MG has made a behavior of stealing “most cost-effective new… insert right here” titles within the Australian auto market, as evidenced by all the things from the most affordable new automotive with its (previous) MG 3 hatchback, to the most affordable SUV with the MG ZS.
It as soon as held the most affordable new electrical automobile (EV) title with the ZS EV, however competitors from the likes of fellow Chinese language manufacturers BYD and GWM noticed the three-way acronym battle sway within the favour of MG’s rivals.
However the once-British carmaker has reclaimed at the very least one in every of these titles with its MG 4 electrical hatchback. Between September 20 and October 31, it slashed the bottom pricing from $40,990 drive-away to simply $30,990 drive-away, making the small battery-powered hatch even cheaper than an entry-level Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
From November, it’ll be amended barely to $32,990 drive-away, however at that value it nonetheless undercuts the GWM Ora and BYD Dolphin electrical hatchbacks, each of that are arguably much less sensible and fewer dynamically completed – we’ll get to that somewhat in a while.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2024 MG 4 Lengthy Vary 77
So in a world of rising dwelling prices, rising competitors from Chinese language-made challenger automobiles, and a higher give attention to emissions discount, is the most affordable MG 4 price a strive when you’re seeking to make the EV leap?
Properly, I lately drove the entry-level MG 4 for every week – pre-$30,990 days, thoughts you – and severely, there’s lots to love.
How does the MG4 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the MG4 towards equally sized automobiles.
MG
MG4
How a lot does the MG 4 price?
As talked about earlier, you may get into this very MG 4 for simply $32,990 drive-away from November 1, 2024.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices | Drive-away pricing – Supply |
|---|---|---|
| MG 4 Excite 51 | $37,990 | $32,990 |
| MG 4 Excite 64 | $41,990 | $8000 manufacturing facility bonus |
| MG 4 Essence 64 | $44,990 | $8000 manufacturing facility bonus |
| MG 4 Lengthy Vary 77 | $50,990 | $8000 manufacturing facility bonus |
| MG 4 XPower | $55,990 | $8000 manufacturing facility bonus |
Discover extra offers on the MG Motor Australia presents web page.
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s the MG 4 like on the within?
The cabin of the MG 4 is an actual sign to different manufacturers that the corporate has higher aspirations than simply low cost vehicles.
Whereas simplistic in its design and considerably spartan in structure, there’s an class to in that it doesn’t do an excessive amount of nor too little – particularly when you think about this base grade’s extraordinarily aggressive value level.
My expertise larger up within the MG 4 lineup additionally has proven me there’s not an enormous uplift in presentation when you spend further for one of many extra premium variants. There’s greater than sufficient on supply right here.
Forward of the motive force is a two-spoke steering wheel, and its skinny rim presents a very good view of the 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster behind it.
Look throughout to your left and there’s a floating tablet-style 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that covers most bases – although smartphone mirroring stays wired, not wi-fi…
These shows work wonderful and show the data you want readily, although they aren’t fairly as slick in presentation in comparison with rivals from Korea or Europe – then once more, you’re additionally paying lots much less.
Frustratingly, it’s essential to modify the local weather management through the touchscreen, which may be fairly fiddly particularly if you’re operating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Fortunately, the demister features are managed by exhausting buttons below the display.
In base trim the MG 4 misses out on satellite tv for pc navigation, however most clients will presumably be plugging their telephones in anyway.
DAB+ digital radio comes commonplace, and audio is pumped via a primary four-speaker audio system that does the job.
Storage is fairly good for a automobile this dimension, with the MG 4’s devoted electrical automobile structure releasing up more room.
There’s a pleasant large drawer within the centre console with a sliding lid however no lining, that means that whilst you can cowl your saved objects there’s nothing to cease them rattling round.
Forward of that there are some low-set cupholders, and on the floating console forward of the rotary e-shifter there’s a rubber-lined cellphone holder that sadly does and not using a wi-fi cellphone charger on this spec.
