Should you buy a used MG ZS EV?

With its premium interiors and low running costs, the ZS EV is a worthy option in the used market. Here's how to buy a good example.

Published On Jun 19, 2023 08:00:00 AM

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Dashboard is neatly laid out; cabin consists of high-quality materials.

GOOD FOR: Premium cabin, Peppy performance

LOOK OUT FOR: Steering rack, Infotainment issues

The ZS EV was MG’s second-ever model in India and it impressed with its comfy, spacious cabin, extensive features list and peppy performance. If you are on the lookout for an EV as your next car, a used ZS EV is worth considering. But there are some things worth keeping in mind before you purchase one.

The ZS EV was launched in January 2020 as a rival to the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Tata Nexon EV, which launched just a few days after. The five-seat electric SUV was brought in via the CKD route and assembled at MG’s plant in Halol, Gujarat. The SUV also received a facelift in 2022, bringing in updated styling, more features and a slight improvement in range. But we’ll only be considering the pre-facelift version here as that’s the one that’s readily available in the used market at decent prices.

MG ZS EV powertrain and battery

Powering the ZS EV is a permanent magnet synchronous motor pushing out 143hp and 353Nm to the front wheels via a single-speed automatic transmission. In our performance tests, the ZS EV completed the 0-100kph dash in a brisk 8.53secs.

The motor draws power from a 44.5kWh, IP67-rated, liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a claimed range of 340km. While MG claimed a range of 340km, in our combined test cycle, which includes highway and city running, the ZS EV managed to do 317km on a single charge. While this is less than what’s claimed, it’s still quite a respectable figure. So if your daily running is around 50km, you’ll easily be able to use the ZS EV for five days in a week on a single charge.

Make sure the previous owner gives the 7.4kW AC charger provided by MG.

Speaking of charge, the ZS EV can be topped up in three ways. The first is via a 50kW DC fast charger, the likes of which have been set up at MG dealerships, and this will charge the battery from 0 to 80 percent within 50 minutes. The second is via the 7.4kW AC home charger that comes with every ZS EV and this juices up the battery in around 8 hours. The third and final way to charge the ZS is via the on-board cable that can be plugged into any 15A wall socket. However, this takes the longest time to charge, estimated to be around 18-20 hours.

MG ZS EV variants and features

MG offered the ZS EV in two variants – Excite and Exclusive. Both variants are decently equipped, with the base Excite getting automatic projector headlamps with LED DRLs, 17-inch alloys, an 8-inch touchscreen, a tyre pressure monitoring system and an electronic parking brake. The top-end Exclusive trim adds leatherette seats, a power adjustable driver’s seat, a PM 2.5 filter in the cabin, a panoramic sunroof and rain-sensing wipers.

Standard safety kit includes six airbags, ABS, ESC, hill-start assist, hill-descent control and rear parking camera and sensors. Like the Hector, the ZS EV also packs in a host of connected car features. If your budget permits, opt for the range-topping Exclusive variant, otherwise the Excite variant should also do the job just fine.

Design is rather conventional for an EV, but the 17-inch alloys do look stylish.

The ZS EV is a fairly reliable car and is backed up by MG’s widespread service network across the country. Furthermore, the ZS EV was also available with a range of after sales packages dubbed ‘eShield’, which extends the already impressive warranty of 5-year/unlimited km on the vehicle and 8-year/1,50,000km warranty on the lithium-ion battery pack. So any model you go for will still be in warranty, which should give you peace of mind. And if you plan on keeping it for a good while, it’s worth going for a model that has an extended warranty. eShield also includes 24x7 roadside assistance (RSA) for a period of five years, which should alleviate your concerns of being stranded with the EV.

What to look out for in a used MG ZS EV?

Steering rack

The steering rack issue is present on global models too.

A few owners have faced issues with the steering rack of the ZS EV. Take a test drive and pay attention to any knocking or clicking sounds coming from the steering while turning. This is a sign of an issue with the steering rack, which will have to be replaced. And it’s not India-specific either, owners overseas have also complained of this issue.

Infotainment issues

Ensure the infotainment system is updated with the latest software.

In some cases, owners have faced issues with the ZS EV’s infotainment system lagging. Ensure that the infotainment system is updated with the latest software and functions smoothly. Furthermore, ZS EV owners have also faced problems with bugs within the connected car app. Make sure this also works as intended before purchasing.

Also worth knowing

MG supplied the ZS EV with a 7.4kW AC charger, which was installed at their home/office. When making the purchase, make sure you get this charger from the previous owner and have it installed correctly by an electrician/technician.

Second-MG ZS EV price and resale value

The ZS EV is still a fairly new model so used car prices are on the higher side. But expect to pay around Rs 16 lakh-19 lakh for pre-facelift models, depending on the variant and mileage. As always, there will be scope for negotiation on the asking price.

MG ZS EV factfile
Years produces	2020-2022
Price when new	From Rs 20.88 lakh (ex-showroom, India)
Motor	Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Power	143hp
Torque	353Nm
Battery	44.5kWh
Claimed range	340km
Boot space	359 litres