There has been an influx of Chinese car brands coming into Ireland in recent years, and two of these have been to the fore with BYD and MG making impressive inroads with Irish buyers.

While BYD targets the more premium market-place, MG have become the more middle-of-the-road brand, with a familiar name from the past but no relation to the former UK name.

Affordability, drivability, and style are just a few of the selling points we have come to expect from the modern MG brand. Their latest model is already catching the eye of many suitors and fits snugly into the mid-sized SUV category at a price that looks right.

The MGS5 EV is a replacement for the MG ZV EV, one of their first models which had plenty of fans when it first arrived. This new car is a rear-wheel-drive model that ups the ante with fetching interior finishing and superior range.

In the catalogue it comes with a promised range of 465 kilometres from a full charge of the 49kW battery. In the real world that is more like 400 with a mix of different driving conditions. You get about 230 bhp and a start to 100km time of 6.3 seconds in sport mode.

Equipment levels are above average but not too advanced to be baffling. This reduces the distraction levels often a problem with more extravagant, expensive cars that pack in every gismo often not necessary or even used in everyday driving.

You do, however, get essential driver assistant features like: Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Intelligent High Beam Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with traffic sign recognition.

Other features consist of Keyless Entry with Push Button Start, Satellite Navigation through the 10.25″ HD Full Digital Driver Information Display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control Blind Spot Detection (BSD) Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

Inside comes with two-tone grey leather style upholstery with cloth inserts. The living quarters are very pleasing and the seats are quite comfortable, even on long journeys. The layout of the cabin is decent, with space being a noticeable feature with ample leg room for front and rear passengers.

On the road, the MGS5 is like most SUV of this size. You won’t be throwing it around the place, but it does behave itself if driven carefully. The steering is a little light but that make driving in town more comfortable in tighter spaces.

One of the most satisfying aspects is the car’s ride on even the most cracked surfaces. The suspension and damping is very impressive, adding to the overall comfort and road manners.

At the entry level, the price starts at €29,995 after the SEAI grants and Government incentives. That starting price is for the Standard Range battery with the Excite trim level. Add the Long Range battery and it rises to €33,495; while the top-of-the-range Exclusive Long Range variant is priced at €35,995.

When you consider that many of the electric SUVs in the same bracket are priced generally nearer the €40,000 mark, this offering from the MG is quite remarkable and affordable. Price is often quoted as a reason for buyers to avoid electric cars. Here, this is not an issue really and will continue to make an MG desirable.

Specification:

Make: MG

Model: S5 EV

Engine: Electric

CO2 Emissions: 0g/km

Annual Road Tax: €120

Price: €29,995

Gerry’s Rating:  9/10