Currently reading: New 2022 MG 4 takes on Volkswagen ID 3 with 280-mile range
New electric family hatchback to reach UK shores in September; hot 443bhp flagship to follow

The MG 4 electric hatchback will arrive in the UK in September, rivalling the Volkswagen ID 3 and Kia Niro EV with up to 281 miles of range, a spacious interior and optimised dynamics. 

First revealed in China, where it's known as the MG Mulan, the latest in a growing range of MG EVs is the first to be based on parent company SAIC's new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), which officials say will play a pivotal role in the brand's future plans.

The modular platform, which MG says supports wheelbases ranging from 2650mm to 3100mm and batteries ranging from 40kWh to 150kWh, has been conceived around a newly developed One Pack battery construction process. It uses horizontally stacked cells to provide a floor height of just 110mm, with the battery forming an integral part of the platform structure.

Originally exposed in a series of Chinese patent images earlier this year, the styling of the 4 represents a departure from other recent MGs, with crisper lines, sheer surfaces and detailing inspired by that first aired on the Cyberster roadster concept that was unveiled in 2021.

Key elements include a low front end featuring a large MG badge, angular headlights with distinctive “eyebrow” graphics and a heavily structured front bumper with additional lights integrated within the outer edges.

Mg 4 orange static rear three quarters

A pair of prominent swage lines are incorporated within the sides, while the lower section of the doors form part of an extended sill.

At the rear, the five-door hatchback receives a large two-part roof-extension-cum-spoiler above an angled tailgate, together with a complex full-width tail-light assembly featuring LED graphics.

Among the options is a full-length glass roof.

At 4287mm long (with a 2705mm wheelbase), 1836mm wide and 1506mm tall, the 4 is 25mm longer, 27mm wider but a good 46mm lower than the Volkswagen ID 3 – just one of a number of electric hatchback rivals that it will face.

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MG has confirmed the 4 will be sold with the choice of 167bhp and 201bhp single-motor rear-wheel-drive powertrains from launch, while a 443bhp dual-motor four-wheel-drive range-topper is set to follow. 

The performance version is claimed to provide a 0-62mph time of 3.8sec. Top speed is limited to 99mph.

The 167bhp car receives a 51kWh battery, the 201bhp and 443bhp cars a 64kWh battery. Official WLTP range is put at between 218 and 281 miles.

MG is yet to confirm the chemistry of the batteries, but other models from the Chinese brand offer either lithium ion phosphate (LFP) or lithium nickel manganese cobalt (LNMC) cells.

MG has confirmed the One Pack battery will initially use a 400V architecture but says it can be upgraded to 800V for faster charging in the future.

SAIC deputy chief engineer Zhu Jun talked up the dynamic properties of the 4, suggesting the new platform and integrated battery provide it with a 50:50 weight distribution “for optimum driving pleasure”.

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Commenter 9 July 2022

The car would unlikely have this exterior if not for where it is designed. The Yaris vios hatchback of SE Asia is evident from the side and the Yaris cross from the rear. Looks better and more original than the old mg 5 which looks too much like the old auris though.

scotty5 4 July 2022

I'm seeing loads of MG SUV's around plus that MG estates. To me they're horrible looking cars but just like when the Japanese first came to our shores in the late 60's, they have a USP - and that's price.

Now if that same company can bring something to the market at a lower price which also competes with the Europeans in the looks department, well?  If the European manufacturers don't respond then they're in big trouble. This should take loads of sales away from them.

 

ianp55 4 July 2022

Looks quite good the styling is really good a 281 mile range is enough, if it costs from about £25K and with a 7 year warrenty  then MG 's main problem will getting enough product to satisfy demand

 It's quite incredible the progress that MG/SAIC have made in the past decade and no doubt that the MG4 will further cement the company's presence in the UK