NEWS MG4
We drive new MG4 as it aims for mainstream EV big guns
● MG4 targeting VW’s ID.3 ● Range of up to 280 miles Andreas May
MG is going for the EV big guns with its latest model, the 4. It has made real gains with its electric models, the ZS EV and the 5, but the Chinese-owned British brand is no longer skirting around the edges of the electric-car market; with the MG 4, it’s going right after cars such as Volkswagen’s ID.3. At 4.29 metres long, the 4 is just 30mm longer than VW’s hatchback and, like that car, it’s not quite a regular five-door Focus rival, yet not quite a proper SUV. Pricing is yet to be announced, but we expect the MG4 to join its ZS stablemate in dipping under the £30k mark when it goes on sale at the end of the year. But before then, we’ve got behind the wheel of a late prototype on roads near Munich. The MG4 is doubly significant for MG, because it’s the first car to be built on the company’s new electric-focused Modular Scalable Platform (MSP). It promises three things. First, the battery is only 11cm deep, potentially freeing up cabin space. Second, MSP is scalable so more models are possible on this platform. Finally, it can house batteries from 40 to 150kWh. The MG4 should be available with two batteries. The more modest 168bhp version
will have a 51kWh unit – enough for up to 217 miles between recharges. Our test car was the higher-end 201bhp model with a 64kWh battery; MG’s WLTP test says it should be good for up to 280 miles. The overriding impression of our short drive is that this is a busy, lively vehicle. Weight is distributed 50:50 and the single electric motor drives the rear wheels, with the chassis being tuned in line with MG’s sporting heritage, and direct, responsive steering. The overall set-up only increases our curiosity about the rumoured 400bhp performance version, which is likely to get two motors and four-wheel drive. Inside, as with the ID.3, the instrument panel has been pared back to a small display behind the steering wheel, showing only essentials such as speed and charge. The rest of the MG’s functions – everything from multimedia to the car’s driving modes – are controlled via the infotainment screen; the rotary controller on the centre console is the gear selector, so all inputs are via touch. MG says that the MSP platform is being launched as a 400V system, but that it could be upgraded, in time, to 800V to facilitate faster charging. Official figures on charging speeds haven’t been released, but our prototype had 125kW capability, so we’d expect that for the production car.
DRIVEN
Late-stage prototype MG4 reveals that the car may well appeal to keen drivers; main display is a touchscreen
More kit for Skoda Karoq SKODA might have only just given its Karoq SUV a mid-life facelift, but the Czech brand has now revised equipment and trim levels, with the introduction of its MY23 compact crossover, which is on sale now. The new-look range consists of three trim levels and five engine options. There are subtle design tweaks along with more tech as standard, including a digital dashboard that’s now fitted across the full line-up. Prices start from £26,225 for the entry-level 108bhp 1.0 TSI SE Drive model,
16 20 July 2022
with the latest phone connectivity, sat-nav and LED lights all fitted as standard. SE L trim starts from £28,090 and has luxuries such as heating for the steering wheel, front seats and washer nozzles, plus keyless entry and a rear camera. Range-topping SportLine models benefit from new 19-inch alloys, full LED matrix headlights and a panoramic roof. A 148bhp 1.5 TSI petrol, a 187bhp 2.0 TSI and two 2.0 TDI diesels (114bhp and 148bhp) are available depending on trim.
www.autoexpress.co.uk
