Video: EV on a budget – MG4 Electric first drive

“Cheapest.” It’s a term that can signify both positive and negative aspects of a product, especially in the vehicle domain.

Having the lowest starting price in the electric vehicle market will likely draw people to MG‘s new all-electric hatchback. However, the brand may have to work to overcome any associated negative perceptions. Does a low price inherently mean “cheap,” and does “cheap” necessarily equate to poor quality?

Apparently not. We’ve just spent a day with the new MG4, and in most respects, it surpasses its price implications. It’s not flawless, but it’s certainly impressive.

The MG4 is also a hatchback, which, in an SUV-dominated market, will make it stand out, for better or worse. It adopts a few SUV styling cues, like black cladding along the sides, but overall it boasts a sporty, rakish design. A confident array of colors is available, and remarkably, they come as a no-cost option. The “Volcano Orange” of our test model is especially eye-catching, especially when paired with the black roof available on the pricier variants.

Underneath, you’ll find MG’s new dedicated EV platform. It comes in rear or all-wheel drive — with the latter featured in an upcoming performance X-Power model. Although it’s a dedicated platform, space under the hood is still used for the inverter and other equipment, so there’s no frunk available.

So, what’s the range? It starts with the Excite 51kWh LFP model priced at $46,990, which comes down to just under $40k after government subsidies. The specifications are impressive, boasting app connectivity, the MG Pilot assistance suite, a reversing camera, 10.25-inch infotainment screen, another screen for the driver, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired), 17-inch wheels, fabric seats, and a four-speaker audio system. It comes with a 6.6kW onboard charger and promises a WLTP range of 350km.

For $51,990, you can have the same specs but with a 64kWh (61.7kWh usable) lithium-ion battery and a range of 450km. This battery option is also available for our Essence test car priced at $54,990. Upgrades in this model include 18-inch wheels (reducing range to 435km), a twin spoiler at the rear, the previously mentioned black roof, climate control, wireless phone charging, a blend of synthetic leather and fabric, six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, satellite navigation, and a six-speaker audio system.

Another step up takes you to the Long Range model with a 77kWh battery and 530km of range.

All versions come with V2L through a CCS2 port. Charging rates differ: 117kW peak for the 51kWh, 135kW for the 64kWh, and 135kW for the 77kWh models. For our Essence tester, this translates to a 10-80% charge in 35 minutes. A 6.6kWh single-phase AC charger is standard for the smaller batteries, while the 77kWh variant benefits from three-phase 11kW charging.

Performance figures vary similarly. The motor offers 250Nm of torque, but the three battery sizes correspond to three power outputs: 125kW, 150kW, and 180kW, with 0-100km/h times ranging between 6.5 and just under 8 seconds.

Zippy!

On the road, the Essence feels genuinely lively, thanks to light responsive steering and the distinctive rear power delivery. It feels secure and grounded, but our brief test drive left us wondering if it might be too stiff for New Zealand’s variable road conditions. Tyre noise in the Essence model was slightly pronounced, but the drivetrain was silent. The brakes felt intuitive and lacked any odd regenerative braking sensation.

The MG Pilot system felt smooth during our brief tests, adeptly tracking marked roads. Unlike the ZS, it uses regenerative braking while in adaptive cruise mode. Safety features include autonomous emergency braking, active lane support, and fatigue monitoring.

At first glance, the car’s interior is impressive. Everything is a shade of black, with well-placed steering wheel controls, including joysticks for menus and the MG Pilot system. The central platform for the transmission dial feels ergonomically sound.

The infotainment system, similar to the one in the ZS, seems slightly more responsive. Could there be a hardware upgrade beneath the surface? If there is one thing we don’t like it is the overly warped image from the reversing camera.

Some of the finishes reveal the car’s price point. The doors are adorned with notably rigid plastic, as is the lower center console, and the transmission binnacle has some sharp edges.

The front seats are spacious and cozy, accommodating even larger individuals like myself. However, this spaciousness compromises rear legroom and headroom, making it cramped for taller adults. Younger passengers might find the high belt line a bit claustrophobic. If rear seat space is a priority, the ZS EV might be a better choice.

The boot is reasonably sized, dropping from the 440 liters found in the ZS to 363 liters with the seats upright and 1,177 liters with them folded. There’s also underfloor storage for charging cables, and the boot itself is well-designed with a broad opening, a flat surface, and squared-off edges.

How Does It Compare?

All in all, the MG4 is a commendable attempt by MG, delivering a product that feels more premium than its price would suggest.

In terms of space, the ZS EV might be a better fit for some, although the MG4 outperforms it in terms of tech, drive, and range.

The BYD Dolphin offers more legroom in the back but doesn’t surpass the MG4 in boot space. Build quality seems marginally better in the Dolphin, but the MG4 isn’t problematic.

Our first drive with the MG4 was enjoyable, and we look forward to sharing more insights after a more extended test drive.