The Cheapest EV in Australia – MG4 Excite 51
MG4 Excite 51 is one of the most affordable electric vehicles in Australia. While it may have been dethroned as the cheapest EV by the BYD Dolphin, it still holds its own in terms of affordability at a price of $38,990 before on-road costs. Let’s take a closer look at what this entry-level model has to offer.
Exterior Features
The MG4 Excite 51 boasts several attractive external features. It comes equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting both at the front and rear, and electric wing mirrors. The angular front end seamlessly blends into the traditional hatch body style, giving it a sharp and unique appearance. Additionally, the car features a huge boot lip spoiler at the back, adding an element of sportiness.
Interior Features
Inside the MG4 Excite 51, you’ll find a range of features to enhance your driving experience. The car is equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a second seven-inch instrument cluster in front of the driver, providing essential information at a glance. However, it’s worth noting that this entry-level model has cloth seats and a manually adjustable driver’s seat. The stereo system is a basic speaker arrangement.
Battery and Range
The “51” in the Excite 51’s model name refers to the battery size. While the article does not delve into specifics about the battery’s capacity or range, it implies that more information can be found on carsguide.com. Therefore, interested buyers can refer to this resource to learn more about the MG4 Excite 51’s battery performance.
An Honest Review of the Entry-Level Car
When you first lay eyes on the entry-level car, you can’t help but be impressed by its sleek design and captivating appearance. The bodywork is impeccable and truly stands out, especially at night. However, as you step inside the cabin, you start to notice a few shortcomings that remind you of its entry-level status. Despite this, there are still some notable features that make it worth considering.
Mixed Feelings about Cabin Comfort
While the technology setup in the car is clean and aesthetically pleasing, the materials used in the cabin fall short. They feel rock hard and cheap, making it uncomfortable to lean on various surfaces. Even the row of buttons feels plasticky and subpar in quality. However, the architectural design of the center stack and the steering wheel are standout features that add a touch of style and sportiness to the interior.
Impressive Practicality for an EV
The entry-level car may be small in hatch dimensions, measuring just over 4.3 meters long and 1.8 meters wide, but being an electric vehicle comes with its perks when it comes to practicality. Unlike combustion engine cars, it offers ample room in the back seat. There is plenty of knee room and headroom, and the absence of a traditional tunnel in the center allows for added space. This means that two passengers can comfortably spread out or even accommodate a third passenger in a pinch.
Limited Features for Back Seat Passengers
It’s important to keep in mind that this is a base model car, so there aren’t many additional features for back seat passengers. There are no cup holders or pull-down dividers, only simple pockets in the doors. A single USB port is provided in the rear for sharing among passengers. However, up front, there are two cup holders and two additional USB ports, showing a thoughtful approach to convenience.
In , the entry-level car offers a mixed bag of features and comfort. While the cabin materials may feel cheap, the overall design and practicality make it an appealing choice. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your specific needs before making a decision.
Introducing the MG4: A Practical Entry-Level Electric Car
Practical Cabin Design
The MG4 may be an entry-level car, but it doesn’t compromise on practicality. Despite its compact size, the cabin of the MG4 is designed with ample storage spaces. Although the front storage is limited, there is an additional space below the center console to accommodate loose items. This thoughtful design ensures that drivers have enough room to store their essentials while on the go.
A Fun and Responsive Driving Experience
Foreign foreign Music, the manufacturer of the MG4, prides itself on injecting a bit of driving fun into this electric car. The MG4 is built on a platform that prioritizes near-perfect weight distribution and rear-wheel drive. Equipped with a motor that produces 125 kilowatts and 250 newton meters of torque, the MG4 demonstrates impressive acceleration. It can sprint from 0 to 100 kilometers an hour in just 7.7 seconds. However, many drivers report that the car feels even faster than the stated figures. The power delivery is quick and responsive, making it particularly enjoyable for city driving.
Optimized Battery Size and Range
The “51” in the name MG4 refers to the battery size, which is the smallest option available in the MG4 family. With a 51 kilowatt-hour battery, the MG4 claims to offer a driving range of 350 kilometers. However, in real-world conditions, drivers have reported a slightly lower range of around 330 kilometers. While this slight difference may not be significant for most drivers, it is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to the MG4’s range. Nevertheless, the range is still more than sufficient for daily commuting and shorter journeys.
The Surprising Power and Comfort of the MG4 Electric Vehicle
Now you’re probably thinking, is that enough? But you need to ask yourself: when was the last time you drove 330 kilometers in a single day without ever having somewhere to recharge overnight? It’s really not that often, right?
