MG Motor UK has expanded the ZS EV line-up with a new Standard Range version.

It follows the launch of a Long Range model in November, as part of a facelift for the electric SUV.

Prices for the new variant start at £27,495 (on-the-road) including Government grant, some £2,000 less than the Long Range.

Standard Range versions feature a 51.1kWh battery, offering a range of 198 miles. Using a 100kW rapid charger, Standard Range versions can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 36 minutes.

The motor fitted to Standard and Long Range versions of New MG ZS EV is the same, but due to the different operating voltage of the different battery sizes, Standard Range versions have a higher equivalent power output of 176PS.

The ZS EV Standard Range can be specified in the same newly introduced trim levels as the Long Range cars:  SE, Trophy and Trophy Connect. Equipment levels are identical regardless of the battery size a customer chooses.

The entry level SE comes with automatic air conditioning, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, vehicle-to-load charging, 360-degree parking camera, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with sat nav, and multiple USB charging points.

The Trophy model (£29,995) adds a panoramic ‘Sky Roof’ and leather-style seats, along with roof rails, heated front seats, electric driver’s seat adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and wireless phone charging.

Range-topping Trophy Connect (£30,495) adds iSMART with live services (weather, traffic and Amazon Prime).

The first deliveries of Standard Range cars are due to arrive in UK dealerships this month.

MG Motor UK commercial director, Guy Pigounakis, said: “MG is already the go-to choice for customers looking to buy a great quality, well-equipped and terrific value electric cars, but the new Standard Range ZS EV takes that offering to new levels.

“The Plug-in Car Grant may have been reduced, but MGs commitment to delivering great value, world class EVs certainly hasn’t – the ZS EV offers unrivalled specification, range and performance for the money.”

MG was one of 2021’s biggest new car registrations volume winners, in a market reported to be 1% down by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The brand's rise continued last year with a 66.2% rise in registrations (to 30,600) after it added the flagship HS SUV and MG5 SW electric estate car to its line-up in 2021 and significantly grew its retail network.currently offers six models in the UK including three plug-in cars – the new MG ZS EV, the MG5 EV estate car and MG HS Plug-in Hybrid – which are all backed by a seven-year warranty.