Five thousand dollar trim reduces likelihood of comparo clash with upcoming smaller, but longer-legged MG4.

THE most expensive version of MG’s only electric car here has undergone a $5000 price cut, taking it to $52,975 if a buyer also achieves a Clean Car rebate.

The re-siting of the MG ZS Long Range from $64,900 to $59,990 - prior to application of a $7015 rebate - enacted on July 4, three days after the revised Government assistance was introduced, but has only now been notified to media.

The repositioning resolves what could have been an uncomfortable situation for the flagship electric ZS, which builds off a now aging petrol model, and the top version of the make’s next electric car, the MG4, which though smaller is also a four-seater and has the appeal of it employing a new platform and more advanced drivetrain technology.

MG has announced that the MG4 Long Range 77 will top at $63,990, so $1000 less than ZS was. MG4 also comes out in Exite grades at $46,990 and $51,990, and an Essence 64 cutout, for $54,990.

MG also has two other ZS electric cars, the Excite and Essence, which maintain the pre rebate revision pricing of $49,990 and $53,990 respectively.

The ZS Long Range has a cited driving range of 440km, which though an improvement over it pre-facelift format is still 90km short of what the Long Range MG4 will achieve.

Both cars format with a host of technological features as standard. In respect to the ZS that included heated front seats, a 360-degree view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as wireless phone charging.

In addition, MG has cut the price of two HS plug-in hybrid variants, which attract a $4025 rebate. Excite now costs $49,990 ($45,965 post rebate), and Essence is $55,990 ($51,965).

Both models feature a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 189kW and 370Nm of torque, paired with an electric motor that can provide up to 63km electric drive.

Arek Zywot, MG New Zealand country manager, believes the revisions make the cars more compelling.