New MG 4 electric hatchback revealed

This value focused brand already has one of the most affordable electric cars on sale, but its newest vehicle could go even further.

Booming car maker MG has just unveiled what could be Australia’s cheapest electric car.

The new small MG 4 electric hatchback is set to rival the Nissan Leaf and the Volkswagen ID.3.

The Chinese brand already sells the MG ZS EV small electric SUV in Australia for a competitive $46,990 drive-away.

The new MG 4 could be Australia’s cheapest electric car if it arrives Down Under.

Hatchbacks are usually cheaper than equivalent sized SUVs and the MG 4 has similar battery and electric motor outputs to the ZS.

The MG 4 is available in Europe in two different grades.

An entry-level model has a 51kWh battery and single 124kW motor with a driving range of up to 350km.

The long-range version has a bigger 64kWh battery that is good for up to 450km, and a more powerful motor making 150kW.

The current MG ZS EV comes with a 50kWh battery that provides a driving range of up to 320km, but the hatch’s lower weight and more aerodynamic design would account for the increased driving and improved energy efficiency.

The hatchback will rival machines such as the Nissan Leaf.

The new MG 4 is built on a dedicated electric car platform, while the ZS EV was based on an existing petrol model, with the electric motor and battery shoehorned in.

A dedicated electric car platform comes with a number of advantages such as increased interior space as much of the mechanical elements – such as a transmission tunnel running front to back – are removed.

The design also allows better packaging of batteries allowing for more battery packs to be fitted to a smaller vehicle.

It’ll have a range of between 350km and 450km depending on variant.

The new platform also boosts the vehicle’s charging ability. The MG 4 has the capability to have its 400-volt charging infrastructure increased to 800-volts, which allows it to accept a charging rate of up to 350kW.

The new platform can also accommodate a dual motor set-up, which can boost performance and driving thrills dramatically. Currently no dual motor version has been announced.

Expect the MG 4 to be packed with plenty of tech as its current range of vehicles comes with a wide range of safety equipment and plenty of in-car connectivity features.

MG is launching the 4 in Europe later this year. There has been no announcement on if it’ll come to Australia but it is expected to arrive next year.