Whereas the underarm storage cubby between the entrance seats is an efficient dimension, the door pockets are somewhat skinny and received’t take bigger bottles simply. Regardless, it’s fairly good all spherical.
The rear seat is impressively large, simply providing higher lodging in comparison with one thing like a Mazda 3 or Toyota Corolla.
Whereas there’s little in the way in which of rear facilities – no vents, no fold-down armrest, and only one USB port – the MG 4 can comfortably seat taller adults behind taller adults. I’m 6’1″ and simply match behind my most popular driving place.
If the entrance is austere, the rear is much more so. The ground is sort of flat, however the skinny centre seat makes this extra of a 4+1-seater for probably the most half.
One other indication of its price range focus is the dearth of padded elbow rests within the doorways, like up entrance. You do, nonetheless, get the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether baby seat anchor factors within the rear.
MG quotes 363 litres of boot house with the rear seats up, which is lower than in a Volkswagen Golf however not far off. That expands to 1177 litres with the rear seats folded, although there’s no adjustable ground to make for a flat load bay.
The MG 4 additionally lacks any type of spare wheel, which is widespread in plenty of EVs, however not so widespread amongst its ICE rivals.
| Dimensions | MG 4 Excite 51 |
|---|---|
| Size | 4287mm |
| Width | 1836mm |
| Peak | 1504mm |
| Wheelbase | 2705mm |
| Boot house (seats up) | 363 litres |
| Boot house (seats down) | 1177 litres |
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What’s below the bonnet?
The bottom Excite has the smallest battery and the least highly effective motor within the MG 4 lineup.
| Specs | MG 4 Excite 51 |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor electrical |
| Battery | 51kWh lithium iron phosphate |
| Energy | 125kW |
| Torque | 250Nm |
| Pushed wheels | Rear |
| Weight | 1635kg – kerb |
| 0-100km/h – claimed | 7.7 seconds |
| Power consumption – claimed | 18.4kWh/100km |
| Power consumption – as examined | 18.8kWh/100km |
| Claimed vary – WLTP | 350 kilomtres |
| Max AC cost fee | 6.6kW |
| Max DC cost fee | 88kW |
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How does the MG 4 drive?
This simply could be the most affordable rear-wheel drive new automotive you should purchase in Australia proper now. And, regardless of being a humble hatchback on the surface, the bottom MG 4 presents an impressively punchy and refined drive expertise.
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MG 4 Excite 64 proven
With 250Nm on faucet from relaxation, there’s loads of shove to get this comparatively mild 1.6-tonne hatchback transferring at a good clip, permitting you to zip away from the lights.
The immediacy of response can be addictive to these coming from older, non-turbocharged vehicles and it’s very properly suited to driving across the metropolis and the ’burbs.
MG’s 0-100km/h acceleration declare of seven.7 seconds appears very plausible by the seat of the pants, and the MG 4 doesn’t actually really feel prefer it runs out of puff attending to freeway speeds, like another reasonably priced EVs.
It’s additionally very quiet and properly mannered, making it a boon to drive in on a regular basis situations.
The entire driver controls and the chassis appear tuned for consolation somewhat than outright dynamism, which is definitely wonderful for one of these automotive.
The steering really feel is pretty mild however the response is correct, and the compliant suspension presents good bump absorption and acceptable ranges of physique lean via corners. You may virtually name it enjoyable.
Insulation from highway and wind noise can also be fairly good, given the quietness of the drivetrain. Even at 100km/h on the freeway, the MG 4 doesn’t really feel any worse than one thing like a Corolla when it comes to refinement.
The journey additionally settles properly at larger speeds, with much less oscillating motion over undulations than you would possibly recover from successive bumps within the metropolis.
The MG 4 additionally options one of many higher calibrated driver help suites from the MG model, and certainly many of the Chinese language cohort of producers.
Dubbed MG Pilot, the adaptive cruise and lane centring system truly works fairly properly to supply semi-autonomous driving on the freeway, and the Site visitors Jam Help perform takes care of bottle-neck site visitors jams.
