With the wave of new EVs arriving on the market, I was looking forward to driving the new MG4; I have to admit I was initially drawn to the newcomer with its attractive exterior styling; dare I say a little touch of Toyota, certainly no bad thing. The version I tried was the Extended Range, according to the press details capable of a reasonable long-distance and the manufacturer claims up to 520km (323m) of zero emissions motoring. Having driven a number of EVs in recent times, I always take the official range figures with a pinch of salt. I have never achieved the figure each claim and I am quite confident that the MG will not be an exception.
Where I feel this newcomer from MG will succeed, is that it offers excellent value for money when you compare it with many of its competitors. This EV could open the door to fully electric motoring for some who would have shied away because of high purchase costs in the main. I say well done to MG.
Equipped with a new 77kWh battery, the Extended Range marks a milestone for MG as its first electric car capable which offers reasonable range on a single charge and it also allows drivers to recharge from 10-80 per cent in as little as 39 minutes. More and more people are commenting to me on not only difficulty in finding a charger which is not occupied but also one which is not out of order. As well as delivering an improved distance, the MG4 EVs reputation as a driver’s car is underlined by the Extended Range’s more powerful 180kw electric motor which offers better performance, with the rest to 100kph (62mph) time in just 6.5 seconds. 
Underpinned by the established rear-wheel drive layout and Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the newcomer from MG retains the excellent comfort and dynamic handling that makes it one of the most rewarding EVs currently available and just now it seems that choice widens day by day. The Extended Range version preserves all the key qualities of the existing MG4 EV and is available in the Trophy specification as standard, meaning the spacious packaging and generous levels of infotainment and driver-assistance technology are completely inclusive.
Riding on larger eighteen inch alloy wheels and a black two-tone roof, delivering an enhanced appearance that further complements the car’s bold, contemporary design and returning to those looks, they will certainly assist in selling this vehicle. Moving to the interior, lacking a little, but never the less it has its fair share of onboard technology and entertainment. Comfort for all who travel in this model and I found the ride perfectly acceptable; in fact the equal of many of its competitors.
There is of course the MG4 Standard Range and should you desire added power then there is the XPower; hopefully in the not too distant future the opportunity will present itself and I will be able to report back on the latter.
Today, MG is one of the fastest growing car brands offering a range of practical and affordable hatchbacks, SWs and SUVs. Designed in London, and manufactured in state-of-the-art factories in several countries. All new MGs are built with world-class components and are backed by a comprehensive manufacturer’s seven year warranty.
Looking back, we can trace the MG name back to 1924 when sporty and affordable cars, from the 14/28 Super Sports, designed by Cecil Kimber, right now to the all electric EV range.
Ian Lynas
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