MG iSMART app – everything you need to know

You can barely pick up a toaster these days without needing to connect it to a network. The 'Internet of Things' is the advent of interconnected technology that extends beyond a computer or smartphone, and it applies to kitchen appliances as much as it does your car.

The latest brand to offer a 'connected car' is MG, which is now supporting the 2023 MG ZS EV with the connected iSMART App.

Like services from BMW, Mini or Mercedes-Benz, the MG app allows you to communicate with your car remotely, from the convenience of your smartphone.

Here's everything you need to know...

At the moment, the facelifted 2023 MG ZS EV is the only car to support the iSMART app, but forthcoming models like the MG4 electric car will also feature the functionality.

Apple: MG iSMART app on the Apple App Store

Android: MG iSMART app on Google Play Store

Once you have the app installed on your phone, you'll need to set up a user account.

When that is complete, go to the Settings menu on your car's infotainment screen and select the BIND tab. From here, follow the prompts to display a QR code that you can scan through the app on your phone.

The app will then connect to the car, and you'll need to select a four-digit pin for security.

Once connected, you can check on the status of your car while it is parked. This includes the battery charge level, remaining driving range, tyre pressures and whether the doors are locked.

You can pre-cool (or pre-heat) the cabin before you return to the car, and even manage your ideal charging times so as to benefit from any off-peak electricity charges.

Basic functions like remotely locking and unlocking, geo-locating the car and even flashing the lights or beeping the horn are included too.

Access for the first year, for new car buyers, is complimentary. Subscription from the second year onwards is $50 per annum (inc. GST - pricing correct at time of publication).

None of the features of the iSMART system will work, but you can reactivate it at any time by resubscribing. This extends to people who purchase a second-hand ZS EV (assuming it is the facelifted MY23 version).

The car has a 4G data SIM card integrated with its infotainment system. The service uses the Vodafone mobile network which (according to Vodafone) covers 96 per cent of the Australian population.