs and would envy all the nice touches that the higher specs offer.​

​

With the MG ZS LR EV Trophy / Trophy Connect - you're getting the best there is - so there's no FOMO.​

​

For me, at the end of the day, the reason WHY I'm sticking to electric cars going forward is for the environment.

So I could spend £10k-£15k more on a "nicer" car, or put that towards a solar panel/home battery setup. Environment wins.

Spot on, got panels already, battery on order.

 

[DiscoSi]

I spent a LOT of time researching a successor to my Nissan Leaf 2017 30kWh. Originally bought as a second car to do all the short journeys - the other car died and we've been managing with just the Leaf. The range is very limited and public charging on long journeys is stressful and unreliable. So I started looking for something with more range. The MG5 LR looked great at start - and the compromise was not having a phone app to control it... That was too much for me so I hesitated, then the MG ZS EV LR came out and it ticked all the boxes: even longer range and had an app + 360 cameras. I wouldn't normally buy a new car - but there just doesn't seem to be anything in the second hand market to compete with the ZS EV LR Trophy for the price.

I eventually went to try one and instantly placed my order in early Feb (LR Trophy Black).

Incidentally, I checked the MG site today for dealers with UK stock - called a couple, and they only have demonstrators "in stock".... So I'll sit back and try to think of something else

My original core criteria for my next EV are
1) big enough for a "family of 4",
2) 250+ mile range,
3) nice gadgets - including phone app control

Here's my take on alternatives, looking for a car of similar size with similar range.

2nd hand LEAF (just because someone mentioned it)

First of all, I would avoid the Nissan Leaf predominantly due to the less-popular Chademo connector - meaning you have less chargers available to you on the motorway. Most cars (and even the new Nissan £50k Ariya use CCS). (I know this because I own a Leaf..!)​

​

2nd hand Kia e-niro 4+

This is the closest car I could find, with similar range and good reputation: the Kia e-niro 4+.​

It has specs that closely match the LR Trophy. (the 4 is also available, cheaper - no sun roof but older still)​

​

There's a few on auto-trader - most with the old Kia badge - some with the newer badge), here's my pros/cons on buying a used e-niro 4+​

​

Pro: available instantly!​

Pro: technically a better-built car (as had higher original cost)​

Pro: front parking sensors (though no front camera - I still prefer to hear the beeps)​

​

Cons: more expensive (£35k-£38k)​

Cons: used - no way to tell how the battery has been treated​

Cons: shorter balance left on the original 7 year warranty​

Cons: much smaller sunroof​

Cons: only rear parking camera vs 360​

Cons: price is very close to new £2k-£5k - and the car may have been bought when £2.5K grant was available for sub £50k cars, so you may be buying a used car for more than the current owner paid for it.​

Cons: the e-niro is getting a face-lift this year, so extra depreciation?​

​

If you can stretch to £40k-£50k

​

You could consider the​

Kia EV6 (£40k-£50k) - very nice, longer range, but my specced one was pointing towards £45k...​

Hyundai Ioniq 5 (£40k-£50k) - same as above...​

The VW ID4 & Skoda Enyaq both seem to get closer to £50k when I specced them up.​

​

The biggest downside with all of those in ENTRY LEVEL SPEC cost a LOT more than the MG ZS EV Top spec! So even though you could possibly stretch even more and reach one of those (delivery issues aside) - you'd be getting the lower specs and would envy all the nice touches that the higher specs offer.​

​

With the MG ZS LR EV Trophy / Trophy Connect - you're getting the best there is - so there's no FOMO.​

​

For me, at the end of the day, the reason WHY I'm sticking to electric cars going forward is for the environment.

So I could spend £10k-£15k more on a "nicer" car, or put that towards a solar panel/home battery setup. Environment wins.

This is exactly the same thought process I went through - bought a second hand 2015 Leaf in 2017. Its brill but limited in range (and with Chademo now out of favour will become harder to rapid charge). We use it as our main car with a petrol Corsa for long journeys which the ZS will replace.

The ZS covered a lot of features we've become used to in the Leaf, the only thing missing is the heated steering wheel. The long range came out at the right time as we liked but discounted the original ZS based on range and were looking at e-Niro/EV6 etc at the time.

Solar panels and batteries on the way in 3 weeks time...hopefully the car won't be too far behind!

 

[neilp7865]

Realistically there aren’t any non MG options that hit the mark for me.

I ordered the ZS as I didn’t want to wait for the 5 facelift to appear in the UK.

Miles had previously suggested Q3/4 for it to land here.

My decision is whether to stick with the ZS or cancel, accept a bit more of a delay and instead get the 5. Problem is it’s not even been announced yet in the UK!

 

[luis]

The ZS covered a lot of features we've become used to in the Leaf, the only thing missing is the heated steering wheel.

lol - that’s exactly the one thing I’ll miss. I even started looking for a possible retro-fit or heated gloves. I had never had a heated steering wheel before the leaf - but in the winter months it’s such a comfort. I’m trying to avoid using it now (whilst I wait indefinitely) to wean myself off it!

First World problems, eh?

 

[DiscoSi]

lol - that’s exactly the one thing I’ll miss. I even started looking for a possible retro-fit or heated gloves. I had never had a heated steering wheel before the leaf - but in the winter months it’s such a comfort. I’m trying to avoid using it now (whilst I wait indefinitely) to wean myself off it!

First World problems, eh?

Exactly! And we did consider that maybe we could find a retro-fit option. Its the sort of feature you think you'll never use, but a pre-heated wheel when its cold is bliss. Luckily we'll be keeping the Leaf - its pretty solid and efficient so we're looking to use it as a run-around until no longer viable... I know which I'll be taking on a cold winters day!

