By Ian Strachan.
A seven-year warranty, all-electric power with a decent range, bags of technology, lots of space and an iconic badge on the bonnet. What more could you want from an electric car?
The MG4 EV has picked up a host of awards since its launch back in 2022. Now this distinctively styled MG has been given a longer range, an upgraded cabin and more technology to aid driving and safety.
Zero emissions don’t have to mean zero excitement. And in the case of this practical MG you get a car that not only looks good but performs extremely well and gives you an enjoyable and engaging drive. I tested the MG4 EV in Extended Range Premium spec, and it’s certainly no slouch.
This MG4, as well as being fully electric with a 64kWhw battery mated to a 140 kw electric motor, will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in less than 7.5 seconds and has a range of around 280 miles.
Of course if you take full advantage of the MG4’s performance, you won’t get the published range on a single charge. Being heavy-footed has a range penalty. But you’ll still get sufficient range for most journeys and this car has a rapid charge time from 10 to 80 per cent of just 25 minutes.
The design of the MG4 makes it a good looker from all angles. My test car came in an attractive Ealing Green (a £545 option). Its side-on appearance is enhanced with sporty 18-inch alloy wheels and smooth lines. The split grille front-end design and slim LED integrated headlights add further design appeal. There’s a full-width light bar for the LED rear lights.
The interior is modern and well laid out. You get a three-spoke sports style multi-function steering wheel, generous head and leg room and more than 30 storage spaces around the cabin. The Premium spec also has heated, electrically adjustable front seats.
Boot space is good with 479 litres of load space plus another 98 litres below the boot floor. Fold the rear seats and this increases to 1364 ltres.
Specification includes a central 12.8-inch HD colour touch-screen, navigation system with DAB radio with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and a range of apps, cruise control and a range of safety technology including collision, lane keeping aid, active emergency braking and blind spot monitoring.
Other features include all-round electric windows and door mirrors, five selectable driving modes, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, rear parking sensors with camera, a 360 degree panoramic camera displaying a real-time view and smartphone charger. This MG, in common with some other electric vehicles, also has some more idiosyncratic features – power is switched on when you get into the car, and switches off when you get out and lock it.
Handling on the MG is sure-footed and involving, with a lightweight chassis and a suspension set-up which ironed out bumps in the road effectively. Plus you get a pleasant single-speed automatic gearbox.
The MG4 is competitively priced – my test car came at £32,995 on the road. The range starts at £23,495 which dismisses the perception that electric cars have to be expensive.