Sadly, the bottom mannequin misses out on blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Outward visibility is first rate through the facet home windows and mirrors, although the thick rear pillars impede over-the-shoulder imaginative and prescient.
For probably the most half, the motive force consideration monitor isn’t overbearing both, which is a welcome change in comparison with a few of MG’s newest vehicles and different new automobiles in market.
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
What do you get?
Regardless of being the most affordable MG 4 variant obtainable, there’s a good quantity of ordinary package.
MG 4 Excite highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Tyre restore package
- Single-pedal drive
- 4-mode regenerative braking
- Keyless entry and begin
- Automated LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 4-speaker sound system
- Black cloth upholstery
- Synthetic leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment
- Electrical facet mirrors with heating performance
- 6-way handbook driver’s seat adjustment
- iSmart Lite connectivity
MG 4 Essence + Lengthy Vary add:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black roof
- Lively grille shutters
- Rear privateness glass
- iSmart connectivity
- 6-speaker sound system
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- Peak-adjustable load ground
- EV journey planner
- Artificial leather-based/material upholstery
- 6-way energy driver’s seat
- Heated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Leather-based-trimmed steering wheel
MG 4 XPower provides:
- Metallic brake caliper covers
- Alcantara inside trim
- Polished trim accents
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
Is the MG 4 secure?
The MG 4 has a five-star ANCAP security score based mostly on Euro NCAP testing performed in 2022 – this score applies to rear-wheel drive fashions solely, not the top-shelf XPower.
| Class | MG 4 |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 83 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 75 per cent |
| Security help | 81 per cent |
Customary security tools consists of:
- AEB incl. pedestrian, bicycle owner detection
- Adaptive cruise management
- Driver consideration monitoring
- Clever velocity restrict help
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing digicam
- Site visitors Jam Help
- Site visitors signal recognition
MG 4 Essence provides:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Emergency lane retaining
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Secure exit warning
- Encompass-view digicam
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
How a lot does the MG 4 price to run?
As with the Chinese language model’s wider lineup, the MG 4 is roofed by a 10-year, 250,000-kilometre new automobile guarantee, which additionally consists of the high-voltage battery in EV and hybrid automobiles.
| Working prices | MG 4 Excite 51 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 10 years or 250,000 kilometres |
| Roadside help | 10 years – service activated |
| Service intervals | 24 months or 40,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 14 years or 280,000 kilometres |
| Whole capped-price service price | $3905 |
To see how the MG 4 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability software.
CarExpert’s Tackle the MG 4
Typically, it’s finest to maintain it easy.
The entry-level MG 4 is various automotive for the cash, particularly now at its extraordinarily sharp marketed drive-away value, which undercuts each different new EV within the nation.
Whereas I’d usually nominate one of many 64kWh variants because the candy spot(s) within the vary, the MG 4 Excite 54 remains to be an absolute cut price at $32,990 drive-away.
Even taking the EV half out of the equation, the bottom MG 4 is properly featured, presents punchy efficiency and refined on-road manners, no matter its Chinese language origins and drivetrain sort.
Lined up towards one thing like a Corolla or Kia Cerato, it makes a really compelling case for these eager to dip their toes into electrified motoring.
For the cash, the inside is primary however covers most bases you’d anticipate from a small automotive at this value level. And, given there’s minimal differentiation between it and better grades, the Excite 54 is sort of pretty much as good because the MG 4 will get, other than missing some tools objects.
Whereas we lament the dearth of wi-fi smartphone mirroring, the bottom infotainment system is comparatively properly featured and works wonderful – save for the fiddly touchscreen-based local weather controls.
There’s additionally loads of security tech for the cash, although the dearth of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert is a miss in comparison with the likes of the Corolla and Mazda 3.
Topping off the engaging package deal, MG presents one of the complete aftersales packages within the enterprise, encompassing a brilliant lengthy guarantee and capped-price servicing program, offering added peace of thoughts for long-term possession.
However please, spend the additional $700 and get a cool color – white is so boring…
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