New MG4 electric car on the way
MG serves up an affordable new battery-electric hatchback.
MG Motors has launched its latest battery electric vehicle, the MG4 EV, increasing the choices available for Australian buyers looking for a reasonably affordable EV.
Priced from $38,990 plus on-road costs, the MG4 is the Chinese-owned car maker’s first fully electric hatchback and the first to use the new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that will underpin its new generation of EVs.
The dedicated battery electric MSP platform can be engineered for rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive and features 50:50 weight distribution which should translate to enhanced road holding and vehicle dynamics.
The design also creates extra cabin and storage space, with the MG4 offering 363 litres of boot space with the rear seats in position or a generous 1177 litres when folded.
MSP allows scalable range and performance for a wide variety of requirements but will be initially available with battery capacities from 64kWh to 77kWh.
The platform also has also been designed to allow for integration with future technologies, including battery swap systems.
During a recent static inspection of the new MG4 EV we noted that space in the cabin is very good for a vehicle that is similar in size to a VW Golf.
This is due to it being built on the MSP dedicated EV ‘skateboard’ platform.
Our 188cm tester had ample leg and headroom in the rear, even with a similar height person in the front seat.
Interior materials are a mix of hard plastics with some soft-touch finishes and while the interior lacked the finesse of more expensive EVs on the market, the overall fit, finish, and build quality on the MG4 is of a high standard and comparable to other Asian manufacturers.
Pricing starts at $38,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level MG4 51kWh Excite, rising to $55,990 plus on-road costs for the MG4 64kWh Essence, and tops out at $55,990 plus on-road costs for the 77kWh Essence (Long Range).
The 77kWh MG4 Essence can travel up to 530km on the WLTP cycle, with the 64kWh Excite claiming a range of 450km.
The claimed range for the 64kWh Essence is 435km and 350km for the 51kWh Excite.
MG claims the 64kWh versions can charge at up to 140kW DC, claimed to be good for a 10-80% recharge time of 28 minutes on a 150kW DC rapid charger. The 77kWh matches the 140kW DC claim, while the 51kWh battery can charge at up to 88kW.
Styling features of the MG4 include a twin-aero rear spoiler, LED rear light design, 17-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels on the 64kWh Excite and 18-inch aerodynamic alloys on the two Essence variants, with the latter also featuring a ‘floating’ black roof design and distinctive rear centre light bar.
A comprehensive MG Pilot safety package included as standard on all models includes active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist with traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist with lane departure warning system, driver attention alert and intelligent high beam assist.
MG4 Essence variants are also equipped with door open warning, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane change assist.
The MG4 achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating in 2022 but has not yet been tested or rated by Australia’s safety body ANCAP, which is aligned with Euro NCAP’s protocols.
Notable features of the MG4 include the choice of black fabric upholstery (Excite) or synthetic leather with cloth inserts (Essence), MG iSMART connected car technology with voice capabilities on Essence models, dual screens with a configurable 7-inch driver display and 10.25-inch ‘floating’ infotainment screen, and a four-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Additional features of the MG4 Essence variants include an upgraded six-speaker 3D audio system, satellite navigation, 360° parking cameras, height-adjustable loading floor, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The 64kWh Excite and Essence variants boast outputs of 150kW/250Nm and claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.9 seconds, while the 77kWh Essence develops a healthier 180kW/350Nm and covers the 0–100km/h sprint in a brisker 7 seconds flat.
Expressions of interest opened for the MG4 in early May with the first deliveries due in the second half of this year.
Like other MG’s, the MG4 comes with an excellent seven-year, unlimited-kilometre fully transferable warranty as standard.
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