MG Motor Ireland’s seven-model range includes all-electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models, ensuring a model to suit every preference and pocket. So far this year, the Irish company has sold 924 passenger cars, representing an almost 29 percent increase on the whole of last year. I believe MG is among the best of the Chinese brands currently available here, and that’s not to downgrade the others, just to show how good I think MG cars are.
My recent MG review car was the gorgeous Cyberster all-electric performance-focused open-top roadster, which marks the return of MG to the convertible market and is the marque’s new flagship and the most powerful production model in its 100-year history, with 503hp and a whopping 725Nm of torque. The model, a collaboration between MG’s design studios in London and Shanghai, represents a strategic shift towards a more premium brand positioning with the focus on desirability - the 'I want one' feeling - and high-end technology. Eight have been bought by Irish buyers this year.
This two-seater certainly stands out with its beautiful, sleek design and the promise of the thrill of the open road. My car was in a dynamic red with 20-inch alloy wheels paired with eye-catching Brembo red callipers which are mostly used in high-performance vehicles. A standout feature is the two electric 'scissors' doors that open with the key fob or via the button on the door handle. They’re for making a dramatic impression as you enter or exit rather than being practical as they take a few seconds to open or close. The initial novelty factor soon wore off, and I found it quite tiresome having to go through the whole procedure every time I wanted to get in or get out - but opinions may vary. Other exterior features include Auto LED headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights/rear lights, follow-me-home headlights, and I really liked the arrow lights at the rear.
The cabin is well-thought out. Gorgeous leather-style sports seats with integrated headrests are 6-way power adjustable and include two memory functions and lumbar support. The power seat adjustment controls are on the doors. Half the dash is taken up with a wraparound screen featuring a 10.25-inch digital driver display in the centre flanked by two 7-inch displays. Infotainment features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, and voice recognition. The left screen is for navigation, the one on the right for journey data including charging and energy consumption, phone, etc, and actually becomes the reversing camera. However, focusing on either outer display involved having to turn my head as my hands on the steering wheel blocked my view of part of each screen.
A further colour display on the centre console slope provides touchscreen access to the dual-zone climate controls. Here too is the transmission selector and electric parking brake, with another such brake on the right lower dash. You can open the roof and each door with controls on the lower central console.
The chunky steering wheel can be heated, is four-way adjustable, and paddles select three-level regenerative braking to help energy efficiency and extend the driving range. The volume control is on a silver circle on the right-hand side.
A Super Sport mode button on the lower right of the wheel can be used to launch the car from 0-100km/h in just 3.2 seconds, and should be confined to a race track. The entry model does the same job in 5.0 seconds. Drive modes are Comfort, Custom, Sport, and Track. Boot space of 249 litres is average for a two-seater convertible, and there’s no frunk under the bonnet. In open-top motoring, a wind deflector between the front seats reduces buffeting to a minimum, and you can open or close the electric hood in 15 seconds at speeds up to 48km/h.
Two models are offered: the Exclusive single motor (RWD) and the performance dual motor GT (AWD). Both variants feature a 77 kWh battery - the 340hp single motor version has a rated range of 509km while the 510hp GT dual motor has a range of 443 kms.
I found the GT great fun to drive on motorways, along primary routes and on country roads. The steering is nicely balanced, the suspension on the stiff side, but you feel comfortable at all times. Rear visibility is limited due to the low style of the car and the small rear window. Fast charging on a DC charger at up to 150 kW enables a charge of 10-80 percent in 38 minutes. Road tax is €120 a year.
Two roll bars behind the seats are for safety purposes. Cyberster has four airbags and a comprehensive list of driver-assist systems including Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Emergency Braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, and Traffic Jam Assist. The car hasn’t yet been crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but its closely related model, the MG4 electric hatch, has received a maximum five-star rating.
All MG models carry a 7-year/150,000km warranty.
Prices are from €69,900 to €75,500.
