MG4 review: discount EV impresses

This budget brand claims the price of its new electric small car makes it competitive with similar-sized petrol and hybrid alternatives.

MG is about to take a plunge into uncharted waters.

The brand, which has enjoyed spectacular growth on the back of value-priced small cars that cost as little as $19,990 drive-away, this week released its most expensive model yet.

The 77kWh version of the MG4 electric hatchback costs $55,990 plus on-road costs. In some states that will mean a drive-away price of close to, or even above, $60,000.

The price tag places it in direct competition with the European-designed and built Cupra. It’s a bold move from a brand that has climbed the sales charts by targeting price-conscious buyers.

The 77 model sits at the top of a four-model range that starts with the temptingly priced 51 Excite, which costs just $38,990 plus on-roads.

A 64kWh Excite version starts at $44,990, while the better equipped 64KWh Essence costs $47,990 plus on-roads.

The MG4 starts from a low $38,990 plus on-road costs. Picture: Supplied.

The extra cash buys you either more range, in the case of the 64 model, or more performance and more range in the 77.

While the 51 has a range of up to 350km, the 64 promises 450km between charges. The 77 model stretches this to 530km and it’s also more than a second faster to 100km/h than the 51, completing the dash in a brisk 6.5 seconds.

The more expensive models use different battery technology to the 51 and are more efficient and quicker charging as a result.

Rapid charging from 10 to 80 per cent on a 50kW public charger takes 40 minutes for the 51, an hour for the 64 and 75 minutes for the 77. If you can find a higher-speed charger, the 64 and 77 models can take up to 140kW, which drops the recharging time to just 26 and 38 minutes respectively.

The more expensive models can charge more quickly and have longer range. Picture: Supplied.

All three models also have vehicle to load ability, which means you can use the car as a giant battery to charge appliances and laptops.

The MG makes a strong first impression.

The cabin is dominated by a 10.25-inch touchscreen that swipes from left to right like a smartphone. The touch function has a little bit of a delay but the graphics are sharp and the menus are easy to navigate.

The centre screen is complemented by a small digital driver display that has all the vital information, including speed and range. It’s a minimalist cabin, but pleasing to the eye.

The seats are comfortable with a good range of adjustment for bodies of different sizes, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel adds a sporty flair to the cabin.

Look a little closer and some of the plastics below eye-line are hard and scratchy. That’s to be expected for an entry level EV that sneaks in below $40,000, but it’s less convincing on the most expensive model, which has some quality opposition.

The MG’s cabin is easy on the eye, although it is missing some equipment. Picture: Supplied.

No air vents or middle armrest for rear passengers also feels a little stingy.

On the road, the MG4 is fun to drive. It feels well balanced through the corners, with light but accurate steering and good bump absorption at highway speeds.

The ride can get a little lumpy on rough roads at lower speeds but overall it has one of the better compromises between comfort and cornering precision for an EV. That’s partly due to the rear-wheel drive set up, but the inclusion of independent rear suspension also helps.

We’ve driven the 51 model prior to this launch and were impressed by its nippy acceleration around town. The 64 is no quicker, despite having 150kW to the 51’s 125kW. MG says it is actually two-tenths slower than the 51 from 0-100km/h.

More expensive models have better performance and range. Picture: Supplied.

The 77kWh model gives a noticeable bump in performance and feels almost hot-hatch like off the mark. All three have adjustable regenerative braking and if you choose the most aggressive setting, you can slow the car simply by lifting off the accelerator.

The MG4’s equipment list isn’t the most generous.

The base car has smartphone mirroring, keyless entry and push-button start, but there’s no built-in satnav and the audio system is a basic four-speaker job.

It also misses out on rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring.

The 64 Essence model and the long-range 77 add heated front seats with imitation leather on the seat bolsters, wireless smartphone charging, bigger 18-inch wheels and electric folding mirrors.

AT A GLANCE

MG4 77kWh

PRICE About $59,000 drive-away

MOTOR Electric motor, 180kW and 450Nm

WARRANTY/SERVICE 7-yr/u’ltd km, $1182 for five years

SAFETY Six airbags, auto emergency braking, active cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam and lane keeping assistance

RANGE 530km

BOOT 350 litres

SPARE Repair kit

VERDICT

Three and a half stars

Fun to drive and reasonably priced, the MG4 is worthy of consideration in an increasingly crowded EV market.