Seemingly overnight, MG has once again become part of the automotive zeitgeist, something it hasn’t properly been a part of for about 20-30 years. MG’s electric vehicle range is a big part of its recent success, with the MG4 hatchback in particular garnering praise as the go-to, affordable small family car option that rivals the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3.
The cabin of the MG4 has a typical EV vibe – svelte and futuristic. The dashboard is free from clutter with just a few choice buttons in place to navigate the touch screen menus. Some climate control toggles would have been nice – but overall, the user-friendliness of the entertainment system is good. The Android Auto and Apple Carplay function also connects seamlessly – although it does require a wired connection.
Perhaps the best part of the MG4’s entertainment system however is how coherent it is with the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, and the steering wheel controls themselves. Everything you need is just a few clicks or scrolls away.
The mid-range Trophy equipment grade is probably the model you want to go for as it includes some great creature comforts like sat nav, wireless phone charging, a 360-degree parking camera and heated seats. The Trophy model also comes with an impressive list of safety tech, including adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and lane change assist.
Practicality in the cabin could be better – with slim door bins and tricky-to-access cup holders – but there is impressive centre console storage and an agreeable glovebox.
Space in the rear seats is less compromised, with head and leg room akin to a small SUV or saloon rather than a hatchback. The capacious footwell room also makes for handy shopping bag storage in a pinch too. There’s even enough space – just about – for an adult in the middle seat with two child seats either side of them.
The boot is a little more on-par with its hatchback classification though. With just 363 litres with the seats up and 1,165 litres with the seats down, the MG4’s boot is quite small, although you will just about squeeze in a double pram. It’s worth noting that the Trophy model comes with some underfloor storage to stash charging cables – the entry-level SE model does not.
During our test of the MG4, we put it through the wringer with various long-distance trips up and down the country. And honestly, the MG4 didn’t miss a beat. Officially, the MG4 Trophy Long Range 64kWh model we tested has a range of 270 miles. We achieved lows of 230, highs of 280 and an average of around 245 – which is pretty impressive. The MG4 mostly stayed true to its predicted range figures on smooth, long distance journeys too, which made planning charging pit stops much easier.
Speaking of pit stops, the MG4 can replenish around 80% of its overall battery capacity in around 40 minutes when using a 150kWh rapid charger – something that’s made cross-country driving seamless.
What’s great about the MG4 though – aside from its solid EV performance – is its distinctive character behind the wheel. It will happily cruise in a straight line, sure, but its communicative steering, good body control and instant acceleration means that it’s a brilliant b-road companion. The ride can feel rather firm on uneven surfaces – a common trait of EVs – but the payoff is the aforementioned sporty character, and that’s a compromise I’m happy to make.
Positive: Fun to drive, spacious rear seats, solid electric performance
Negative: Small boot, unexciting interior, firm ride
Standard equipment: Adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, rear privacy glass, 18in alloy wheels with low wind resistance aero cover, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, climate control, DAB radio, satellite navigation, wireless phone charging, 360-degree parking camera, Apple Carplay, Android Auto.
| Model | MG4 Trophy Long Range 64kWh |
| P11D | £32,440 |
| Residual value | 37.2% |
| Depreciation | £20,143 |
| Fuel | £3,890 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,219 |
| Cost per mile | 43.75p |
| Range | 270 miles |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 0g/km (2%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £14/£29 |
| Luggage capacity | 363 litres |
| Battery size/power | 64kWh/203hp |
| Score | 8/10 |
