Cheap as microchips: MG charges forward with new bargain basement electric launch

The erstwhile manufacturer of zippy English roadsters is continuing its rebranding efforts with an all-new, fossil-fuel-free, family affair

Feeding time for the new MG. All photos courtesy SAIC

Looks ready to go.

In the driver's seat.

Logo on the rim.

Plug it in and get on the road.

Looks comfy in there.

And into the traffic.

Just the spot for your favourite backseat driver.

It's very shiny, but it hasn't been outdoors yet.

The MG Motor brand is continuing its assault on the world's car markets with another bargain basement release — and this time it's an all-electric affair.

The covers have just come off the company's ZS EV and, until April, you can get one in the UAE for less than Dh100,000.

Based on MG's 1.5-litre, petrol powered ZS SUV, the zero-emissions newcomer will apparently get an 80 per cent battery recharge in just 40 minutes. It has 148 brake horse power and can get from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 8.2 seconds. And the marketing bumf claims you can get 335km out of a single charge.

Even at this price point, you get a decent amount of kit for your cash - an infotainment system with 8-inch touch screen and parking sensors come as standard, as does lane departure warning and lane keep assistance.

Looks-wise, the ZS EV features swept back headlights complete with LED lighting strips, together with a prominent bonnet and suitably wide grille.

Dating back to 1924, MG is a brand from the UK that enjoyed some success as a maker of inexpensive sports roadsters during its heyday. It was purchased by the Chinese state-owned Nanjing Automobile Group in 2005 before that company merged with SAIC Motor two years later. Thus, after a little inter-firm wrangling, MG was relaunched as a manufacturer of budget-­friendly, family cars.

If that sounds like your bag, you can get a ZS EV for Dh99,500 (excluding VAT) in the UAE right now. Deep pockets clearly not required.