The MG4 EV fully electric family hatchback arrived here in Q4 of last year joining the XS, MG5 and HS plug-in hybrid in the MG line-up, writes Trish Whelan.
This compact car will help the brand to attract more Irish customers with its quite eye-catching exterior design, high-end technology and its value for money. Other key qualities are space, technology, and the car’s driving quality.
This is the first fully electric hatchback from MG; the first MG model to use the new MSP (Modular Scalable Platform) architecture developed by MG’s Chinese parent company SAIC Motor for all-electric vehicles. This platform will pave the way for future MG electric cars from hatchbacks to SUVs and even sports cars as it is suitable for wheelbases ranging from 2,650 to 3,100mm. MG4 EV has a wheelbase of 2,705mm.
This advanced architecture also offers very good roadholding and engagement for the driver thanks to the car’s 50:50 weight distribution. It also means more direct steering movements and fast cornering.
The exterior is a work of art with dynamic lines and sharp shapes. There’s nothing quite like it on our roads. The MG badge is proudly displayed front and back. Distinctive futuristic LED headlights look the business while there’s nothing quite like the rear design with its sporty dual-wing spoiler, horizontal taillight and the crisscross shaped decorative lights.
My car was in urban grey colour but there are other choices including a very bright Volcano orange colour and an attractive blue. It’s not a high car and tall people will have to stoop their heads getting in or out.
The cabin is spacious and elegant focusing on simplicity, comfort, technology and good quality.
A floating 10.25-inch infotainment screen and a 7-inch driver display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are the main focus on the dash. The infotainment screen is divided into four sections but can be quite fiddly to use. In order to turn off the strong Lane Keeping Alert, you press on the Car icon on the screen, then hit MG Pilot on the next screen and scroll down to Lane Keeping Assist. Then you swipe across and hit ‘disable’ to turn it off. Some buttons required a few strong presses before they became active. You must plug in a lead to a USB port to be able to access AppleCarPlay. I had to exit the car to be able to reach a USB port located below the floating central console.
On the plus side, I found the seats in leather style upholstery to be really comfy and nicely supportive. The driver’s had power seat adjustments which meant a good driving position for me. There’s also good room for three in the back.
Cubbies include a compartment on the lower central console that takes a small handbag or iPad.
While the 363 litre boot is on the small side, it can be expanded to 1177 litres. There’s a height adjustable boot floor and an area below for storing charging cables.
Trims are Excite Standard Range, Excite Long Range, and Exclusive Long Range. Battery options are 51kWh and 64kWh.
The Standard Range is capable of a 350km range; Long Range Excite and Exclusive Models are capable of 450km and 435km ranges respectively. I found the claimed range of my long range version to be totally accurate. The more powerful battery has a charge time of 35 minutes from 10pc - 80pc using a 150kW DC rapid charger. You can plug the car into a standard 7kW home charger overnight as it takes 7.5 hours to fully charge.
Standard items on my car included six airbags, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, MG Pilot driver assistance system, 17-inch low resistance tyres, adaptive cruise control, auto climate control and MG iSmart app connectivity, good Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, sat navigation, and upgraded iSmart connectivity system.
Drive modes are Snow, Eco, Normal, Custom, and Sport and there are four regenerative brake modes of Auto, 1, 2, and 3.
On the road, I found the car to be a dynamic and fun drive with oodles of power from its 203ps that enables a decent 0-100km/h time of 7.9 secs. I liked its direct steering and the RWD system gives perfect front-to-rear weight distribution. I can also attest to the car’s very good handling as claimed and tight turning circle of 10.6m making it an ideal city car. All round visibility was good also.
MG4 has received the maximum five-star safety rating in the Euro NCA safety test. All new MGs are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer’s 7-year / 150,000km warranty and 12 months MG Assistance.
PRICES: from €27,495 for entry level trim inclusive €5,000 SEAI grant for electric vehicles. Annual road tax is €120.
