MG Motor UK MG4 review

Would you be happy driving an MG4? Yes. Well, with a proviso for the XPower. Obviously that’s framed within the parameters of electric hatchbacks, but the car is good basic stock.

Its motor is slung out the back and powers the rear wheels, so there’s an element of inherent dynamism. The weight distribution is 50:50 front to rear, and the steering has been developed with a quick rack and nicely linear response, so the car feels perky and forthright. It certainly feels lighter than the 1.8 tonne kerbweight would suggest.

When you add in instant electric response, the MG4 feels genuinely lively. But saying that, MG has resisted the temptation to make the MG4’s acceleration too insistent: 0-62mph in just under 7.5 seconds for the Long Range and a genuinely lively 6.2 seconds for the Extended Range. There’s plenty for safe overtakes of bimbling tractors and the like.

But you mentioned the XPower. What’s that like?

It’s very quick and easy to drive. And if all you want is the speed of a Mercedes-AMG A45 with none of the noise or involvement, then by all means go for it. But this is a toe in the water from MG. Visually the upgrades are scant: orange brake calipers and different but same-size wheels outside, inside coloured stitching and bigger-bolstered seats.

It’s neither crisper nor more engaging to drive than the standard car, and the ride is stiffer, though not quite punishing. Still, a 435bhp electric hatch that’s priced alongside a base VW ID.3 has to be tempting.

Are the regular versions comfortable?

The ride is a little firm at times, but decent damping means it doesn't get on your nerves. Yes, you can hear the suspension booming if you get the wrong sort of surface or road, but mostly road noise isn't an issue. And grip is good, shading to gentle, easily-dealt with understeer if you push too far, or oversteer if you provoke it with sudden right-foot action. Beware, even in its fully on position, the ESP will let the back step out. Not so much you need to correct, just so your passengers emit a little 'eep'.

As for the rest, there’s adjustable brake regeneration which is good, though no switch or paddles to operate it. We just programmed the spare steering-wheel button to cycle through the brake regen modes, so that really wasn’t a problem.

And the driver assist?

Yes this is often a bugbear in Chinese cars, and very much was over-intrusive and hard to quench on the pre-facelift MG4. Now though the lane departure system and auto-brake are far less wilfully twitchy and the speed limit buzzer (which like all these systems can get it wrong) isn't too loud.

Also you can set a custom combination with all the very many systems in their on or off or half-on positions. Then when you start the car and they default to 'on' by law, you just swipe-down from the top of the screen and hit 'custom' and confirm. The ADAS suite is called MG Pilot and it has a broad set of features.