The Hyundai Kona Electric is probably one of the most exciting electric cars on the scene today. This small SUV carries an extravagant design and has achieved enormous success since its presentation. The MG ZS EV is instead a promising newcomer who has sparked customer interest for its low price (starting at $27,990) compared to the Kona (starting at $36,990). The model is available with a single 143 hp (105 kW) motor associated with a 44.5 kWh battery. Thanks to this it reaches 163 miles WLTP of autonomy. As with the Hyundai, the MG pack has liquid cooling, which a priori guarantees excellent performance and aging of the pack.
Although the Kona Electric (4.18 meters) is somewhat shorter than the ZS EV (4.31 meters), the Indian channel CarAndBike has decided to face both models, manufactured locally for that market. The Hyundai of the comparison has the 39.2 kWh battery (in India, it homologates 280 miles of autonomy. The MG for its part is satisfied with 210 miles, a figure far removed from that of its rival, which shows the higher efficiency of the Korean).
The MG proposes a richer equipment and a more spacious cabin (without going any further, its trunk cubes 470 liters, which puts the Anglo-Chinese model well ahead of its rival’s 334 liters). Its ‘more SUV’ design is also praised, compared to the Kona Electric’s particular crossover aesthetic.
Against all the odds, the winner of the comparison is the MG ZS EV. Are a slightly lower price and broader equipment enough to compensate for such a significant range difference? For CarAndBike testers, yes. And you, what do you think?