• High-set seats leave driver feeling a little perched
• No reach adjustment to steering wheel
• Interior quality not up there with the best

How is the quality and layout?

While the ZS EV does feel built down to a price, it’s a forgivable failing considering the car’s positioning at the budget end of the market. Though some of the plastics are hard and unforgiving, the dashboard feels well-built, and most of the buttons and controls don’t feel cheap and nasty.

Visibility is good, with a wide windscreen out front and decent-sized windows all around. Ergonomically there’s absolutely nothing scary about it at all. The only doofus moment is the cruise control stalk, located below the steering wheel in a way that makes it hard to see for a lot of people.

Infotainment and tech

The big thing to write home about here is the 10.1-inch infotainment system screen, which is a massive improvement over the last model, and on the pace of its more expesnive rivals. It’s slick and easy to use and while it’s nowhere near as flash as something like Mercedes’ MBUX it works smoothly and faultlessly. It even gets over-the-air updates like your mobile.

There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatability as standard, and you can mirror your smartphone to the large screen, too. Also, the in-built sat-nav is simple to use, looks good and is quick when routing. The standard four-speaker stereo sounds acceptable, while the six-speaker set-up in the Trophy models is an improvement.

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Comfort

• Roomy interior
• Driving position not adjustable enough
• Front seat lacks long-distance support
  

First impressions of the MG ZS EV are that it is comfortable and roomy for the driver and passengers. The packaging is impressive for the money, with ample head and legroom front and rear.

If you’re tall and like to sit low, getting comfortable in the MG ZS EV isn’t as easy as it could be. That’s mainly due to the seats, which feel overstuffed and high-set. Even in their lowest position, tall drivers will feel perched. Shorter drivers will find the driving position better, though, as it affords a great view through the windscreen.

It’s worth bearing in mind that the steering wheel only adjusts for angle and not reach, so if you like it particularly close – or far away – you may struggle with these limited options.

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