Given the popularity of crossovers and SUVs, it’s no surprise that many of the new EVs on the market adopt these body styles.
From sub-£30,000 options through to £100,000 luxury battery-powered SUVs, there’s already plenty of choice on the market. However, here we’re taking a look at the more affordable end of the market, with MG’s ZS EV and the Vauxhall Mokka-e. They’re both electric versions of cars you can also choose with a petrol engine, and are proving increasingly popular.
So which one should you choose? Let’s take a look…
Driving
First things first, both of these cars are improved in their transition from petrol to electric. They’re smoother, quicker and also quieter than their fossil-fuelled counterparts. It’s the MG that’s the quicker of the two cars, having a slightly more willing feel to its performance than Mokka – namely because it is slightly more powerful.
Outside of this, neither will provide a particularly big ‘wow’ factor behind the wheel, but if you’re looking for a crossover that’s relatively compact and easy to live with, both tick plenty of boxes. Each also offers various driving modes, controlling the performance on offer, as well as a choice of regenerative braking settings.
Powertrains
Let’s start with the Mokka-e, which uses a single powertrain that’s widely available in a range of electric models from the likes of Peugeot and Citroen too.
Combining a 50kWh battery with an electric motor producing 134bhp and 260Nm of torque, the Mokka-e is able to reach 60mph in nine seconds and hit a top speed of 93mph. In terms of range, Vauxhall claims up to 209 miles, while 100kW rapid charging capability allows its battery to be charged to 80 per cent in half an hour.
The MG ZS EV has slightly more choice, with two powertrains available – one using a 174bhp motor and 51kWh battery and the a second ‘Long Range’ option, which gets a 154bhp motor and large 73kWh battery. Both are quicker than the Mokka, with 0-60mph taking around eight seconds, while it can hit a top speed of 108mph. As for range, the standard car manages a claimed 198 miles while the Long Range is able to travel a claimed 273 miles. It will take marginally longer to charge than the Mokka-e, though – 36 minutes using a 100kW rapid charger to get the battery to 80 per cent capacity.
Looks
MG has recently updated its ZS EV, and aimed to make it more stylish and distinctive from its petrol-powered twin. It’s certainly achieved that, with the firm introducing sharp new LED lighting, new colours and alloy wheels and a bold textured closed-off grille.
While it definitely stands out more than before, we reckon the Mokka-e has the edge when it comes to the way it looks. This model helped to kickstart a new wave of design for Vauxhall, and it’s a properly eye-catching crossover. With sharp lighting, a sleeker profile and a particularly modern-looking front end, it’s arguably not just the best-looking car here, but also the most stylish in its segment.
Practicality
Both of these models get off to a great start, as – unlike plenty of EVs – they’re no less spacious than the conventional cars they’re based on. Each is also roomier than a conventional supermini, too, though it’s the ZS EV that really has the edge.
It has far more of an SUV-feel about it than the Mokka, with the MG’s boot being a great size – measuring a vast 470 litres, next to the 350 you get with the Vauxhall. There’s also more rear seat space in the ZS EV, particularly when it comes to headroom, which makes it the better car here, particularly for families.
Value
Vauxhall has recently cut the pricing of its Mokka-e to ensure it still qualifies for the government’s £1,500 plug-in car grant, with the full range now available with this discount. There’s also seemingly very little difference in price between an entry-level car and a top-spec model, with prices varying between £29,365 and £30,495.
All models also get plenty of kit, including a seven-inch touchscreen with all the bells and whistles, a digital instrument cluster of the same size, adaptive cruise cruise control and keyless start. You might as well make the jump to the flagship Ultimate model, though, which gets a larger 10-inch touchscreen and 12-inch digital dial system, along with leather seats, Matrix LED headlights and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
The MG is the more affordable option, though, with the standard car starting from £27,495 and the Long Range model available from £29,495 – broadly the same as the entry-level Mokka-e. You still get a huge amount of equipment on this SE car, too, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree parking camera, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control.
The mid-range Trophy model would be our pick, though, adding features like a panoramic sunroof, electric driver’s seat, heated seats and a wireless smartphone charger. Just be aware that in Long Range form, it’s priced from £33,495 it misses out on the government’s plug-in car grant, which only applies to models costing under £32,000.
Verdict
Both of these models demonstrate just how easy electric cars can be to live with. Both will slot into day-to-day life thanks to their laid-back driving experiences, generous equipment levels and decent range – not forgetting the quick charging times.
But it’s the MG ZS EV that takes the lead here. This new car gets a far more pleasant interior, while its roomier interior and more affordable prices make it the pick over the Vauxhall Mokka-e. You also get a longer warranty with the MG (by an impressive four years), while the Long Range model can go noticeably further on a charge too, providing you stay clear of higher-spec versions.
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