 

[Vipar]

Well I’ve looked around and there is no vehicle that comes anywhere near to the value and extras the the MG ZS EV LR has. So its twiddle thumbs until my turn comes around. The only consolation is I’m wearing out the trade in not my new car?. Hope that it’s before late August or I will try to delay it until the 72 plate

 

[Lovemyev]

I haven't ordered a new ZS yet but I'm looking at a Kia Soul as my next EV, possibly next year.

Hi @Kithmo .
You may like to see this "hands down win" video comparing the Gen1 ZS EV to the Soul !.

 

[Gazz7]

I have been out car shopping this weekend for the LR, no chance of anything before August they said, and then they cant guarantee you will get the full spec when it comes, when i questioned this he said as an example, if you wanted full climate control, but it turns up just with AC, they will offer you a discount off the price, or you can cancel.

Vauxhall are also telling you the same on the new Mocha, nothing till August and no guarantee you will get everything you wanted.

I also test drove the Kona Ultimate, the salesperson was more enthusiastic when asked if they are in the same boat as everyone else with the chip situation, he told me they make their own so don't have a problem, hearing this I told him to see what is available while I was out for the test drive, on returning, he gave me a figure px for mine, i told him he was way off and I had been offered that price against an August date, he told me that was against an August date because they had no stock, I thanked him for wasting 90 mins of my time and left.

On a plus note because I am impatient, I managed to track down a Red Trophy SR from a dealer 30 miles away, so hopefully I can get it Thursday.

 

[sgt4hed]

See this is the thing at the moment, the ZS EV LR is so well priced, especially as I ordered in November so got the 2.5k EV grant... there is literally nothing in the market currently that I can buy brand new for under 28k that would be seen as a direct competitor for the ZS.

There are plenty of cars I like, the Q4 e-tron, tesla model 3, ioniq 5, ev6, skoda kamiq... the list goes on... but all are well out of my budget.

Thinking the same as Luis, it seems my conservatory might have to wait a few years while I have solar panels installed instead.

 

[Tall Paul]

Hi @Kithmo .
You may like to see this "hands down win" video comparing the Gen1 ZS EV to the Soul !.

She's an excellent reviewer, seen her before

 

[Kithmo]

Hi @Kithmo .
You may like to see this "hands down win" video comparing the Gen1 ZS EV to the Soul !.

The fact that the Soul is on its third generation probably also means they've ironed out any gremlins that sometimes come with a new model. I'm really beginning to think this is the car for me.
When the video was shot the ZS Exclusive was £7,000 cheaper than the Soul, now they are about the same price, which makes the Soul a more attractive proposition.

 

[Lovemyev]

The fact that the Soul is on its third generation probably also means they've ironed out any gremlins that sometimes come with a new model. I'm really beginning to think this is the car for me.
When the video was shot the ZS Exclusive was £7,000 cheaper than the Soul, now they are about the same price, which makes the Soul a more attractive proposition.

Mike P is extremely happy with his Soul as we know.
He gives a very honest opinion on his move from the Gen1 ZS EV to the Soul.
He openly omits that he does miss the pan roof and the slightly larger boot offered in the ZS EV but if these are not that important then there you go !.
The perfect car never get’s built ?.
Have you looked at the out going e.Nero 4 plus ?.
Another very well received car with great features.
Again, more money !.
We keep coming back to the price, although due to the reduction in the PICG it has now diverted the attention / focus away from the new ZS EV facelift in Trophy spec or above.
Still represents good value for money, but has other models punching at a very similar weight now.
This was not the case when the original ZS EV was released.
It was more than a “Billy Bargain” with pretty much no competition at that price point.
It’s strongest competition at the time was the Kona and the E.Nero running on 64 kWh batteries.
BIG price difference and a LONG wait time of about 9 to 12 months back then.
More EV’s are available now, but the lack of supply has not changed.
A lot of people who had no absolutely no interest in EV’s have suddenly become interested, now fossil fuel prices have risen so sharply !.
This has seen a spike in the demand for both new and second hand EV’s.

 

[Nev]

I can find nice cars (e-niro, Ioniq) but it is hard to find something with a similar range for the price. The MG cars are well equipped too, and I like my Mk1. I thought about a Soul and watched that video when it came out but despite it I went for the MG and have no regrets. I think the Soul is a good option though. I took a Zoe for a test drive and liked that too but it was too expensive. There is also the risk of delivery delays with whatever you swap too, I have an awful feeling I may just change one long queue for another. I managed to get my order in for a MK2 under the old grant regime so would lose £1000 of grant whatever I did. I think I will just have to sit tight, though will keep a close eye on what becomes available from other manufacturers and on what terms. If a car is actually available, with enough of the features and range I like, them I will do the maths and see. Until then it’s a waiting game.

 

[Lovemyev]

I can find nice cars (e-niro, Ioniq) but it is hard to find something with a similar range for the price.

I don’t think you will @Nev to be honest.
The range on the e.Nero sit’s right between the new SR and the new LR models of the face lift ZS EV.
More range than the SR model, but less than LR model.
I think MG knew what there where doing here.
The larger 64 kw pack in the Kona and the e.Nero was always the thorn in the side of the original ZS EV.
Offering 50 and 71 packs in the new face lift ZS was a good idea.

 

[Tall Paul]

I think those souls are hideous looking

 

[Nutnut]

I think those souls are hideous looking

Same here - that's why I couldn't shortlist it . Fab in every other way though, and seems very practical.

 

[Tall Paul]

Same here - that's why I couldn't shortlist it . Fab in every other way though, and seems very practical.

Oh yeah, I'm sure they are rock solid ,just hate the sight of them