An Affordable and Well-Built EV: The MG4
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), affordability is often a key factor for many consumers. The base model of the MG4 aims to meet this demand by offering a very affordable EV without compromising on quality. While the materials used may not be premium or luxurious, the build quality of the MG4 surpasses even some luxury cars.
Solid Build Quality
Despite its affordability, the MG4 impresses with its build quality. Unlike some luxury cars that may have creaks or other quality issues, the MG4 feels solid and well-constructed. The dashboard, in particular, demonstrates the attention to detail and robustness that MG has implemented in this model.
Comfortable and Functional Interior
One of the highlights of the base model MG4 is its comfortable interior. The cloth seats, a far cry from cheap and sweaty vinyl seats found in some budget-friendly cars, provide a pleasant seating experience. The textile used on the seats is of good quality, ensuring that passengers won’t be uncomfortably hot during the summer months.
In terms of ergonomics, the European-inspired design of the seats offers good support and firmness. Despite spending four hours in the car during range testing, I didn’t experience any discomfort or fatigue. The seats performed admirably, leaving me refreshed and ready to tackle the next task at hand.
The seats in the MG4 are mechanically adjustable, allowing the driver to find their preferred position easily. However, it’s worth mentioning that there is no height adjustment available for the passenger seat, which is a slight drawback. Nevertheless, the backrest can be adjusted by ratcheting it up, and the sliding mechanism is reminiscent of old-school designs.
Exploring the MG4: A Promising Driving Experience
When stepping into the MG4, one cannot help but notice the comfortable driving position that the car offers. The view ahead reveals a sleek and stylish steering wheel, which, although it is unclear whether it is made of genuine leather, still feels of high quality. What catches the eye are the shortcut keys adorning the digital driver display, controlling various functions. While some of their purposes may not be immediately evident, a short learning curve allows one to make sense of them within an hour or so.
A Captivating Digital Driver Display
The screen of the MG4 is undeniably a standout feature. It presents a larger size than what one might find in similar models like the Volkswagen ID3 or ID4, or the Cooper Born. Aside from the captivating size, this unit boasts a key trip information display that is easily cycled through. Accompanying this is a small touch screen, not the biggest yet not the smallest either. The bezel surrounding the touch screen displays MG software, which proves to be user-friendly and intuitive.
A Slight Quirk in Screen Responsiveness
While the overall functionality of the screen is efficient, the responsiveness can be a bit temperamental at times. The touch targets or the touch pad beneath the display may not be perfect, resulting in accidental taps on the wrong option. Even though it may seem that your finger was in the right place, the interaction with the touch screen itself can be a little quirky. However, this minor issue is not a deal-breaker and can be easily overlooked.
Connectivity Options
The MG4 comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless integration with your smartphone. However, to utilize these features, you will need to connect your device via a USB cable. Fortunately, the car provides two USB-A ports, along with a USB-C port for all your charging and connectivity needs.
Overall, the MG4 offers a promising driving experience. With its comfortable driving position, attractive steering wheel, and user-friendly digital driver display, it certainly stands out in its class. Despite some minor quirks in the screen responsiveness, one can easily adapt and make the most of the functions provided. With the added connectivity options, the MG4 ensures that you can stay connected on the go, making it a reliable and enjoyable choice for your everyday driving needs.
The Audio Quality
When it comes to audio quality, the MG4 falls short in terms of fidelity. While the speakers are adequate for simple songs, they struggle when faced with complex tracks. The sound can become jumbled and confused, making it less enjoyable to listen to music with multiple layers of instruments and vocals.
Practicality and Storage
Despite the audio shortcomings, the MG4 excels in practicality. The car comes equipped with useful features such as a phone holder between the seats. While not a wireless charger, it provides a convenient spot to place your phone. In addition, the MG4 offers plenty of storage options including cup holders, a net, and a decent-sized glove box. The door bins can even accommodate a 750 milliliter water bottle, which is impressive.
Driving Experience
Moving on to the driving experience, the MG4 offers a straightforward control setup. The gear selection is simple with options for park, reverse, neutral, and drive. However, there is one glaring issue with this particular car – the reversing camera. The quality of the camera display is reminiscent of an old, malfunctioning VHS tape. It is hoped that this is not a common problem and limited to this specific model.
The Back Seat Experience
One area where the MG4 stands out is its back seat. Unlike many other electric vehicles, which have a high floor due to the placement of batteries, the MG4 provides ample legroom and support. The seat base is comfortable, allowing for a pleasant seating experience in the back. The inclusion of nice cloth seats adds to the overall comfort and appeal of the vehicle.
In , while the audio quality of the MG4 may leave something to be desired, its practicality and back seat experience make up for it. The car offers ample storage options, a convenient phone holder, and comfortable seating. The only major drawback seems to be the subpar quality of the reversing camera. Despite this, the MG4 proves to be a reliable and practical choice for those in need of an electric vehicle.