The Silent and Smoother Ride
The very first thing you notice when you get behind the wheel of this MG4 is the silence. Most city-friendly hatches and sedans, whether they’re hybrid or otherwise, are always a bit buzzy, a bit noisy. It’s as if the engines are working hard to move them along, and there’s a lot of sound in the cabin. But you just don’t get that in an electric vehicle. Instead, the power delivery is really smooth and constant, and it’s not joined by an over-revving engine or an angry gearbox. It’s just a smooth, calming experience from the moment you jump in.
Effortless Power
The other benefit, of course, is just how easy it is to get power out of an electric vehicle. Remember, this is the cheapest and least powerful model in the MG4 lineup, but it by no means feels underdone on the power front. Put your foot down, and there’s an instant surge of torque. It becomes quite addictive. I guess the biggest and most important point I can make here is that it doesn’t feel like you’re driving the cheapest of something. This doesn’t feel like something competing for the title of Australia’s cheapest EV. It feels really complete, comfortable, and satisfying to drive.
Safety at its Core
It’s worth noting that the MG4 has received a full five-star rating from Euro NCAP, owing at least partly to the fact that every MG4, including the cheapest one, gets the brand’s Pilot Safety Suite. This means you can enjoy all the high-tech safety features that the more expensive models boast, even on a budget. This is an important consideration for anyone shopping for a reliable and safe vehicle.
The Safety Features of the MG4
The MG4 comes equipped with a range of safety features that are worth noting. First and foremost, it offers active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection. This means that the car can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision with a pedestrian or cyclist. Additionally, the MG4 has adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, which can maintain a safe distance from the car in front and even bring the car to a complete stop in heavy traffic. Another safety feature is the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, which helps drivers stay within their lane and alerts them if they start to drift.
The Benefits of the Seven-Year Warranty
One of the advantages of owning the MG4 is that it comes with a seven-year, unlimited kilometer warranty. This provides peace of mind for buyers, as any potential issues or defects with the car will be covered for a longer period. In addition to the warranty, there is another perk of owning an electric vehicle (EV) that many people may not be aware of – extended service intervals. While the specifics for the MG4 have yet to be confirmed, it is expected to follow the pattern of the MG ZS EV, which requires servicing every two years or 40,000 kilometers.
The Costs of Servicing an EV
The exact pricing for the services of the MG4 has not been confirmed. However, based on the MG ZS EV, it can be estimated that the first service will cost around $300, with the second service costing around $800. This pattern is likely to repeat throughout the ownership of the vehicle. While these costs may seem higher compared to servicing a petrol or hybrid hatchback, it is important to consider the long-term savings associated with running an electric vehicle.
The Rise of Electric Vehicle Sales in Australia
Electric vehicle sales are currently booming in Australia, and the introduction of cars like the MG4 is only going to further boost their popularity. The MG4 offers a smoother and more satisfying driving experience compared to traditional petrol or hybrid hatchbacks. With the increasing availability of charging stations and improvements in battery technology, more and more people are considering making the switch to electric vehicles.
The MG4 Excite 51 offers an affordable option for those in Australia who are looking to transition to electric vehicles. Despite being the second cheapest EV available, it still offers several impressive features such as LED lighting, infotainment system, and a sporty design with its angular front end and boot lip spoiler. However, customers should be aware that there are some entry-level compromises, such as cloth seats and manual seat adjustment. It’s worth exploring additional resources for a comprehensive overview of the car’s specifications and battery performance. Overall, the MG4 Excite 51 proves to be a compelling choice for budget-conscious individuals seeking an electric vehicle.
The MG4 is a practical and affordable entry-level electric car. Its well-thought-out cabin design ensures that drivers have sufficient storage space, despite its compact size. The car’s responsive driving experience and quick acceleration make it enjoyable to drive, especially in urban environments. While the claimed driving range of 350 kilometers may not always be achieved, the MG4 still offers a practical range for day-to-day use. If you are in the market for an entry-level electric car that balances affordability and functionality, the MG4 is definitely worth considering.
The MG4 electric vehicle is a pleasant surprise. Despite being the cheapest and least powerful option in its lineup, it offers a smooth and effortless driving experience. The silence and constant power delivery of the electric motor contribute to a calming ride, devoid of the usual noise and vibrations found in most vehicles. Additionally, the MG4 does not compromise on safety, as it comes equipped with the brand’s Pilot Safety Suite, providing peace of mind for its drivers. Overall, the MG4 is a complete, comfortable, and satisfying electric vehicle that exceeds expectations.
If you are in the market for a new car, the MG4 is definitely worth considering. Its safety features, seven-year warranty, and the overall benefits of owning an electric vehicle make it a compelling choice. To learn more about the MG4 and read reviews on its competitors, be sure to visit carsguide.com.
