That affordable little EV hatchback is now Cat-A friendly, and the power drop does little to spoil the MG4 renowned’s fun factor.
MG has been making quite the splash, aiming to please the budget-conscious car buyer with a lineup of attractive offerings. And the MG4 did not disappoint. Its fun-to-drive demeanour and stylish looks previously bagged one of our AutoApp Car Of The Year awards in 2023. Well earned.
Now, MG has released a new Cat-A friendly 99kW variant, with its sights firmly on the BYD Dolphin and ORA Good Cat. The competition is getting hotter, but can the MG4 still edge out on top?
Externally, the MG4 trades cute looks for an aesthetic that is more sleek and futuristic. This is characterised by sharp, angular headlights and a dual aero rear spoiler that injects a dose of aggressiveness into its profile.
This car looks like it belongs on a racetrack rather than stuck in city traffic, and the dynamic creases catch the eye from every angle.
This attack-chihuahua facade really turns heads, and for those who really want their MG4 to pop, colour options like Volcano Orange, Dynamic Red, or Holborn Blue are available to make a vibrant statement.
The MG4’s interior, while utilitarian with some budget-conscious materials, manages to deliver a rather tech-forward ambience. This is no small feat for a car that’s easy on the wallet.
For those of us who have been around the block with budget-friendly rides, you’d expect the infotainment system to be a bit of an afterthought. But, the MG4 surprises with a generous 10.25-inch display that’s crisp and clear.
However, it’s not without its quirks. While the physical shortcut keys are a thoughtful touch, making quick adjustments on the fly (especially to the climate controls) can feel like a game of precision you didn’t sign up to play, thanks to some finicky on-screen icons.
This can sometimes cause you to miss a beat with touch inputs, which might leave you tapping away in mild frustration.
Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, though you’ll need to plug in as there’s no wireless option just yet.
Creature comforts-wise, the MG4 isn’t skimping. The Trophy trim comes with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and a wireless smartphone charger. It’s the small things that make life much easier when you’re getting around.
Space-wise, MG has done a commendable job. The interior feels roomy, and storage solutions are smartly integrated, like the sliding-lid cubby and deep central armrest bin.
Rear passengers aren’t left out either, enjoying ample legroom and a floor that’s nearly flat.
As for the boot, it’s a practical space with 363 litres of capacity, expandable to 1,177 litres with the rear seats down.
And while you won’t find any storage under the ‘frunk’, the underfloor storage in the boot makes for a neat spot to stash those charging cables.
The biggest standout on the MG4 is its rear-wheel drive single motor setup. A recent revision has dialled back the power to a more paper-friendly 133bhp and 250Nm of torque, fitting snugly into the Cat A COE bracket without sacrificing the MG’s charming efficiency.
Navigating around in the MG4 is as pleasant as a morning walk in the park, thanks to its light, precise steering and panoramic forward visibility. Its dexterity makes it a breeze to manoeuvre through tight urban spaces, and for those of us who find parallel parking daunting, the 360-degree camera provides a much-needed safety net.
Don’t think the MG4 is just a city slicker, though. It’s equally at home on curvier terrains where it invites a bit more zeal behind the wheel.
Despite its slightly front-heavy demeanour, the rear-wheel drive and adjustable chassis encourage a bit of playfulness, making those spirited drives on twisty B-roads surprisingly engaging.
But, adjusting settings like regenerative braking and drive modes can feel a tad laborious, involving a few too many taps on the touchscreen or a fiddle with the programmatically elusive star buttons on the steering wheel. Since the settings reset each time you shut down the car, each journey starts with what feels akin to setting up for takeoff.
Efficiency remains one of MG’s selling points, and the MG4 doesn’t disappoint. Testing revealed a commendable consumption rate of about 14.5kWh/100km, pushing the practical range to an impressive 440km off the 64kWh battery.
And when you do need to juice up, the MG4 supports a brisk charging pace of up to 135kW, which means you can recharge from 20% to 80% in just about 30 minutes.
In the arena of budget-friendly EVs, the MG4 emerges as a dark horse. It’s the kind of car that brings a smirk to your face not just for the money it saves you, but for the spark it brings to every journey.
While the MG 4 might ask you to overlook a few peccadillos, its overall value proposition is hard to beat. A reminder that sometimes, the best value comes wrapped up in an economically sound package.
Technical Specifications
MG 4 Trophy (Cat A)
Engine: Single Asynchronous Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 99kW (133bhp)
Torque: 250Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 8.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 160km/h
Battery Capacity: 64 kWh
Drive Range: 450 km
Energy Consumption: 5.9 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$162,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: MG Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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