West Berkshire Lifestyle Nov - Dec 2022

MG4 EV
ALL ELECTRIC
HATCHBACK
Motoring journalist Sue Cooke test
drives the MG4 EV all electric hatchback
The MG automotive brand provokes fond memories of my youth
when I owned a little red MGB roadster. MG plans a new all
electric sports car in 2024, but in the meantime, MG has entered
a new sector of the market, which it has never been in before –
the all electric C segment.
The MG4 EV, is a strikingly designed fully electric hatchback.
There are six colours to choose from. I road tested the model
painted in a gorgeous Holborn blue.
In the cabin there is little difference to driving a traditional car.
The driver slides behind the wheel and presses the brake pedal.
Engage the rotary gear selector and automatically the vehicle
goes into ‘Ready’ mode in complete silence.
Standard hi tech features include a wireless charging tray, a
10.25” colour touchscreen with Apple CarPIayTM and Android
AutoTM and iSMART app connectivity. Advanced MG Pilot
safety features include traffic signs recognition and lane
departure warning. The driver assistance systems have useful
voice control. If you have ever left your car in a multi storey
and promptly forgot which floor it is on, then you will much
appreciate the phone app which will find your MG for you!
Using an adaptor, you can even boil a kettle using the battery
that powers the car. There are five Drive modes including a snow
mode.
The MG4 EV entry level is the SE with the standard 51kWh
battery. Using a rapid charger, the charge to 80% takes 39
minutes with a top range of 218 miles. 0-62mph is a quick 7.7
seconds. The cost is from £25,995.
The SE long range uses the 64kWh battery and will charge to
80% in 35 minutes with an increased mileage range of 281
miles. 0-62mph is 7.9 seconds. The cost is from £28,495.
The Trophy long range battery will complete 270 miles and is
recognisable as the car has changes to the exterior design
which include a two tone roof and a very attractive Twin Aero
Rear Spoiler with a gorgeous red patterned light bar and rear
privacy glass. Equipment includes an upgraded MG Pilot
system, with the inclusion of Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change
Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Additionally, the interior is in
leather with electric driver’s seat, heated front seats and steering
wheel, a Bluetooth key, satellite navigation, a 360 degree
camera, and an upgraded MG iSmart system compatible with
live services. The cost is from £31,495.
With a predicted high residual value of 64.6% and a seven year
warranty, the MG4EV offers value for money. The new hatchback
makes buying an all electric car more affordable and offers the
spaciousness of an SUV with plenty of headroom and generous
amounts of legroom, hi tech features, quick performance and a
reasonable mileage range.
The MG brand has grown by 75.9% and MG says it is the
fastest growing manufacturer with 153 dealers in the UK, which
number is expected to increase to 160 by the end of the year.
Future models will use this new MSP platform architecture and
an MG5 is promised in December. An MG4 EV with a larger
battery of 77kWh dual motor powertrain and an extended range
up to 329 miles, will even include a ‘Launch Control’ button!
My little red sports car was lots of fun, but it couldn’t boil a
kettle!
Facts at a Glance
Model: MG 4 EV all electric
Price: from £25,995 for SE standard
Power: 51 kWh battery
Performance: 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds and on to a top
speed of 100 mph
CO2 emissions: zero
Combined Range: 218 miles (WLTP) rapid charge to 80% in
39 mins