We are back again with the good people in MG and this time it’s the turn of the all new MG4 EV that we get to spend a week with. MG have been making serious headway not just in Ireland but in every country they have re-launched the MG brand. SAIC Motors acquired the MG name back in 2009 began rebranding and re inventing the historic marque. Last year we were impressed by both the MG5 and MGZS but by far the best looking vehicle to come from the brand has to be this new MG4. With this vehicle MG are aiming to offer a winning combination of innovation, practicality, value, and fun. First things first, just look at the car! It looks superb not just on the outside but also inside. Six colours are available with Arctic White, Ocean Blue, Black Pearl and Dynamic Red joined by two new MG colours: Urban Grey and Volcano Orange. This is the first model to use the innovative new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), which means the MG4 EV will pave the way for the next generation of all-electric MGs that will feature across a wide range of forthcoming cars including the new MG5. This new platform offers exceptional storage, cabin and boot space within its compact exterior dimensions thanks to its stretched 2,705mm wheelbase. Rear boot capacity is also decent thanks to non-intrusive thin battery technology, which measures just 110mm in height.
Features
The comprehensively equipped MG 4 EV Excite trim will be available with Standard Range or Long-Range batteries, both equipped with MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system, automatic LED headlights and rear lights, rear parking sensors, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control and MG iSmart app connectivity. The simple, elegant interior is packed with hi-tech features, including a 10.25-inch floating infotainment screen and a 7-inch driver display with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity. On the Exclusive models buyers can opt for a two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, twin aero rear spoiler, leather style interior with electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, Bluetooth key, satellite navigation, 360 camera, wireless phone charging and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with live services are all standard. The iSmart system allows you to operate key functions from both inside the car and remotely through your smart phone.
Power
The MG4 comes with battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV Standard Range will be capable of 350KM range on the WLTP cycle – with Long Range Excite and Exclusive Models capable of 450KM and 435KM respectively. The 64kWh battery is also capable of charging up to 135kW, meaning a charge time of only 35 minutes from 10% – 80% using a 150kW DC rapid charger. Because of the extra weight in the bigger battery there is no performance gains in speed but both feel spirited to drive, particularly in Sport mode.
Safety
The MG4 received the maximum five-star safety rating in the Euro NCAP safety test. The safety testing looks at the following four catergories: child occupant safety, adult occupant safety, vulnerable road user protection and vehicle safety assist functions. Euro NCAP awarded five stars to all current MG4 specifications. Both models have the MG Pilot suite of innovative safety features to make your driving experience as smooth and as safe as possible. This includes everything from monitoring your speed to alerting you to potential safety hazards. Stepping up into the Exclusive models will also give you Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
Costs
Here in Ireland we are getting three trim levels at launch. These comprise of the MG4 EV Excite Standard Range, the Excite Long Range, and the Exclusive Long Range with pricing starting from €27,495. The Excite Standard Range price is €27,495 with the Excite Long Range coming in at €30,995. Finally the Exclusive Long Range price is €34,495 giving you the top of the range model. There are various finance and PCP options available direct from MG Ireland.
Summary
After spending a week with the new MG4 we were pleasantly surprised. This is by far MG’s best offering to date and we believe they have hit the price point spot on for the Irish market. Thanks to 50:50 weight distribution, a rear-wheel drive configuration and a low centre of gravity afforded by the battery design and placement the drive is superb with excellent road-holding at motorway or twisty back road speeds. Inside comfort levels are good and the driving position is excellent with decent visibility. Our Long Range Exclusive model test car also featured MG’s innovative Active Grille Shutter System (AGS), which regulates airflow according to vehicle requirements. This improves aerodynamic efficiency by up to 30% and can increase EV range by as much as 10% over the course of a journey. So is this currently the best EV for sale on Irish roads? Well that would be a rather big statement but if you are looking for an affordable compact EV centered around four key qualities: space, technology, affordability and driving quality, then this could be the vehicle for you. Supply seems decent and you get further piece of mind knowing all MG4 EVs will have a seven-year warranty. Our only gripe if we can call it that would be the infotainment system and complexity to use. We get in and out of different vehicles each and every week but it took a few days to figure out the MG4 functions and features. Pretty much everything is controlled through the 10.25-inch floating screen so you will have no choice but to learn how it works. With that said the steering wheel has a few shortcut buttons and great adjustability to get you comfortable. Our advice is to go take a test drive and be sure to let us know what you think!
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Climate control a little fiddly to use on screen.
