I've been looking at both the Leaf and ZS EV as a first EV. I really wanted to like the ZS EV because on paper it looks like a much better fit for our family, but on a test drive something felt off about it. I'm going to do a second test drive and see if I can put my finger on what it is.
Here's my comparative notes from an initial test drive:
Leaf 40kWh N-Connecta ProPilot +LED
- + Feels better to drive (better seating position?)
- + Hatchback
- + Clear instruments
- + full 1-pedal driving
- + Quieter
- - CHAdeMO
- - slightly more expensive
- - Android auto didn't want to work?
- - distracting reflection from overly shiny dashboard
- - obtrusive rear view mirror + sensor housing
- - couldn't cancel out of the car settings menu?
- - hate the optional rear view camera
MG ZS EV Standard Range Trophy
- + Slightly cheaper (-6%)
- + CCS
- + Good infotainment
- + More back seat space
- + Rear armrest
- + Sunroof
- + Charge to 100%
- + 3rd party frunk available
- + vehicle to load
- - SUV
- - Feels not good to drive (why?)
- - creeps forward (need to check out auto-hold mode on a second drive)
- - not quite 1-pedal driving
- - pointlessly huge bonnet
- - cramped front cabin
- - overly aggressive lane assist
Similar
- = Good boot volume, but awkward shape
- = Range
- = Efficiency
- = Charge speed
- = Adaptive cruise control
- = Heavy
- = 5-star Euro NCAP
- = Bike rack attachment available
- = Electric heated seats
- = Acceptable visibility with driver aids
- = 360° camera
Hi
I had a 40 kW 2018 leaf 2.zero edition, now I have the ZS LR
I think the leaf felt better while driving because of stiffer suspension, and overall a sportier feel, the MG feels more soft and bouncy.
what I miss on the leaf is:
full one-pedal driving
faster reacting infotainment system (ex, when I put it in reverse the cam shows up instantly, on MG takes a bit longer)
better 360 camera quality
the option to set climate control at 2 different times, so the car is heated/colled at 7:30 and 16:00 without using the app
automatic dimming central rearview mirror
front parking sensors
much smoother auto-hold
pro pilot was more smooth and more precise, but it didn't recognize as many road lanes as the MG
speed limits were connected with the navigation, so it shows the speed limit almost everywhere, the MG read-only from the cam, but if you open the nav, then you can see the speed limit
the fact that I can see all my info in the dashboard, including temperature and infotainment, on MG this info are on the big screen
favorite shortcuts for contacts, so I can call them easier
what I don't miss on the leaf:
chademo charger, now is much easier to find CCS chargers
slower fast charging speed (45 kw charging speeds last for only about 5 minutes, then it starts going down rapidly)
the fact that the battery overheats and limits the charging speed when fast charged more than 2 times in less than 24 hours
the buttons for the windows don't have lights on, so for someone who is not familiar with the car is difficult to find them at night
big bump at the foot of middle sit in the back
no armrest in the back