MG Motor UK MG4 review

If you’re sat there asking yourself ‘Do I really want an MG4?’, the answer is yes. At least in terms of dynamic ability. Well, with a proviso for the XPower. Obviously that’s framed within the parameters of electric hatchbacks, but the car is good basic stock.

HOW SO?

The motor is slung out the back and powers the rear wheels, so there’s an element of inherent dynamism, even if unintended. The weight distribution is 50:50 front to rear, and the steering has been developed with a quick rack and nicely linear response, so the car feels perky and forthright. It certainly feels lighter than the 1.7 tonne kerbweight would suggest.

When you add in instant electric response, the MG4 feels genuinely lively. But saying that, MG has resisted the temptation to make the MG4’s acceleration too insistent: 0-62mph in just under eight seconds for both models is peppy and useful without smashing one’s head against the restraints, and there’s plenty for safe overtakes of bimbling tractors and the like.

BUT YOU MENTIONED THE XPOWER. WHAT’S THAT LIKE?

It’s very quick and easy to drive. And if all you want is the speed of a Mercedes-AMG A45 with none of the noise, involvement and dynamism, then by all means go for it. But this is a toe in the water from MG. Visually the upgrades are very muted, inside coloured stitching is literally the only change. It’s neither crisp nor engaging to drive. And that might be exactly what you’re looking for. After all, a 429bhp electric hatch that’s cheaper than a base VW ID.3 has to be tempting.

ARE THE REGULAR VERSIONS COMFORTABLE?

The ride is a little firm at times, but you forgive the car thanks to decent damping and you get gentle, reliable body roll as a payoff. Yes, you can hear the suspension booming if you get the wrong sort of surface or road, but it’s not a killer. And grip is good, shading to gentle, easily-dealt with understeer if you push too far.

As for the rest, there’s adjustable brake regeneration which is good, though no switch or paddles to operate it. TG just programmed the spare steering-wheel button to cycle through the brake re-gen modes (which you can do from the central touchscreen), so that really wasn’t a problem.

THAT ALL SOUNDS PROMISING WITHOUT BEING PARTICULARLY EXCITING…

And you’d be right, the MG4 is a great little runabout with some little highlights. Pretty much as it should be. Oh, and we averaged around 3.8-4.0 mi/kWh in mixed driving, which is pretty good efficiency in electric car terms.