MG Windsor EV – Expert Review

Pros	Cons
Attractive design	Approximate 250 kilometres range
Value for money	Lag in the infotainment system
Comfortable and spacious	Brakes lack bite

The entry of MG Windsor EV marks a ‘Wind of Change’ for customers seeking an electric vehicle at an affordable price. To put this context right, until recently the cheapest EV that one could buy was the Tata Nexon EV whose price lies in the bracket of Rs 13.99 to Rs 16.99 lakh (ex-showroom). Now with the advent of this model, having an attractive price of Rs 9.99 lakh; it opens doors for customers looking forward to a greener mobility solution. To dig a bit deeper let us begin by discussing its looks.

MG Windsor EV – Exterior Design

In profile, this might give you the impression of an MPV however according to MG this is a CUV (Cross Over Utility Vehicle). It is positioned in such a way that it provides the best of 3 worlds. A perfect blend of a sedan, premium compact SUV and the comfort of an aeroplane's business class. So, without wasting any more time, let’s get right into it. Up front, the vehicle features a unique design. The hood layout is divided into two halves. The top portion offers a curvaceous surface that culminates seamlessly with the LED light bar treatment that runs across the nose. The prominent MG logo that eliminates looks nice, especially at night. The black piano finished strip with Morris Garages embossed is a good attempt on the part of the automaker however the guards on either side appear aftermarket. The presence of projector headlamps on either side with chrome strips below helps add character. While the black colour diamond cut grill incorporated within the bumper helps complete the look.

In combination with the front, the side profile provides 18-inch alloy wheels, flared wheel arches, and a port that offers both AC and DC charging. The side view mirrors come equipped with a camera and indicator insert. Chrome bits can be found in this section in the form of door pads, windows and door sills. The use of plush door handles is a smart move and will be liked by most customers. Just the right propositions of the roof rails on either side help the EV elevate its stance.
Towards the rear, unlike the front; the tailgate provides a subtle design. What you get is a roof-mounted spoiler that features a brake light. Big rear glass area at the bottom of which sits a chrome strip. Here you can see the MG logo above which is an LED-connected tail light bar that looks very nice when lit at night. There is also the Windsor nameplate alongside the EV badge. The bumper in this case offers 4 sensors and a camera to help aid the driver park in confined spaces. The use of a chrome strip and reflector inserts helps close the exterior design. 

MG Windsor EV – Interior Design and Layout

Tech and luxury have been the talking points of the interior. Therefore, the MG Windsor comes loaded with equipment such as a segment-leading 15.6-inch infotainment screen which is comparable to an Apple MacBook Air screen. The majority of the functions like controls for the infotainment system, air conditioning, ventilation of front seats, 250 options of ambient lighting, different drive modes, and battery charge information can all be found here. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also available within. Though while operating the screen itself there was a bit of a lag. To be able to hear your favourite music track, there is a 9-speaker Infinity sound system that helps distribute crystal clear sound.

In comparison, the instrument cluster is a smaller unit measuring 8.8-inch. It has a light blue elimination and offers essential information such as percentage charge left in the battery, range, odometer, trip reading, tyre pressure, driving mode currently in use and more. Now to the dashboard layout, as you will see from the picture here it extends up to the front. Made primarily of plastic, it offers soft touch leather material while there are two couple holders on either side. The golden bronze treatment given on the A/C vents and knobs appears upmarket. The wooden panel insert flowing right across the dashboard further complements the cabin. From a utility point of view, the centre console offers cup holders and a dock for holding your phone with the intention of wireless charging. Just below there is another compartment that comes in handy to store papers and other small belongings of yours. It also features two charging options in the form of a USB port and a type C slot.  

In regards to comfort, the seats offer a diamond-cut design finished in leatherette black upholstery. The front row provides a good amount of head, shoulder and legroom. The cushioning, under thigh and lumber support, are great while you also get a centre armrest thrown into the package. As for the rear seats, remember at the start of the review I spoke about aeroplane business class experience. Well for starters, they offer a 135-degree recline that ensures that the occupants seated here are transported in utter comfort. The head, shoulder and leg room are abundant given the size of the CUV. To store things, you get rear pockets in the front seats and a small compartment below the rear AC vent. To ensure that the interior feels airy and bright there is a huge panoramic sunroof. Talking about luggage capacity, it offers 604 litres of space. Loading and unloading bags is a breeze affair due to its lower lip.

MG Windsor EV – Battery Pack and Performance

On paper, the Windsor EV comes equipped with a 38 kWh lithium iron battery pack mated to an electric motor. Combined they help produce a maximum power output of 134 bhp with 200 Nm of peak torque. In performance, the EV will impress in the first instance. It pulls effortlessly given which drive mode you are driving in. To throw more light, there are 4 Drive Modes on offer namely Eco+, Eco, Comfort and Sport. In Eco+ Mode both the battery and motor stay subdued. While in Eco there is a bit of eagerness to perform. Comfort on the other provides a more responsive battery and motor. As for Sports, all power available on the tap of the throttle occupants are sure to be pushed back in their seats. Personally, with all of this performance, I would have liked a bit more bite in the brakes.

Coming to the all-important aspect of range, according to the automaker the EV has a claimed figure of 331 kilometres on a full charge. Having driven it in mixed conditions within the city and out on the highway, it would be safe to say that the range which you will get is going to be about 250 kilometres. To help with the range anxiety the package also gets regenerative braking.
How is it to drive on our Indian roads? Given its suspension setup and the presence of 18-inch wheels, the ride quality is impressive as it ensures that the occupants are not discomforted while going over potholes and broken roads. Its handling characteristics are fairly decent as it provides a minimum amount of body roll. To add on, it feels planted under triple-digit speed. 

MG Windsor EV – Charging Options 

There are 3 charging options available with MG Windsor EV. These include a 3.3kW charger that can fully charge the battery in 13.8 hours. Then there is a 7.4kW charger that can recharge the pack from 0 to 100 percent in 6.5 hours. For instant charge, owners can utilize a 50kW DC charger which tops up the battery from 0 to 80 percent in just 55 minutes.

MG Windsor EV – Verdict

Should this car be on your list as the next new EV to buy? Given the price point, it undercuts the Nexon EV. That said, there is a lot more on offer not just the way the MG Windsor EV appears to the naked eye but for the features, performance and comfort it provides as an overall package. What also works in its favour is the extended warranty on its battery and the flexible leasing plan. Customers can tailor their ownership experience as per their requirements which is first for an EV. 

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