A Comfortable Ride for Four
When it comes to passenger comfort, the mg4 doesn’t disappoint. With its well-positioned seats and ample legroom, four people can easily fit inside without feeling cramped. And while a fifth person can squeeze in, it may not be as comfortable. But if you’re looking to transport a party of four, it’s an absolute cinch.
Lacking Amenities in the Back
While the mg4 offers a comfortable ride for passengers, it does lack some amenities in the back. There are no air vents, only a single USB port, and limited storage space. Surprisingly, there are no map pockets on the backs of the seats, and no flip-down armrest. However, the material used in the back is slightly cushy, providing a bit of comfort.
An Odd Quirk with the Speakers
One peculiar quirk of the base mg4 model is the lack of rear speakers. Although there are speaker grilles present, no sound comes out of them. It’s an unusual choice, but it doesn’t significantly impact the overall experience of the vehicle.
Multiple Battery Sizes for Different Needs
One standout feature of the mg4 is the option to choose from three different battery sizes. In Australia, the testing began with the smallest battery option, which offers 51 kilowatt-hours (50.8 usable). This smaller battery size, combined with the car’s light weight, results in an impressive WLTP claimed economy of 14.5 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers.
Impressive Urban Range
Despite its small size, the mg4 manages to deliver excellent performance on the urban cycle. In testing, it exceeded expectations by achieving a rate of 14.2 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers. This translates to an urban range of 357 kilometers, which is quite impressive for a vehicle in this category.
In , the mg4 offers a comfortable ride for four passengers, with sufficient legroom and headroom. Although it lacks certain amenities in the back, such as air vents and ample storage space, it compensates with slightly cushy armrests. The odd quirk with the rear speakers is easily overlooked, especially considering the range of battery options available. Overall, the mg4 proves to be a competent and efficient vehicle, especially for urban driving.
The MG4: Efficient and Affordable Electric Car
The MG4 is making waves in the electric car market, offering consumers an affordable and efficient option. With its impressive range and warranty, this car is certainly worth considering. Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications of the MG4.
Affordable and Efficient
One of the standout features of the MG4 is its affordability. This electric car is priced competitively, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the MG4 offers great efficiency, with a highway efficiency rating of 17.0 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers. While this may not be the best in its class, the option to choose bigger battery sizes makes up for it.
Range and Charging Options
If you’re looking for more range, the MG4 has you covered. While the smallest battery option may not offer extensive range, opting for one of the larger batteries will give you considerably more mileage. Charging the MG4 can be done through DC or AC charging. However, it’s important to note that the charging speed is limited to 88 kilowatts for DC charging and 6.6 kilowatts for AC charging. Nevertheless, upgrades for charging speeds are expected in the near future.
Impressive Warranty and Servicing
When it comes to warranty, the MG4 exceeds expectations. The car comes with a seven-year warranty with unlimited kilometers, covering both the vehicle and the high voltage components. This is a significant advantage, as many rival electric cars often have limited warranties. Servicing intervals for the MG4 are likely to be every 24 months or 40,000 kilometers. Although the servicing price hasn’t been confirmed yet, the MG ZSEV, the MG4’s brother, is known for its inexpensive servicing, suggesting that the MG4’s servicing costs will also be reasonable.
Spacious Boot
The MG4 offers a traditional hatchback boot design. While it may not be the largest in its class, it can comfortably fit a couple of suitcases without any issues. However, if you’re in need of more space, there are larger options available in the market. It’s worth noting that the MG4 does not come with a full-size spare tire. Instead, you’ll find a compressor and a goo kit under the floor.
Understanding the Mechanical Package of the 8 Kilowatt Hour Usable Battery
When it comes to electric vehicles, the specifications can make all the difference. In this article, we will delve into the mechanical package of an electric car with an 8 kilowatt hour usable battery. Let’s explore the details and discover why this car stands out in the market.
A Dedicated EV Platform
One of the notable features of this electric car is its dedicated EV platform. Unlike other models that have been adapted from existing platforms, this car has been designed from the ground up to be an electric vehicle. This ensures optimal performance and efficiency, making it a standout choice for electric car enthusiasts.
Rear Wheel Drive for Enhanced Performance
Another exciting aspect of this car is its rear-wheel drive configuration. This not only provides a thrilling driving experience but also enhances overall performance. With rear-wheel drive, the car benefits from improved traction and better handling, making it a joy to drive on any road.
Modest Outputs, Impressive Power
While this electric car may have relatively modest outputs, it still packs quite a punch. With 125 kilowatts of power and 250 newton meters of torque, it offers the kind of numbers usually associated with turbocharged hatchbacks or high-performance vehicles. This means that you can enjoy a spirited drive without compromising on efficiency.
