With EV products like the MG4, the now Chinese-owned MG brand is almost the phoenix of car manufacturers – rising from its now largely forgotten British MG Rover past. The fact that we’re seeing more of this slick-looking EV hatch on UK roads  is evidence of MG’s successes despite the semi-conductor crisis. Unlike perhaps more premium rivals, the UK arm of the Chinese brand has stock to sell and the fact that these cars were available relatively quickly has seen them added to company car lists.

While the MG4 may be cheaper than established rivals, we found there’s much more to this car than its affordable pricing.

Outside, perhaps the reason why we’re spotting more MG4s is because this EV hatch looks sharp and distinctive. Yes, you can see influences from other brands and models, but this is the new MG family look, and you won’t mistake its cars. For the MG4 from the front, it starts with the sharp, large LED headlights, aggressive front air dam, raised bonnet line and big MG badge. 

Move to the side, and the lower undercut plus disappearing shoulder line stand out – along with the textured plastics. The lights from the rear of this MG are also spread across the back of the car – and show an unusual pattern from the top at night. We’ve got the mid-spec Trophy, which, like the 429hp XPOWER range-topper, gets the distinctive twin aero rear spoiler. However, entry-level SE owners will have the last laugh at the chargers, as that spoiler drops the range from 281 miles to 270. It is a shame then, that the wheels, which are 17in, look a bit lost under the MG4’s arches – although this is probably a result of the aerodynamics.

The interior of our Trophy test car was a complete contrast to the edgy exterior styling and Volcano Orange colour – as it felt quite stark and dark. Highlights of the horizontal dashboard design are the two screens. The top of the dash is made of soft plastic, the rest is textured plastics that look good – but these are disappointingly hard. Considering their size, there is a lot of information squeezed onto the two screens, plus the small font does make reading them difficult – we wish there were more physical controls. Using Carplay for navigation – the driving and different regeneration modes are hidden in there – makes it difficult to make changes to the car without losing the nav or your music.

Elsewhere, the MG4’s interior feels spacious, and the driving position is comfortable, but for what is a sport(ier) model, the seats could offer a bit more support. The unusual quartic multifunction steering wheel feels good to hold. Rear space is also impressive, even for the tallest, but boot space at 363 litres is only reasonable. A rear wash wipe would cut down muck on the screen, but it’s not available. Thankfully, there’s a standard fit rear camera. 

Built on MG’s new scalable platform, highlights include the slim battery pack, a rear-mounted motor, and 50:50 weight distribution, regardless of the battery size. In Trophy form, the MG4 is fitted with a 64kWh long-range battery pack, with acceleration to 60mph in a swift 7.7 seconds, with 10 to 80% charging on a 50KW charger taking an hour.

On the road is where the MG impresses most. It corners well, with minimal body roll and precise steering. It rides well too – probably because of the previously mentioned modest rubber. There’s the choice of five driving modes, with the ‘Sport’ mode being the most noticeable change. It alters the responsiveness of the throttle and gives a touch more freedom from the traction control.    

Overall, the MG4 may be the best affordable EV on sale today. On top of the fact it’s incredible value for money, this MG offers an engaging drive and decent range.

MG4 64kWh Trophy  

P11D: £32,440

Residual value: 54.1%

Depreciation: £14,865

Fuel: £4,113

Service, maintenance and repair: £1,643

Cost per mile: 34.36p

Range: 270 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%)  

BIK 20/40% a month: £10/£21

Luggage capacity: 363 litres

Battery size/power: 64kWh/201hp