MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona Electric: Specs & Features Comparison

Which of the two long-range electric SUVs offers a better-equipped package?

MG Motor recently unveiled its second SUV and first EV for India, the ZS. When launched in January 2020, it will lock horns with the Hyundai Kona Electric. The ZS EV is expected to be priced close to the Kona Electric’s Rs 23.71 lakh tag. So, with a similar asking price which of the two EVs offers better specifications and features? 

Battery Pack and Range

• The MG ZS EV has a bigger 44.5kWh battery pack when compared to the Kona Electric’s 39.2kWh unit. 

• In India, MG claims 340km per charge for the ZS EV whereas the Kona Electric has 452km of ARAI-rated range. 

• In the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) test cycle in Europe, the Kona Electric has a claimed range of 289km whereas the ZS EV has 262km. 

Charging Details

• Both cars have a similar charging setup on offer. Hyundai provides a 7.2kW AC wall charger that takes 6 hours and 10 minutes for a full charge while the MG gets a 7.4kW unit that takes 6 to 8 hours. 

• Fast charging services will be provided by a DC fast charger that select MG and Hyundai dealerships will have for their customers. Hyundai has additionally tied up with IOCL to set up fast chargers at select petrol stations. 

• When connected to these fast chargers, the ZS will take nearly 50 minutes for 80 per cent charge while the Kona Electric will take around 57 minutes.  

Electric Motor

• MG’s electric offering is equipped with a 143PS and 353Nm of torque motor whereas the Hyundai gets a 136PS unit with 395Nm output.

• The Kona has a top speed of 155kmph while the MG tops out at 140kmph -- both are electronically limited. The 0-100kmph sprint is achievable for the Hyundai in 9.7 seconds whereas the MG is slightly quicker at 8.5 seconds. 

Dimensions

• The ZS EV is bigger than the Kona Electric on all fronts except wheelbase. 

Features

• Both cars are equipped with LED headlamps, DRLs and tail lamps, and run on 17-inch alloy wheels.

• The sunroof on the MG is a bigger panoramic unit when compared to the Kona Electric.

• The interior colour theme of ZS EV is a mix of black and brown with a few touches of faux wood and piano finish. The Kona Electric, in comparison, gets a mix of just black and silver. 

• Those driving the Kona Electric will have a 10-way adjustable driver seat while the ZS EV gets a 6-way adjustable unit. The Kona Electric also gets ventilated and heated front seats over the MG ZS EV.

• Both the Kona Electric and the ZS EV are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But the ZS will additionally have the iSMART 2 connected technologies that are powered by an eSIM or even your home WiFi. Thus, you can control cabin temperature, door locks and even receive over-the-air updates. 

• Kona Electric’s instrument cluster is a 7-inch unit while the ZS EV gets a 3.5-inch screen flanked by analogue displays. 

Prices

The MG ZS EV is likely to bear a price tag ranging between Rs 22 lakh and 23 lakh. The Hyundai Kona Electric is priced at Rs 23.72 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

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