MG has had quite the radical transformation in the country. Ever since it was taken over by parent company SAIC, its push towards mainstream acceptance and electrification has been put into hyperdrive.
Not that MG is struggling for sales in the country. Its ZS crossover remains a popular choice for budget conscious crossover shoppers. But the brand is now hoping its success will translate to its electric vehicles.
The car at the forefront of MG’s EV push is the MG 4. It’s already a proven hit in the UK, serving as its entry-level electric vehicle. As far as EVs go, it’s a bit of a budget buy, but it remains to be seen how it will fare in the Philippines.
What we have here is the base Standard variant. If this model can impress, then we can expect greater things from it. If not, then MG has quite the uphill battle to climb.
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Styling
These days, more automakers are making their EVs look more like, well, traditional cars. That’s not the case with the MG 4 at all. The design practically screams ‘I’m an electric car!’ with its low, short hood and teardrop shape. The Kammback tail isn’t just there for aesthetics, it also aids aerodynamics, something EVs need to maximize to squeeze out more range.
The concept-like design is bound to draw mixed reactions. Some may think it looks too futuristic, while others reckon it’s bold and daring. We’re inclined to say the latter, and it definitely turned some heads when it was with us.
Interior
Screens and pods are the theme inside the MG 4. Drivers and passengers are greeted by a two separate screens that house the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Flat surfaces are present everywhere to give the impression of more space, while a high center pod houses the gear selector, electronic parking brake button, and a tray.
In terms of materials, it might feel familiar for MG owners. The door panels are hard plastic, yes, but the dash is padded and feels relatively high grade. Buttons and dials are still present, which we appreciate in terms of ergonomics. Overall, the cabin looks and feels good enough to feel that you’re not in a penalty box.
Sounds all rosy, right? Well, there are two things that could be bug a few people. The first it entry and egress, mainly because of the wide step in. There’s a bit of a distance between the door sill and seats, which won’t do any shorter drivers or occupants any favors. The second are the front seats. While fine for most heights, taller folks might find it a little short on support.
But going back to the good stuff, room is no problem in the MG 4 given its subcompact dimensions. As it rides on a dedicated EV platform, space is no problem at all. At the front, the footwells are sizable and allow for a large storage bin in the middle.
But it’s at the back where the true benefits of the platform come out. The seat bases are wide and the floor is flat, making it a true five seater. At the same time, there’s loads of legroom, even for taller passengers. Cargo space is decent, too, measuring 363 liters. The area is flat and wide, further maximizing space.
Motor and battery performance
This being the entry-level variant, the MG 4 Standard uses a 51kWh battery mated to a single electric motor. That motor then puts out 168hp and 250Nm of torque. Yes, it makes as much as most 1.5-liter turbo engines.
As expected, power delivery is immediate with that motor generating all that power from the get go. It’s a bit of a junior hot hatch this, getting off the line effortlessly and offers more than enough passing power on provincial roads. On the highway, power does trail off a little bit, but performance is still about on par with a 2.0-liter engine at higher speeds.
Power is great and all, but is the range and good? MG claims a maximum range of up to 350 kilometers out of the 51 kWh battery. With our testing, we got over 250 kilometers with about 35 kilometers of range left. That’s decent considering it spent a lot of time in traffic, sat idle during shoots, and went to Laguna and back to Rizal.
The battery consumption figures we got are good. Around the city, it hovers in the 6 to 8 km/kWh range. Heavy traffic yielded 5 to 6 km/kWh, while open roads saw a result of 8 to 10 km/kWh. It’s worth pointing out that anything that does over 5km/kWh can be considered efficient.
Ride and handling
Supple could be a good word to describe the MG 4’s ride. There is a tiny bit of firmness in the suspension, but only folks who can feel minute differences in suspension damping will feel it. For the most part, it’s comfortable, shrugging off small bumps and ruts without drama or impact harshness. If this car had thicker seat padding, the comfort factor could go up significantly.
But it’s in handling where this EV genuinely surprised us. We can go on about its low center of gravity and its electric motor mounted at the back, but we can boldly say that the MG 4 is a bit of a fun steer. It helps that it’s rear-wheel drive and the quick steering feels sharp and direct. Seriously, you have to try it for yourself.
And it’s not like there’s zero driving involvement. There is just about enough feedback through the steering wheel, even in comfort mode. Put it in sport and it weights up in a way that it doesn’t feel too artificial. Couple that with its playful dynamics and you’ll be surprised to see a small grin on your face.
No subcompact family hatchback, an electric one at that, has the right to feel this good behind the wheel. And yet that’s what the MG 4 delivers, and this is the base model. We can only imagine how much better it will be with the more powerful Lux version will feel, more so hot 400hp, all-wheel drive XPower variant.
Extra features
It may come from China, but we’re glad to report that it has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. That’s mainly because MG had the global market in mind during the development of this model. The 10-inch touchscreen is easy to use and intuitive, and processing speeds aren’t bad, either.
Don’t expect great things out of its four-speaker sound system, but it’s fine for most folks. You’ll have to move up the range if you want better definition. The instrument screen, measuring 7-inches, is a touch on the small side with information crammed in there. It’s still legible enough, though, but a wider display would be appreciated.
You don’t get a 360-degree view camera in the base MG 4, nor is a reverse camera fitted. The lack of those cameras won’t bother seasoned drivers so much, but the huge blind spots at the back could rattle rookie motorists who would rely more on these assists. At least it has parking sensors, which is the bare minimum these days.
Despite the lack of parking aids, the MG 4 does come with an advanced driver assist system. Dubbed MG Pro Pilot, the three major highlights are autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Oh, and this car dislikes drivers who don’t use turn signals. At higher speeds, the steering wheel will add turning resistance and bring the car back to its original course if you make a lane change without signaling.
Verdict
You’ll have to shell out P1,468,888 to get yourself in the base MG 4. Comparable cars include the BYD Dolphin and the Nissan LEAF. The MG slots right in between these EV hatchbacks. Against its peers, it offers more power and range, so it hits all the right notes.
As a car, it’s rather impressive. Yes, we’re smitten by the way it drives, but one can’t deny its space and practicality too. It doesn’t have a lot of vices either, most of which aren’t dealbreakers.
So, if for those thinking about going for an EV, give the MG 4 a go. You might just be as surprised as we were.
Specs: 2024 MG 4 Standard
Price: P1,468,888
Powertrain: Permanent magnet synchronous, 51 kWh battery
Power: 168hp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Layout: Rear wheel-drive
Seating: 5
Score: 9/10
