By Michael Elkins
British vehicle maker, MG Motor unveiled a newly refreshed MG ZS EV to the Australian media in Sydney on Wednesday, along with the news that the company has dropped its pricing by $2,000 to match its new Chinese competitor, BYD (OTC:BYDDY), in the growing Australian EV market.
MG lost its title of “Australia’s most affordable new EV” when the BYD Atto came onto the market in February, starting at $44,900. Now MG has brought its upgraded compact electric SUV back to the market and matched the BYD price. The MG ZS EV Excite trim is now priced at $44,990. The top-range Essence trim is now priced at $48,990.
The MG is available with a 50.2kWh standard-range battery. An upgrade from the previous generation’s 45kWh battery. There have also been several design changes to improve aerodynamics and energy efficiency, bringing consumption down to 173Wh/km and the driving range up to 320km, compared to the previous range of 262km.
“In practical examples, the average daily commute is 28 kilometers,” said technical manager Cameron Morgan. “A trip from Sydney to Newcastle. Melbourne to the Dandenong ranges, no problem.”
However, for those looking for longer range, MG Australia boss Peter Ciao says the 72kWh option with 440km driving range is again being considered for Australia.