MG4 EV assessment – Automotive Weblog
We highway take a look at the distinctive MG4 hatchback – not solely is it a fantastic worth electrical automobile, nevertheless it delivers a surprisingly partaking drive…
You’ve bought at hand it to MG Motor – a automobile maker that continues to defy the cynics with its mix of award-winning, cheap fashions that supply peace of thoughts because of a beneficiant seven-year/80,000-mile guarantee as commonplace.
The result’s that the now Chinese language-owned firm is having fun with record-breaking gross sales and is the “UK’s fastest-growing mainstream automobile model”.
Simply to place that into perspective, MG’s 51,050 gross sales in 2022 have been up practically 67% year-on-year and a way forward of established manufacturers together with Renault, Mazda, Honda, Citroen, Suzuki, Dacia and Fiat.
I’m already a fan of the MG ZS EV crossover and MG5 EV property, however the brand new MG4 EV is one thing else, including severe model and spectacular driveability to the combination.
For me, the MG4 is a breath of contemporary air in an automotive world dominated by high-riding SUVs. I favor to sit down decrease within the cabin. I need to really feel extra concerned and revel in further agility.
Within the EV world, there aren’t many hatchbacks on supply. Presently, the MG4’s most evident rivals embody the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born and the ORA Funky Cat.
You solely have to have a look at the image of the automobile (right here in signature Volcano Orange) to see that it’s no peculiar hatchback.
Up entrance there’s a swooping nostril, sculpted bonnet, angular LED headlights and aggressive air intakes. The profile is aerodynamic and crisp, whereas the rear encompasses a advanced two-part roof spoiler, a full-width LED taillight bar topped with distinctive, inset zig-zag traces.
Competitively priced from simply £26,995, vary will rely on the battery dimension chosen – so it’s as much as 218 miles with the 51kWh, or a potential 281 miles in case you go for the 64kWh battery.
Each battery items energy an electrical motor, producing 168bhp with the smaller battery or 200bhp (bigger one). As with most EVs, there’s a single-speed computerized gearbox, whereas drive is by way of the rear wheels.
The 51kW Customary Vary battery model accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, whereas the 64kWh Lengthy Vary unit is barely slower (7.9 seconds). So, whichever you select, the MG4 isn’t any slouch.
There are two trims ranges (SE and Trophy), with the latter unique to the larger battery.
All MG4 EVs are generously outfitted with a ten.25-inch touchscreen (fortunately together with bodily short-cut buttons beneath) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an extra 7.0-inch digital driver’s show as commonplace, together with local weather management, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys.
Different goodies embody keyless entry, computerized headlights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a peak and reach-adjustable steering wheel.
The MG4 is wider than you suppose with an extended wheelbase, so there’s loads of house for passengers, entrance and rear. And, regardless of the sporty roofline, there’s ample head and legroom within the again.
There’s additionally an honest baggage capability of 363 litres, rising to 1,177 litres with the rear seats folded down.
Driving an MG4 couldn’t be simpler. When you’re inside, merely put your foot on the brake, choose D for Drive by way of the rotary gear selector within the centre console, launch the parking brake and also you’re away.
On the highway, the MG4 delivers simply what you’d count on from an EV – and extra. The trip is snug and refined. There’s somewhat highway and wind noise, nevertheless it’s under no circumstances extreme, whereas the engineers have accomplished a fantastic job of insulating you from lumps and bumps within the highway.
The steering is mild and there’s good ahead visibility. Nonetheless, the slim tailgate window makes backing into areas barely trickier, however there’s a helpful reversing digital camera and the top-of-the-range Trophy model I examined is blessed comes with a 360-degree digital camera.
The revelation with the MG4 is that it’s one of many few fairly priced electrical vehicles to deal with house owners to a genuinely dynamic drive (the MINI Electrical is one other instance).
Hustle it by means of more difficult corners and it stays flat and planted, helped by a low centre of gravity from the batteries mounted far down within the chassis and 50:50 weight distribution.
It feels agile and energetic, and it could possibly even get playful within the moist or on looser surfaces, because of the rear-wheel drive set-up. Not like many rivals, the brakes are properly judged, inspiring confidence and including to an general smoothness.
The MG4 options three driving modes (Eco, Regular and Sport) plus 4 totally different ranges of brake regeneration (Low, Medium, Sturdy and Adaptive). Regular/Medium labored finest for me in on a regular basis driving, although Sport/Low spice issues up for overtaking and the odd blast.
If you will discover a speedy 150kW connection, a 10-80% cost can take as little as 35 minutes and, if in case you have a wallbox, it should additionally cost in a single day at house.
All in all, the MG4 is a incredible EV. Certain, the infotainment touchscreen isn’t cutting-edge and it’s a tad gradual to energy up, whereas the steering wheel controls are fiddly. Moreover, rear visibility isn’t splendid and the boot could possibly be larger, however general it’s a fab automobile at a fantastic worth.
Verdict: Inexpensive, distinctive, properly outfitted and sensible, the MG4 delivers the sort of driving dynamics that’s streets forward of many EVs twice the worth. Add MG’s beneficiant seven-year guarantee, and it it’s a no brainer in case you’re prepared to modify to 100% electrical motoring.
