Due to go on sale in September, this is the new MG 4 – a zero-emission hatchback MG Motor UK is pitching as an alternative to Volkswagen’s ID.3, Citroen’s e-C4, Nissan’s Leaf and Cupra’s Born.
This is the third EV car to wear the MG badge but the first to introduce the firm’s latest ‘Modular Scalable Platform’ – architecture that will underpin future battery-powered MG passenger cars.
Promising a real-world range of between 218- and 281-miles, the MG 4 can be equipped with two battery sizes: a 51kWh underfloor battery and a 64kWh battery that guarantees longer journeys between charges.
In base versions of the car, the single e-motor produces 167bhp rising to just over 200bhp in more expensive models meaning they can can travel from 0-62mph in under eight seconds.
MG Motor UK claims the MG 4 “marks a bold new direction” for the company, both in terms of its styling – which bears more than a close resemblance to the latest Cupra Born thanks to arcing LED headlights, a sculpted bonnet and pointy nose – and from a driving perspective as the car’s rear-wheel-drive platform is said to guarantee owners perfect “50:50 weight distribution”. However, it’s already been confirmed that work on a dual-motor configuration is well underway.
Inside, the absence of a transmission tunnel has allowed designers to create an airy and open cabin. The key talking points is the tablet-inspired digital driver binnacle and the floating centre console that houses a silver rotary dial that operates the centrally-mounted multimedia touchscreen.
There is still no word yet either on pricing, model count or specifications, although this is expected to be released much closer to the time of local MG dealerships accepting initial orders for the car.
David Allison – the Head of Product and Planning at MG Motor UK – said: “The MG4 EV is a key part of the next phase of growth for MG. Our new MSP architecture will enable us to offer multiple options for the rapidly expanding electric car market in the UK, with all choices reinforcing our reputation for outstanding design, market-leading technology, and excellent value for money.”
