MG cracks it with the MG4

MG4 is the brand’s first EV built from scratch. Andrew Walker got to grips with it recently and came away impressed.

MG4 is competing with the likes of the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born in the small-medium EV sector and delivers better balance, driver experience and road holding than those rivals. The battery powers a rear-mounted motor that produces up to 200bhp with a rear wheel drive configuration.

Models and battery range

There are three models available, with two batteries: the SE Standard Range (from £25,995); the SE Long Range (from £28,495) and the Trophy Long Range (from £31,495). Initially the SE Standard Range has a 51kWh battery, with a larger 64kWh battery on SE Long Range and Trophy Long Range.

The Standard Range has a 218-mile range on the WLTP cycle, and the Long Range SE and Trophy offer 281 and 270 miles respectively. The 64kWh battery charges from 10% – 80% using a 150kW DC rapid charger in 35 minutes. With a home 7kW wallbox the same charge takes about eight hours to full on the 51kWh battery, or 10 hours for the larger 64kWh battery.

Inside it is step up from previous MGs. There’s good interior cabin space and a 363-litre boot, but at such a competitive price, some of the plastics lower down are a little harsh. Better are the dash front and top, ‘Allegro’ hexagonal steering wheel and infotainment screen, which are nicely finished and are softer plastics. The interior is fairly sparse with a floating ledge for the gear selector, but it does leave storage space below. Up front, there’s decent head and leg room, and rear leg room is fine. However, the swooping roof line eats into rear head room.

While most will focus on getting the best battery range, it’s worth noting that the MG4 has a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds, with EV oomph from take off. Drive in Eco and the car dulls things down a bit, Medium feels swifter and Sport improves feel and steering slightly.

Where the MG4 most surprised us was its agility. Whether this is to do with the thin battery, the 50:50 weight ratio or lightish components, or a combination of them all, it’s a nimble and enjoyable companion, something most electric cars still struggle with.

In town it’s quiet and light, while on the open road it handles well. It’s an impressive electric car within a relatively tight budget that should be on company car drivers’ shopping list.

CC&V RATING: N N N N N