I'M a big fan of the MG ZS because of its bargain price, transferable seven-year warranty and the fact it's stacked full of kit you'd pay an arm and a leg for on a ‘bigger' brand.

But how would I get on with the fully electric version of MG's compact SUV? Very well, as it turns out.

The MG ZS EV Long Range is available in two trim levels - SE and Trophy.

A Standard Range version, which costs £2,500 less, is also available in the very same trim levels, but has an official range of 198 miles.

I'll whisper it, prices for the petrol engine models start at £17,795 - considerably less.

The latest Long Range model comes with a 72kWh battery pack delivering a substantial range increase of 110 miles over its predecessor, as well as a new iSmart connectivity system, which brings state-of-the-art infotainment.

At the heart of the system is a 10.1-inch tablet-style touchscreen, with new graphics and featuring DAB radio, Bluetooth telephone, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, There's also a new instrument cluster.

The all-electric ZS comes with a unique, electric-only front end, with a stamped-effect grille to improve aerodynamics and a new side-opening charging port. The face is set off by LED headlights and daytime running lights. There's also a redesigned rear bumper and new wheels.

With Vehicle-to-Load capability now available as standard, you can even charge or power other external equipment, for example, an electric bike, using an accessory charging cable.

Many vehicle functions can be controlled via an app, including vehicle status, battery charge level, if the car is locked or unlocked, or the alarm has been triggered. You can even set the air conditioning and heating and activate the windscreen demister when required.

The latest ZS EV is also the first MG to offer over the air (OTA) software updates. Owners will receive any new software updates, including new features and improvements, through iSmart at the touch of a button, rather than having to visit their local dealership.

The entry level ZS EV SE comes with heated front seats, automatic air conditioning, LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, a 360-degree parking camera and multiple USB charging points.

The Trophy model adds a panoramic sunroof, leather-style seats, roof rails, electric driver's seat adjustment and wireless phone charging.

One potential bugbear, though, is that the steering wheel only adjusts upwards and downwards, but not backwards and forwards for reach.

All ZS EVs feature MG's excellent suite of driver assistance technology - MG Pilot - which includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Intelligent High Beam Assist.

Despite being a ‘compact' SUV, the ZS is a true five-seater - comfortable and with plenty of head and legroom for four adults. As with many cars of this size, the middle seat in the rear is a little on the narrow size.

That said, there's plenty of head, leg and knee room for all occupants.

There's also a huge amount of boot space - some 470 litres (22 litres more than offered by its petrolhead cousin) - plus a split-level boot provides plenty of room for prams, luggage, cycles or the weekly shop, while families will benefit from numerous compartments throughout the car which provide additional storage. With the rear seat folded, luggage capacity is increased to 1,100litres. There's a false floor to store charging cables beneath, too.

The ZS is comfortable on our main carriageways and ZS EV is a solid, comfortable cruiser, and MG has done quite a good job keeping wind noise down. Head off to the countryside - or even along many urban streets - and the suspension soaks up the lumps, bumps and potholes pretty well.

There's a choice of three performance modes - eco, normal and sport - and three levels of regenerative braking. Even in eco mode, there's plenty of punch for town driving and more, while normal makes throttle inputs sharper and more reactive.

On many cars, switching to sport mode makes very little noticeable difference but, in the ZS EV it's remarkably different - and an absolute hoot! You will, however, eat up that electric power so use it in short bursts. You'll also notice how wallowy it can feel.

The MG ZS EV Long Range can be charged from 0 -100% in 10.5 hours using a 7kW home charger, or alternatively, using a 50kW public charging station, it takes just over an hour to charge from 10 - 80%.