October 2022
DRIVES
MG Enters The Big Time The MG4 is the best value electric car around, writes James Stinson. If you’ve been put off buying an electric car because of the cost, think again. This new MG4 is one of the best new electric cars around, better than many of its rivals and considerably cheaper too. In its current guise, the Chinese carmaker has been winning over buyers with a range of nononsense, value-orientated cars. Recently, with the ZS and MG5 it’s been making moves towards all-electric power but the new MG4 EV is a real breakthrough product. It’s stylish, spacious, nicely built, well equipped and is available from just under £26,000. The five-door hatchback is built on an entirely new platform that will spawn many more all-electric MGs in the years to come. Initially, there are just two versions to choose from – Standard and Long Range – with a simple two trim line-up – SE and Trophy, with the latter only available in Long Range spec. The Standard Range version, with a 51kWh battery, has a 218-mile WLTP measured range while the Long Range version,
with a larger 64kWh battery, takes this out to 270 or 281 miles (depending on the spec), which is on a par with rivals like the VW ID.3 and Cupra Born. Both versions also allow for rapid charging from a public charging station, going from 10-80% in less than 40 minutes. Home charging through a 7kWh wallbox takes eight or 10 hours, depending on the battery. Performance is pretty swift too. The Standard Range version will do 0-62mph in 7.7 secs, while the more powerful Long Range version is marginally slower, at 7.9 secs, because it has to carry a bigger and heavier battery pack. As with all electric cars, acceleration is instant and linear – a totally different and exhilarating experience compared to a petrolpowered car. It’s a pretty car, with a svelte nose and plenty of angled edges while the interior is minimalist and faintly futuristic. Most of the controls are handled through a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the centre of the dash, which is easy to use and can be paired to your smartphone through Apple
CarPlay or Android Auto. This includes different drive modes, eco sport etc, and settings to vary the strength of regenerative braking. Seats are comfortable and well positioned while the speedo and other driving info is carried on a clear 7-inch digital screen, positioned behind the steering wheel. The rear is fairly spacious while the whole cabin feels quiet and sturdy. The steering is quick and nicely weighted while the car rides well over Northern Ireland’s bumpy B roads, mixing good driving dynamics with comfort, which isn’t something heavy electric cars always do well. All MGs come stacked with lots of standard equipment and the MG4 is no different. The SE comes with the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, automatic LED headlights and rear lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control and MG iSmart app connectivity. Trophy models come with extra driver aids including Lane
Change Assist and Blind Spot Detection. Additionally, a striking twotone roof, rear privacy glass, twin aero rear spoiler, leather interior with electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, Bluetooth key, satellite navigation, 360 camera, wireless phone charging and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with live services are all standard. The real nub of the MG4’s appeal is the pricing though. The Standard Range SE starts at just £25,995, with the Long Range SE costing £28,495 and the range topping Long Range Trophy version coming in at £31,495. Compare that with the Renault Zoe, Corsa-e and Peugeot e-208, which all start around £30,000. And the MG4 looks even better value compared to the likes of the Cupra Born and VW’s ID.3, which start at £34,660 and £35,500 respectively. With a £4,000 deposit, you could be driving one for just £270 a month. At those prices, the MG4 is a massive game changer for the brand and the market.
204
PAGE204.indd 2
04/10/2022 15:12