A Reasonably Modest Weight
Despite housing an electric battery, this car remains reasonably modest in weight. Weighing about 1700 kilos, it is significantly lighter than other electric vehicles on the market. This lighter weight not only contributes to a more nimble and agile driving experience but also improves overall efficiency and range.
Impressive Performance and Braking
When it comes to performance, this electric car does not disappoint. Tested on an independent track, it accelerated from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in just 7.08 seconds. This is an impressive feat considering it is the cheapest and least powerful version of the car. Additionally, the brakes of this car were surprisingly good, ensuring safe and responsive stopping power.
In , the mechanical package of this electric car with an 8 kilowatt hour usable battery is truly impressive. With a dedicated EV platform, rear-wheel drive configuration, modest outputs, reasonable weight, and impressive performance, it stands out as a remarkable choice for electric car enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for efficiency, power, or an exhilarating driving experience, this car has it all.
MG4 Braking Performance
The MG4 has proven to have impressive braking performance, stopping in under 35 meters. While it may not be the best we have ever tested, it certainly ranks in the upper third of the braking tests we have conducted. The brakes feel natural and responsive, providing a reliable and safe stopping distance.
Regen Braking Function
Throughout my testing of the MG4 over the past week, I have primarily utilized the regen braking function. This feature allows for the conversion of kinetic energy into electrical energy to be stored in the battery. The levels of regen braking can be adjusted through the touchscreen interface, with the most aggressive setting providing a close experience to one-pedal driving. While there are instances where physical brakes need to be used, overall, the regen braking function is effective and aids in enhancing efficiency.
Efficiency and Range Expectations
When it comes to efficiency, the MG4 falls short of expectations. In city driving conditions, it achieved 14.2 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers, while on the highway it recorded 17 kilowatt hours per 100 kilometers. Though these figures are not “terrible,” they are underwhelming considering the car’s lightweight and low power output. As a result, the MG4 is not the most efficient electric vehicle we have tested.
Comparison to Other Vehicles
To put things into perspective, the MG4’s efficiency was overshadowed by the Cooper Born, which is only available in Australia with a large 77 kilowatt-hour battery and weighs over two tons. Surprisingly, the Cooper Born displayed better efficiency during our range testing. This comparison highlights the potential for improvement in the MG4’s efficiency despite its smaller size and power output.
In , while the MG4 showcases impressive braking performance and offers the convenience of regen braking, it falls short in terms of efficiency when compared to similar vehicles. With future advancements, the MG4 has the potential to enhance its efficiency and become a more competitive electric vehicle in the market.
Improving the Efficiency of the MG4 Motor
The MG4 motor has been touted as reasonably refined and smooth, but there is definitely room for improvement when it comes to its efficiency. While it may not be the most efficient motor on the market, it is worth noting that it is not grainy and overall offers a decent driving experience. However, there are some noticeable drawbacks that can be addressed.
A Whirring Noise and Delayed Startup
One of the peculiarities of the MG4 is the faint whirring noise emitted from the motor. Although it may not be well-damped, it is not an unattractive sound and tends to fade away after some time. On the downside, starting the vehicle is not as seamless as a traditional start-stop button found in other electric vehicles. Instead, the driver needs to place their foot on the brake, just like in a Tesla or a Polestar. However, the accuracy of this startup method may require improvement. At times, there is a delay in waking up the car, leading to a couple of seconds of waiting and occasionally several attempts to trigger the discordant bell sound that indicates its readiness to drive.
The Need for Software Optimization
The issue with the delayed startup could potentially be resolved with some software adjustments. While other electric vehicles equipped with similar features are ready to go almost instantly, the MG4 seems to lag behind. Fine-tuning the software in this regard could greatly enhance the overall user experience and eliminate the frustration of waiting for the vehicle to respond.
Impressive Ride Quality
Despite its shortcomings in certain areas, the MG4 shines when it comes to ride quality. Its independent rear suspension is a commendable feature that contributes to a smooth and comfortable driving experience. The presence of passive dampers further adds to the quality of the ride. Additionally, the use of chunky tires helps in providing a certain level of softness, particularly with the choice of a 50 profile tire. The inclusion of Continental Premium Contact tires, known for their performance, is a pleasant surprise and certainly lifts the MG4’s status above vehicles equipped with generic or lesser-known brands.
Batman and the MG4: A Smooth Ride with Respectable Quality
The MG4, equipped with a well-tuned suspension and chunky tires, offers a surprisingly respectable ride quality. While it may not be the softest car on the road, it does a fantastic job of smoothing out the imperfections found on Sydney’s often rough highways and roads.
Relaxing and Comfortable for Extended Drives
One of the standout features of the MG4 is its ability to provide a relaxing driving experience, even on long journeys. The ride remains level and the body control is commendable, making it an ideal car for spending several hours behind the wheel.
