There’s nothing new about the phrase ‘fit for purpose’ in automobile terms. History
records MG (Morris Garages) fitting the bill from the 1920s with a family of British sports
cars, reaching its zenith post-World War II with the MGA, MGB, MGC, MG Midget and
MG TF.
Now, following several changes of ownership, Chinese automobile giant SAIC Motor
has taken MG from premium priced sports specials to the opposite end of the price
spectrum with the introduction of its MG4 EV Urban to Australia’s most competitive
electric vehicle market.
Already well received in Europe, MG says the MG4 EV Urban features a mix of
specifications and automotive technology for a bargain-basement price, in this case
from $31,990, plus on-road costs.
Available in two variants – with either a 43kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, or a
54kWh unit – both come in top-of-the-range Essence trim only, exclusively as a single-
motor front-wheel drive electric EV. Prices start at $31,990, driveaway for the ‘43’ and
$34,990 the ‘54’.
All new MG vehicles are backed by the company’s 10-year 250,000-kilometre warranty,
the battery seven years 150,000 kilometres. The former does default to seven years
unlimited kilometres with non-MG servicing.
STYLING
The MG4 Urban is as good looking as any of its segment rivals. A neat, yet unusual
front is dominated by a low-set grille flanked by a pair of large air ducts. The lighting set-
up – automatic LED headlamps with manual levelling and automatic high-beam sit on
the outer edges of the bonnet.
Smooth, unfussy flanks are all-but free of creases, while a curved roofline is finished off
with rear privacy glass and roof-mounted spoiler, Strip rear lighting emphasises the
width of the vehicle. The model looks are finished off with funky 17-inch Starburst alloy
wheels.
INTERIOR
Well specified, spacious surroundings are host to six-way power driver’s seat, heated
front seats, 60:40-split/folding rear seats, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel with
tilt and telescopic adjustment.
Single-zone climate control can be a bit wanting, although rear air vents help. Power
windows have auto up/down all round and ambient lighting adds a final touch.
Storage is good for the class and boot space rates well with 382 litres with rear seats
up, 1266 litres with the backs folded 98 litres under the boot base
INFOTAINMENT
The driver has the benefit of a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, plus a 12.8-inch
touchscreen infotainment system (more about that later) with access to Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto (wireless and wired), DAB+ digital radio via six-speaker audio and
satellite navigation.
There are two front USB-C outlets, and one at the rear USB-C outlet, 15W wireless
phone charger and iSmart connected car services (complimentary 12-month
subscription).
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
The front-wheel drive EVs run one of two battery options, a 43kWh standard range
(316km) or 54kWh (405km) extended range.
A front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor develops a maximum power of
110kW and maximum torque of 250Nm. This is fed through a one-speed automatic
transmission (Reduction Gear) to the front wheels.
Power is supplied by a Lithium-ion phosphate with a capacity of 43kWh and energy of
81.4kWh for a driving range of 316km. Energy consumption: (claimed) is
16.5kWh/100km, Best energy consumption on test was 10.8kWh/100km on the open
road.
DC fast charge 10-80% on a 150kW charger is claimed to be 28 mins or AC Charge 10-
100% (6.6kW Charger) 30 minutes.
SAFETY
Five-star ANCAP safety rating was won recently and equipment includes adaptive
cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist
with emergency function, intelligent cruise assist, intelligent speed limit assist, rear
cross-traffic alert, safe exit warning, child presence detection, rear parking sensors and
surround view camera.
DRIVING
The MG4 EV Urban is keen to get going: there’s no start button, nor park brake. Just
take a seat behind the wheel and the systems kick in. The 250Nm of torque lights the
‘blue touchpaper’ to a quick getaway.
But that’s where the perky performance fades, with the MG4 Urban living up to the
maker’s ‘fit for purpose’ claim. b it is required to do. It’s among friends in the nice hatch
to drive around town, although the ride can be a little unsteady of some uneven
surfaces.
The MG 4 EV Urban features a one-pedal drive mode and a vehicle-to-load (V2L)
mode, allowing the powering of small external appliances.
Safety systems need work. They are overactive, twitchy and distracting. The driver
attention monitor is annoyingly inaccurate and irrelevant, speed limit notification
haphazard.
The test vehicle was taken well beyond the built-up city environment on a trip to
country-based relatives. A public fast charging station was sought (not an easy task with
a paucity of country infrastructure). Plugging in had the info touchscreen light up like the
night sky, with ‘planets’ in the form of Chinese characters.
The only English on show was the station title, percentage battery charge and kilometre
range in the bag. Translation? Pick a screen touch point. Oops, the screen went blank,
the charge session cut short. Complete restart required. Chinese puzzle?
MG Motor claims charge times between 10 and 80 per cent of 28 or 30 minutes
depending on battery.
SUMMARY
There’s no denying the MG4 EV Urban Essence passes the test for a small car –
compact, economical, attractive and ‘friendly’ – a ‘perfect’ fit for the urban environment.
However, connecting with the car can be something of a Chinese puzzle.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 6
Safety – 7
Thirst – 7
Practicality – 7
Comfort – 6
Tech – 6
Value – 7
AT A GLANCE
MODEL LINE-UP
MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 $31,990
MG4 EV Urban Essence 54 $34,990
Note: These prices are drive-away
SPECIFICATIONS (MG4 Urban Essence 43, 43kWh single electric motor, 1sp auto,
FWD sedan)
ENGINE
Electric motor: Front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor
Maximum power 110kW
Maximum torque: 250Nm
DRIVELINE: 1 Speed Automatic Transmission (Reduction Gear), FWD
BATTERY: Lithium-ion phosphate
Capacity 43kWh
Energy: 81.4kWh
PERFORMANCE:
Driving range: 316km
Energy consumption: (claimed) 16.5kWh/100km
CHARGING:
DC Fast Charge 10-80% (150kW Charger) 28 mins
DC connector: CCS type 2
AC Charge 10-100% (6.6kW Charger)
DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT, AND CAPACITIES
Length: 4395mm
Width: 1842mm
Height: 1549mm
Wheelbase: 2750mm:
Turning circle: 10.9m
Tare weight: 1460kg
BRAKES
Front: Ventilated disc
Rear: Solid disc
STANDARD WARRANTY
Ten years / 250,000 kilometres
Seven-years / 150,000 kilometres, battery
