VOLT FROM THE BLUE

Seemingly from out of nowhere, a new affordable competitor has sprung up to shake up the electric vehicle market: from a carmaker that dates back 99 years!

None other than MG, still headquartered in the UK and now owned and produced by a Chinese parent company, is now the fastest-growing automotive brand in this country. Today, its focus is on the EV sector, to which it brings its brand values of practicality and a price that’s closer to reality for more people.

In fact, the MG4 EV has proven to be such a stunner upon its launch, that it has just been voted UK Car of the Year 2023, with a panel of experts selecting the all-electric hatchback as the best new car on sale in the UK today.

The panel of 27 automotive journalists praised the MG4’s design, quality and outstanding value for money – recognising that the new fully electric hatchback puts zero-emissions motoring within reach for more people than ever.

Fully charged, it offers more than enough miles for the vast ma jority of journeys, while the design and driving dynamics tick two other important boxes for consumers. At a price starting from just £26,995, it significantly undercuts rivals without compromising on the practicalities that matter, such as range, design, gadgetry or everyday usability.

In fact, what really makes it unique is that it’s pretty much the only EV at the ‘practical’ end of the market that isn’t an SUV, meaning that you’re not paying extra cash for off-road cred – which, after all, most motorists never need.

Besides its value and the fact that it simply does everything you’d want it to, there’s also the not inconsiderable matter of style. Not only does it look cool, but it has the feel of a much more expensive car too. For sure, it unashamedly sits in the budget vehicle cate gory, but it doesn’t give the impression of having been built to a price point.

Add into the mix the dealbreakers of space and safety, and you end up with a totally credible, all-round family car.

Fact file / MG4 EV / Range: up to 281 miles

Acceleration: 0-62 in 7.7 seconds / Peak power: 168hp / Seating capacity: 5

Price: from £26,995

By Oliver Chesher