Adequate Handling and Intuitive Steering
While the MG4 may not boast the same high limits and fun factor as the Cooper Born, its handling is still more than acceptable. The steering, although light and lacking in feedback, feels natural and intuitive. You can easily anticipate what the front end is doing, and the tires provide decent grip, allowing you to maintain a reasonable pace on country roads without the car feeling unstable.
A Dynamic Leap for MG towards Competition
MG has made significant strides in terms of dynamic performance with the MG4. It now competes with popular cars like the BYD 803, which has received high praise from our testers here at Chasing Cars. This improvement places MG on a level above the average, marking a notable step forward for the brand.
In , the MG4 offers a smooth and respectable ride quality, making it a comfortable choice for long drives. Its handling and steering, while not exceptional, are still adequate for most driving situations. Moreover, MG’s recent efforts to enhance the car’s dynamic performance have paid off, making the MG4 a genuine contender in the market and putting it in direct competition with other popular models such as the BYD 803.
The MG4 vs. the BYD 803: A Battle of Affordable EVs
When it comes to affordable electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia, the MG4 and the BYD 803 are two models that stand out. While the BYD is slightly larger, both cars offer a great value for their price range. In this article, we will compare these two models and assess their features and performance.
Price and Affordability
One of the key factors that make the MG4 and the BYD 803 appealing is their affordability. With the base model of the MG4 priced at $39,900 (plus on-road costs), it presents a fantastic option for budget-conscious buyers. This price is even more attractive when considering potential incentives that may further reduce the cost. The BYD 803, although slightly more expensive, still falls within a reasonable price range for an electric vehicle.
Safety Features
When it comes to safety features, both the MG4 and the BYD 803 offer a decent selection. However, there are some areas where improvements could be made. The adaptive cruise control in the MG4, for example, is not as finely tuned as one would expect. It tends to reduce speed unnecessarily on gentle highway curves, which can be frustrating for the driver and other vehicles on the road. Additionally, the speed adjustment can be inconsistent, leading to a somewhat tedious driving experience. However, the lane keep assist and steering assist systems work reasonably well, making them valuable features for a non-luxury car.
Other Features
Aside from safety features, both the MG4 and the BYD 803 offer a range of other features that can enhance the driving experience. One notable inclusion is the reversing camera, which provides added convenience and safety when parking or maneuvering the vehicle. While these additional features may not be groundbreaking, they contribute to the overall value and functionality of these affordable EVs.
Driving Impressions of the New MG4
Technically, although this one doesn’t appear to be hooked up properly, there is a very cool feature where the rear parking sensors tell you just how far away the object behind you is. So, those are my first impressions of the cheapest version of the new MG4.
Battery Range
With the 50.8 kilowatt-hour battery, I’ve got to say the signs are Rosie. Even when you choose the cheapest smallest battery, the MG4 still gives you good range. If you mostly drive in town, having cracked that 350 kilometers of urban range on our test, it’s not as good on the motorway. But you’d probably go for one of the bigger battery versions if that was the job you were going to do most of the time.
Driving Dynamics
But it’s really the other driving dynamics that are interesting about the MG4. It rides well, it handles pretty decently, and it’s quite refined. All these things we couldn’t normally say about modern MG cars. It looks like this brand is turning a corner and, as a motoring journalist, I can’t ask for any more than that kind of progress. So, that’s really good.
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The MG4’s base model offers an affordable EV option without compromising on build quality or comfort. MG has managed to create a car with solid construction, surpassing some luxury cars in this aspect. The comfortable textile seats provide a European feel and offer excellent ergonomics for long drives. While the lack of height adjustment for the passenger seat is a minor drawback, it doesn’t detract from the overall positive experience of the MG4.
The MG4 presents an enticing option for those in search of an affordable and efficient electric car. Its range, warranty, and servicing intervals are impressive, making it a standout choice in its segment. Although the boot may not be the largest, it still provides ample space for everyday needs. With its competitive price and promising features, the MG4 is definitely worth considering for those looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.
While the MG4 motor may not currently be the epitome of efficiency, it does offer refinement and a reasonably smooth drive. However, there are areas that could benefit from improvement, such as the delayed startup and the need for software optimization. On the bright side, the MG4 excels in terms of ride quality, thanks to its independent rear suspension and quality tires. With some adjustments and fine-tuning, the MG4 has the potential to become an even more competitive electric vehicle offering.
In , the MG4 and the BYD 803 are both worthy contenders in the affordable EV market in Australia. Their competitive prices and decent features make them attractive options for buyers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and priorities when choosing between the two models. Whether it is price, safety features, or additional functionalities, buyers should carefully assess their needs and expectations to make an informed decision.
