MG confirms price and spec for MG4 EV
Hatchbacks underpinning sports cars used to happen all the time; here's how it'll look in the EV era
Yes, yes, an electric hatch with SUV overtones - what has PH come to and so on. But the MG4 is a little more significant than yet another VW ID.3 clone (if you’re seeing a likeness to the Cupra Born here, then welcome to the club), because it’s believed that this car’s new MSP platform will be the basis of the MG Cyberster sports car. And that’s rather more interesting.
For now, MG merely says that the Modular Scalable Platform used here will ‘feature across a wide range of forthcoming cars’, so will have to focus on this one rather than speculate any more for now. That said, MG has confirmed a 50:50 weight distribution for the 4, plus rear-wheel drive and a low centre of gravity, which is an auspicious start for ride and handling. Furthermore, both the 51kWh and 64kWh batteries offered measure just 110mm in height. MG reckons that means interior space is still strong, and hopefully points to a battery that doesn’t weigh a tonne, either.
We don’t have that specification just yet, though MG has confirmed the 4 range will start from £25,995 for the 218-mile SE Standard Range. Which is £10k less than an ID.3, though it should be said that only gets you 170hp in the MG, rather than 204hp in the VW. SE spec can be upgraded to the Long Range battery (64 kWh/204hp) from £28,495, which boosts range to 281 miles and includes MG’s Active Grille Shutter System (AGS), which can increase the EV range, they say, by as much as 10 per cent.
Then there’s the MG4 EV Trophy, which is not a spec level we ever expected to use for an MG again (but apparently does already exist on the ZS SUV). It has the long-range battery but a 270-mile range, thanks to extra kit, which includes a heated steering wheel and front chairs, electric driver’s seat, a Bluetooth key and a host of active safety kit. Sadly, it isn’t available in yellow like the old MG F Trophy, but buyers will be offered Volcano Orange, Camden Grey, Dynamic Red, Black Pearl, Holborn Blue and Arctic White.
Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, said: “We believe our new MG4 EV will be an enticing proposition for customers seeking an affordable electric car without compromise. The potential of the innovative Modular Scalable Platform is considerable and is set to deliver some exciting new MGs over the coming years.” Just talk about the Cyberster already, Guy! The 4 EV launches in September; given the popularity of MG’s existing line up, don’t be surprised to see quite a few on the road soon after.
One should always previously have looked at the underlying tech and styling and functionality, but a loyalty to a brand or country (serial BMW owner) was a significant component of decision making, now I simply don't care what badge is on the front.
I also wonder if this will be issue long term even for the leaders at any stage, as with phones will Tesla be a Nokia or Blackberry at some point?
The coke-bottle effect reminds me of the Pug 306. Shame about the tiny rear window, surely someone can do a C30-style glass hatch...?
Kudos to MG for the price too, still expensive in absolute terms but 'cheap' for an EV.
The ZG EV wasn't a bad car but ultimately it was an ICE hacked about to take an EV drivetrain which never works particularly well. This is a proper ground-up EV platform. 
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