MG4 EV drive by Steve Rogers
The Japanese did it in the seventies, now the Chinese are
turning the car market upside down.
Leading the charge is MG, once a British icon, now part of a
pretty big state owned Chinese car company which has been the UK's fastest
growing car maker for umpteen years. And it is this model that is making the
biggest noise even though it makes no noise... it's electric.
The MG4 has probably won more plaudits than any other
electric car, for a few reasons: It is downright good, looks fantastic, and
exceptional value for money.
How exceptional? About eight grand less than its Volkswagen
iD.3 rival. True, MG4 is classed as a budget model but if you are thinking this
has been stripped to the bare bones to save money think again.
It has an extensive spec list and all the important safety
features found on cars these days including emergency braking and cross traffic
alert to help avoid reversing shunts.
The 4 is big news for MG because it marks a fresh start. The car is
built on a new EV platform that will spawn a range of cars. The wheelbase is
longer to accommodate the battery pack which is only 11cm deep and sits snuggly
between the axles.
This thin layer gives the cabin a flat floor helping to
create a roomy family hatchback.
The price range is even more significant because it starts at
a class beating £27k. For that you get the SE standard entry with a range of
218 miles from a 51kWh battery, moving up to 64kWh with a potential 281 miles,
or the extended model with a 77kWh battery and up to 323 miles. That is the car
tested here and is still a bargain at £36,495.
As with all electric powered cars performance is brisk and
while the MG is not in the firecracker division it is quick off the mark for
safe, easy overtaking. But remember, too much hard driving quickly sucks miles
out of the battery. One good thing about electric cars is they tend to make you
drive slower.
Planning a long journey is essential and if the car's battery
will take a 150kw charge topping up from zero to 80 per cent (about 280 miles
for the extended range) will take around half an hour but if there is still
around 60 miles left you could be on your way in 20 minutes.
MGs heritage is sports cars and the 4 stays true to its
routes with rear wheel drive so the balance and handling is more than tidy
thanks in no small part to its 50-50 weight distribution.
An area that could be improved is the suspension which is a
bit unforgiving on anything other than smooth roads so you feel quite a thud
over potholes.
Inside is fairly minimalist with just a few quick key
switches along the dashboard, otherwise
everything is stored in the 10.25in central infotainment touchscreen.
It is best to take 15 minutes 'play time' because it is not
the easiest to master and there is rather too much dabbing trying to make a
selection on the move. I found the lane hold system too aggressive and would
have preferred a steering wheel switch to turn it off rather than prod away at
the touchscreen. Steering wheel toggles help with some functions but this too
is best figured out while stationary.
I liked the innovative floating centre console which was in
keeping with the whole modern look to the cabin, but got the thumbs down from a
couple of passengers because the USB charging points are unsighted, while
reaching for the cupholder trays is also awkward. A bit over picky I thought.
There is a good spec from entry model and the top of the
range Trophy benefits from a 360 degree camera, wireless phone charging,
navigation, heated steering wheel and seats. What's missing? A powered tailgate
because, like the front doors, it is heavy when opening.
MG has given a reality check to what seems like over the top
pricing for electric cars and begs the question If they can do it, and still
produce a top class car, why can't the rest?
Fast facts
Trophy Extended Range
£36,495
Electric motor: 241bhp
Range: 323 miles
Battery: 77kwh
0-60mph 6.1secs; 112mph
Emissions: Zero
Insurance group 33
Boot: 363-1165 litres
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