The revitalised MG brand has already built a reputation for selling well-priced, well-equipped electric cars locally.

But all car brands eventually have a glow-up in the line-up. The Koreans experienced this in the noughties, and MG appears to have done so with their all-new MG 4 EV. This isn’t just a budget electric car that promises big range with no other creature comforts.

The MG 4 EV portrays itself as a thoroughly premium product that also drives very competently. Well, for the most part anyways.

Refreshing Aesthetics

This RWD hatchback moves away from the ‘safe’ styling of the earlier SAIC-MGs, and is a distinctively looking car. Exaggerated front-end design creates some proper road presence, something a lot of electric cars sorely lack.

And bold shoulder lines further add to that. A split spoiler creates some visual intrigue on the rear end, with the gap between the two individual winglets hiding the third-brake light. Otherwise, there aren’t very many design features round the back.

Again, aside from the underwhelming faux rear diffuser, and even with the lack of distinctive design cues on the tailgate, the MG 4 is properly a looker. It is unmistakable, and something that you’d stop to look at, especially with its unconventional facial curves.

Minimalist Interior

Open the driver’s door and you’d be greeted with swathes of black plastics. The lack of switchgear can be unnerving initially. However, as it has one of the better Chinese infotainment systems, you’d soon get used to the aforementioned lack of buttons.

Two D-pads on the steering wheel can be configured to perform a wide array of functions, toggled on and off via two customisable hotkeys on the steering wheel. One complaint I do have is that the steering wheel feels too large for the amount of cabin space on offer. Also consider this – with an XPower variant available overseas, it is clear that this has been designed to be a sporty-driving car. And a large steering wheel detracts from that experience.

There are hard plastic panels scattered throughout the cabin, but MG has trimmed each touchpoint in a soft touch material. In all fairness, build quality overall is acceptable too. You’d really only find flaws in the cabin experience if you actively search for it.

With no sloping roofline, rear-seat occupants will not have massive issues with headroom. However, and very unusually for a ground-up EV, the seats lack sufficient under thigh support, so some fatigue can be expected on longer journeys. Otherwise, kneeroom is also acceptable, and MG has also managed to mitigate the sense of claustrophobia without the inclusion of a glass roof. 

The Drive

It certainly doesn’t drive like any of the other cars in MG’s Singapore portfolio. The rear wheel drive configuration means you are just a bootful away from some cheeky tailout fun, and it is something the traction control allows you to do.

But when traction is needed, the MG 4’s computers are also equally apt in reducing wheelspin. Nail the throttle from a standstill, and aside from the odd chirp from the rear tyres, the car manages to transmit all 201 of its BHPs onto the tarmac with relative ease.

With a floor-mounted battery pack, the car also has a low centre of gravity, something that pays dividends in the corners. When coupled with the instant torque, the MG 4 feels seriously agile. Whilst light and definitely over assisted, the steering feels direct and there’s sufficient feedback to allow you to accurately adjust your approach into a corner.

The overall driving competency package is completed by its excellent range estimates. It’d happily match the 450 kilometre range as written on the tin, without really even trying.

A Hot Hatch for the Electric Age

European car manufacturers have already proven to car buyers that the sports car will live on well into the electric age. These cars manage to be rapid and fun-to-drive, but they do come at a cost. They are exorbitant, and aren’t all that practical.

These are issues that MG has resolved with the MG 4. It is properly fun to toss it around, is usable on a daily basis, and has a boot big enough for actual practical use. Best of all, it isn’t even that expensive, perhaps making it one of the best value new car buys that one can purchase at the moment!

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