A significantly enhanced version of the MG ZS EV is now on sale in the UK, bringing much more range along with updated design and new technology.

The updated MG ZS EV comes with a larger 72kWh Long Range battery, giving up to 273 miles of range

Priced from £28,495 (incl. PiCG), the renewed model is available with a larger 72kWh Long Range battery, delivering up to 273 miles of range. That’s a substantial increase over the outgoing model, which has a combined range of 163 miles. It comes with an onboard AC charger that enables up to 7kW fast charging or up to 76kW DC rapid charging, giving a 0-100% charge in as little as 42 minutes.

It will be joined next year by a 51kWh battery variant, providing a range of 198 miles.

The updated MG ZS EV also features Vehicle-to-Load capability now as standard, enabling drivers to charge or power other external equipment, for example, an electric bike, using an accessory charging cable. In addition, charging status is now readily viewed on the four-stage indicator LEDs inside the charging port.

Technology upgrades mean that all models come with the new MG iSmart connectivity system, which offers connection via a smartphone app and enables a wide array of vehicle functions to be monitored remotely, including vehicle status and battery charge level. Drivers can stop and start charging, remotely lock and unlock the car, set the air conditioning and heating, and activate the windscreen demister.

The infotainment system has also been updated; it comes with a 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen as standard, featuring new graphics and improved functionality. The new model also gets a new digital instrument cluster and wireless phone charging, along with the first over-the-air software updates from MG and sat nav as standard.

Styling updates introduce a new electric-only front end, with a stamped-effect grille to improve aerodynamics and a new side-opening charging port. The new front-end is set off by LED headlights and daytime running lights, while the MG ZS EV also gets a redesigned rear bumper and new wheels.

Trim line-up has been revised and now comprises SE, Trophy and the technology-focused Trophy Connect.

The entry-level SE comes with auto air con, bi-function LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, vehicle-to-load charging and 360-degree parking camera.

The Trophy model, priced at £30,995 (incl. PiCG), adds a panoramic roof and leather-style seats, along with roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging.

Top of the range is the Trophy Connect, which adds iSmart with live services (weather, traffic and Amazon Prime) and is priced at £31,495 after PiCG.

All models feature a range of driver assistance technology – MG Pilot which includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist.

Trophy and Trophy Connect models also get Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist.

The updated ZS EV is also the first fully electric vehicle in the MG range to offer towing capability; its 500kg towing capacity means owners can now attach small trailers or fit a cycle carrier for example.