8 minute read
COVER Early verdict is in on all-new 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
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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, 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.
news inbrief
New look and trims for MG’s EV estate
THE MG4 (left) will sit alongside an updated MG5 EV, which has gone on sale in Britain. Prices for the revised all-electric estate car start from £30,995 for SE trim, while higherspec Trophy trim starts from £33,495. With an updated look thanks to a new front end and a refreshed interior, the MG5 is powered by a 61.1kWh battery and 154bhp electric motor, which sends drive to the front wheels. Maximum range stands at 249 miles.
MoT test demand expected to surge
DRIVERS have been warned to book their cars in early for MoT tests because of an expected surge in demand. Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency data analysed by BookMyGarage.com suggests a 23 per cent spike in MoT bookings will come in late summer and early autumn. September is expected to be the busiest month, with 770,000 additional vehicles requiring testing.
Gridserve offers multi-make drives
PROSPECTIVE electric car buyers can now test drive EVs from a range of different brands at a single site. Gridserve is offering multi-brand EV test drives from its Electric Forecourts in Braintree and Norwich. The electric cars available to test include the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Polestar 2, Mercedes EQB and Nissan Leaf.
As well as offering EV public charging, Gridserve now has a leasing service; drivers who test cars at the sites can also access finance packages directly through the firm.
Welshspeedlimitrestriction NEWS Wales brings in 20mph limit in built-up areas
Tristan Shale-Hester
tristan _ shale-hester@autovia.co.uk @tristan _ shale
A DEFAULT speed limit of 20mph in residential and built-up areas is to be implemented across Wales.
Typically in the UK, local roads with street lights and no speed limit signs default to 30mph, but Wales has decided to change this to 20mph, first via a trial in eight communities, before being rolled out across the country from September 2023.
Currently, just 2.5 per cent of Welsh roads have a 20mph limit, but this will increase to approximately 35 per cent once the changes – which were proposed by the Welsh government and approved by the Senedd – are fully implemented.
The Welsh government has said it will work with the nation’s 22 councils on the rollout, because they “know their area best” , allowing them to choose which roads should remain as 30mph zones.
While Wales had previously been subject to the UK’s national speed limit laws, devolved powers let authorities make such changes. It’s expected that the Welsh plan to reduce limits to a blanket 20mph on restricted roads will be copied in Scotland. Similar measures are planned for 2025 as part of the power-sharing agreement between the Scottish National Party and the Green Party.
Welsh minister for climate change Julie James said: “Decreasing speeds not only reduces accidents and saves lives, but helps improve people’s quality of life.
“We know this move won’t be easy, but over time 20mph will become the norm. ”
Mary Williams OBE, chief executive of road safety charity Brake, welcomed the news, saying: “There is undisputable evidence that slowing down prevents SLOW DOWN
Wales is cutting speed limits on restricted roads from 30mph to 20mph
OFFICIAL
crashes and reduces injuries. It gives drivers more time to think and brake and look around for vulnerable road users. ”
The RAC’s road safety spokesman Simon Williams said: “Research by the RAC suggests compliance with 20mph speed limits is quite poor, with an increasing number of drivers believing the limit is inappropriate for the road.
“Rather than setting a default 20mph limit on all restricted roads, it would be better to target areas where they are most needed, as opposed to main ‘arterial’ roads where there are few pedestrians. ”
JULIE JAMES Welsh climate change minister
QUIRKY
The concept’s central baby seat is likely to be replaced by a regular seat in the final car
Vision 7S: a seven-seat EV
THIS new teaser from Skoda previews an all-electric seven-seater concept – called Vision 7S – that will outline the brand’s future ‘Modern solid’ design language when it’s revealed in full later this year. The SUV concept’s cabin sports a novel 6+1 layout, with two seats in each of the three rows plus a central baby seat; this is likely to be a show-car element, with the space in the middle of the production car to be used for three seats, to deliver a full seven-seater.
The Vision 7S concept is likely to be fully revealed by early September.
Reaction to Wales’ new 20mph limit
AUTO Express readers have reacted negatively to the news of Wales’ default 20mph speed limits.
Mike Burton wrote in to say: “Visitors are very likely to go home from Wales with a £100 fine and three points on their licences.
“While 20mph is fine near schools and on housing estates, wider 20mph restrictions will lead to the complete death of the already critically sick town centres in Wales.
“Many residents in Wales live quite near the English border, so can spend their money there and be at lower risk of fines and penalty points. ”
One online commenter wrote: “As someone who lives in Flintshire, [I think] it’s stupid. Due to the way my car is geared, it’ll be less economical and harsher on the environment, especially uphill. Have it in cul-desacs and estates where kids play, but keep main roads at 30mph. ”
Another wrote: “There’s a lot of debate about whether it will help or not, but no actual facts. We will at least be able to see the cold, hard numbers after a year or two and then be able to make an informed decision as to whether to keep it. ”
“This will lead to more traffic jams as it will take longer to get past a row of parked cars on a narrow road, ” another added. “Plus there’ll be more opportunity for fines. Any potential benefits are very much down to the modelling, which can be influenced to produce any desired answer. ”
