IN ESSENCE, IT’S A STEP UP FOR MG

The MG HS has a new spring in its step, in the process, leaving its somewhat lumpen predecessor, first seen Down Under in 2019, well and truly behind. How does it stack up? Without a stint behind the wheel of the superseded model I can only assume ‘okay’. For example, the top-specification Essence, while now carrying a $7000 excess on the price of the previous model, has had an extensive restyle on the outside and boasts bags more kit under the skin. The latter includes more cabin space for occupants,… Read more

MG4 64 ESSENCE TICKS ALL THE BOXES

MG has come a long way since its early, cheap and cheerful days. Well, more cheap than cheerful and we are not talking about the lamented British sports car. Rather we’re referring to the now Chinese-owned make of the same name which has begun pumping out EVs and hybrids. MG sold more than 50,000 vehicles in Australia last year, with the small MG3 its biggest-selling model. Released in 2022, its first EV, the fully-electric MG4, has become its second most successful model, with almost 7000 sales. The wedge-shaped five-door hatch… Read more

MG3 HYBRID+ ESSENCE

It was just six months ago that we tested the “new” MG3 hatch. It was yellow of course. For a while there, they all seemed to be finished in yellow which it turns out comes at no extra cost. That was the petrol model, but we looked forward to driving the hybrid version with its promise of more power and better fuel economy. Here it is and it’s blue not yellow, but it was certainly worth the wait — whether the extra $4000 they’re asking for the hybrid is worth… Read more

MG ZS ESSENCE PETROL

The Chinese-owned MG company continues to make an impact on the Australian market with an expanding range and a prominent marketing campaign having it locked into the top ten of new car sales. As with most new brands, pricing has been the most driver of MG’s success with its MG3 hatchback and ZS small SUV both consistently at the top of their respective sales categories. The MG ZS arrived here in late 2017 with what is effectively an all-new model coming here early in 2025. It comes with a larger… Read more

MG3 ESSENCE

The MG3 is a light hatch and the smallest model offered by the company. It’s a car built very much to a price, targeted at first time drivers and those who haven’t got much to spend. Although the latest model scores the same disappointing three stars for safety as its predecessor, ANCAP which tests the cars reveals it narrowly missed out on a four-star result and its comments are encouraging. With a little work perhaps, the company may be able to turn the result around (although the whole safety thing… Read more

NEW MG HS IS BIGGER AND BETTER

The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle. A mid-size SUV, it competes — although not too successfully so far — against well-established models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage. MG HS been on sale here since late 2019 and has just been replaced by what is effectively an all-new model. It’s larger in length, width and with a longer wheelbase than before, all of which contribute to providing extra interior space. Indeed, it’s larger in most dimensions than most of its rivals. There… Read more

IN ESSENCE, THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

It’s all down to striking design and leading-edge aerodynamics, says the Chinese manufacturer of the latest MG4 electric vehicle.that uses the innovative new Modular Scalable Platform that will underpin a new generation of MG EVs. Featuring rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology, the MG4 was designed in London and is put together in state-of-the-art plants in several countries. The result is a hatchback that reflects the sporting tradition of the original post-war MGs and points the way for affordable versatile zero emission electric vehicles of the future…. Read more

MG4 SETS A NEW STANDARD FOR AFFORDABLE EVS

The rapid growth of Chinese vehicles in Australia continues apace with the arrival of MG’s second fully-electric vehicle, the MG4 hatchback. It joins the MG ZS EV compact SUV which has been here since late-2020. A third electrified vehicle, the HS+EV plug-in hybrid provides another option. MG4 comes in four variants with two equipment levels, Excite and Essence, and three battery options, 51kWh, 64kWh and 77kWh. The entry-level Excite 51kWh, priced at $38,990 plus on-road costs joins two Oof its Chinese rivals, the new BYD Dolphin $38,890 +ORC) and GWM… Read more

MG MOTORS ADDS A NEW SMALL SEDAN TO ITS GROWING RANGE

Chinese manufacturer MG Motors has continued to expand its vehicle range in Australia with the launch of the MG5, a small-medium four-door sedan. Although new to Australia the MG5 has been on sale overseas since 2012, often badged as the MG GT. We’re getting the second-generation model released in 2020. MG5 comes with the choice of two variants, Vibe and Essence with driveaway prices of $24,990 and $28,990 respectively. Not surprisingly this will make MG5 the cheapest model in our large and highly-competitive small sedan segment undercutting the Hyundai i30… Read more