LAOIS MOTORING:   New MG4 is a real cracker!

MG have recently launched a rather good EV called the MG4. Designed from the very start as an EV (as opposed to a converted combustion cars floorpan) this new 5-door hatchback is really rather enticing.

The new MG4 comes in two trim levels Excite and Exclusive and a choice of two power outputs, 170bhp 50.8kWh battery and 203bhp 64kWh battery.

So how does it look?

My test car was finished in “Volcano Orange” so I can tell you it drew quite a few looks. The shape of the car is very attractive with quite a sporty style. The sleek angular LED front lights and low nose give it a purposeful appearance and the rear and side profiles are equally good. In short its a snazzy looking piece of kit.

What is it like inside?

The interior is well put together and there is a simple functionality to it all. There are some cheaper hard touch plastics but in general quality is to the fore.

The model on test here is the Exclusive which boasts imitation leather trim and a host of standard kit highlights of which are a 360 degree camera system, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, wireless charging, electric from seats, heated seats, adaptive headlights, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and a feature that is  particularly impressive, if you are getting out of the car and there is say a cyclist approaching from behind you the car will warn you. I could go on but in short it is very well equipped. 

I was less impressed by the small almost square display in from of the driver. Its crammed with too much info and is not really very attractive as no effort has been made to create a style. Its just lots of digital info.

The centrally mounted 10.2 inch touchscreen controls pretty much all functions. It works fine but I would prefer to see a simple row of easy access buttons for the main items like climate control etc as touchscreens are becoming way to distracting.

Accommodation is very good with lots of leg and headroom both front and rear and that boot is a decent size too of about 363 litres. 

What is under the bonnet?

The Exclusive model is powered by the larger of the two options, the 64kWh battery powering an electric motor which unusually for a hatchback is driving the rear wheels. I quite liked this as it leaves the steering unhindered by torque steer and actually gives the car a more sporty drive.

Like all EV’s acceleration is very good and driving it is simplicity itself. No start button, just jump in select drive and go. For those who want a bit more kick there is a choice of drive modes, Normal, Eco and Sport which peps things up even more. Range for this version is claimed at 430km (from a 100% charge) but in reality expect a real range of about 300km ( from 100%) if you don’t nurse it along or you spend quite some time on the motorway.

It is worth noting that EV manufacturers quote range based on 100% charge yet we are told to only charge to 80% to protect battery life. So in effect your minus 20% on real predicted range before you even set out.

My Verdict On the MG4 EV

As EVs go the new MG4 is really excellent one of the best I have recently tested!

I liked the way it drove, I like the style, its practical and comes with a 7 year warranty.

Prices start at a very competitive €27,495, the Exclusive on test here costs €36,495.

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