Reviews
Gallery6
8.5/10Score
Things we like
- Packed features list
- Fun to drive
- Bargain in price but not in build quality
Not so much
- Slow infotainment system
- Needs physical HVAC controls
- Lack of rear air vents
In case you haven't heard, the MG4 is compact electric vehicle creating quite the buzz in Australia.
This hatchback, constructed on a bespoke EV platform, is being commended for its competitive pricing, making the transition to electric increasingly appealing.
Launched in August 2023 in Australia, it is offered in two variants – Excite and Essence – with a selection of three battery capacities.
Featuring the company's inaugural use of the Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the MG4 is designed to offer a dynamic driving experience. Moreover, the eagerly awaited MG4 X-Power, a high-performance electric hot hatch, is anticipated to hit the Australian market later in the year.
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JUMP AHEAD
Pricing and features
The MG4 Essence 64 is priced at $47,990 before on road costs– $9000 over its entry- level Excite variant.
It's a five-seater compact car, and dimensionally is similar to favourites like the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla.
It comes equipped with a 62.1kWh battery pack, and has a quoted 435 kilometres claimed WLTP driving range on a full charge.
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| 2024 MG 4 Excite 51 standard features | |
|---|---|
| 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers | Fabric seats |
| 10.25-inch touchscreen | Six-way manually adjustable driver seat |
| Wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto | Single-zone automatic climate control |
| 7-inch driver instrument display | Proximity key with auto start/stop |
| MG iSmart Lite mobile app connectivity | Electric park brake with auto hold function |
| Four-speaker audio | Overhead sunglass storage box |
| 10.5-watt USB-A and USB-C charging ports | Electrically adjustable wing mirrors with heating |
| Exterior vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability (separate accessory purchase required) | One-touch up/down driver’s side window |
| Auto LED and incandescent combination head- and tail-lights | Rear spoiler |
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You can expand the driving range by stepping up to the Excite 64, but if you're after more specifications you'll want to move to the Essence 64.
| Essence 64 adds | |
|---|---|
| 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers | Synthetic leather and fabric seats |
| MG iSmart mobile bluetooth key remote with built-in voice control | Front heated seats |
| Built-in maps with EV charging stop planner | Six-way electrically adjustable driver seat |
| Qi wireless charging pad | Heated leather steering wheel |
| Six-speaker audio | Electric folding wing mirrors |
| Double split rear spoiler | Auto-dimming rear view mirror |
| Two-tone black painted roof | One-touch up-down for all four windows |
| Active intake shutter grill | Rear tinted privacy glass |
| Full LED head- and tail-lights with LED turn indicators | Two-level height adjustable boot floor |
Safety
ANCAP, the independent authority on vehicle safety in Australasia, has awarded the MG4 Electric with a five-star safety rating.
The vehicle comes equipped with a suite of collision prevention technologies, such as autonomous emergency braking, active lane support, and fatigue monitoring systems.
The Essence 64 packs in plenty of safety spec, including:
| 2024 MG 4 Essence 64 safety features | |
|---|---|
| Six airbags | Adaptive cruise control |
| Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection | Front and rear parking sensors |
| Lane departure warning | Tyre pressure monitoring system |
| Lane keep assist | ISOFIX anchorage points |
The entire MG4 range is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.
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Key rivals
As one of the most affordable electric vehicles in Australia, the MG4 Essence 64 encounters competition from other cost-effective electric hatchbacks, sedans, and compact SUVs, including:
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Should I put it on my shortlist?
In the landscape of MG's electric vehicle offerings, the MG4 distinctly sets itself apart from the current ZS EV, showcasing notable improvements and advantages. This new model shines with its affordability, enhancing its appeal by outperforming its predecessor in almost every category. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the MG4's value, especially at its price point, is hard to overlook.
The MG4 Essence 64 offers an engaging driving experience and plenty of added features, not to mention the added range. For those contemplating the shift to electric, the MG4 might just be the beacon leading the way.
MOREEverything MG
MOREElectric Cars
8.5/10Score
Things we like
- Packed features list
- Fun to drive
- Bargain in price but not in build quality
Not so much
- Slow infotainment system
- Needs physical HVAC controls
- Lack of rear air vents
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