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

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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.