MG4 review: this electric car is quite a big deal.

The price wars have begun! And it looks like the MG4 is now the new king of value for motorists tired of expensive, dirty petrol cars.
At first glance, this new electric crossover appears to have everything the average kiwi family could want while priced the same as a comparably-sized hybrid - but without all the ongoing maintenance, running costs and pollution.
It looks great, it charges quicker than more expensive vehicles, it's loaded with gadgets and space, it's safe, and of course it costs mere cents per kilometre to operate. Plus, if you run it on Ecotricity electricity, it's beyond clean! But as you'll see in the review, Gav discovered that even great cars aren't perfect...
Video of the Evnex E2 charger install + review: • Evnex E2 wall charger ...
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Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, it's not! Ecotricity is real, with really affordable electricity, thanks to it being purely renewable.
Head to www.ecotricity.co.nz and chuck in your address to see how much money & carbon you can save right now. It's that easy and it makes a real, positive difference for the next generation.
Contents:
0:00 - Introduction
1:03 - MG4 interior design
2:45 - Driving modes
4:22 - Complaints
6:07 - Family info & measurements
7:16 - Motorway driving
7:43 - Battery & tech specs
9:20 - 0-100 time
9:41 - Handling
11:58 - Exterior styling
12:42 - Water spill test
14:26 - Charging
16:58 - Spudscore & summary

[@stuartirwin3779]

I picked up my 51 kWh version on Wednesday, here in Australia. Loving it so far!

[@chefgav1]

It has a terrible range. Good luck

[@stuartirwin3779]

@@chefgav1 It suits 99.5% of my driving range while only charging at home. The other 0.5% can be supplemented by public chargers. I don't need luck, just common sense.

[@MasterChief37]

@@chefgav1we own a Mini Cooper SE, it’s range is even worse, but that’s not the point, it does what it need to, it’s hella fun to drive and we have a larger BMW IX for longer trips.

[@MasterChief37]

@@stuartirwin3779 so many people don’t understand EV’s.

[@stuartirwin3779]

@@chefgav1 FYI, I did 116 km of driving yesterday, mostly on twisty, windy mountain roads, with quite a bit of suburban peak hour traffic as well, and I only used 35% of my battery capacity. That includes a 540 m climb home at the end of the day. You have no idea what you are talking about.

[@sambaaxe]

LOL I loved some of the comments - "Because it is 7 inches and girthy" and "I prefer touching cloth". Fantastic review and I love the fact that the prices are starting to drop. Keep up the good work and the entertainment value!

[@sambaaxe]

@@TheAmbiguousError Not in my book!

[@martiruda]

agreed!!! we just need either byd or mg to pull a decent dual motor out of the hat and it's the start of the end to ICE for real

[@metalgearray6832]

@@martirudathey probably could but then it wouldn’t be a budget price

[@cyberoptic5757]

Thank you for publishing the 65 cm (25 in) seat height from the ground. That's important for folks with mobility issues! Nobody else shows it. Tesla tells me its top speed is 140, and the 0-60 is 2.x seconds but you have to measure the damn height of the seats yourself. So, thank you. P.S. I have no intention of driving my car at top speed, ever, in the state of Maine, USA. Top speed is relevant only on the autobahn

[@ratmanbrian]

I believe the MG4 does have a tow rating. Last month the dealer told me it is 500kg and the UK-sourced demonstrator actually had a tow bar fitted.

[@gordon1376]

In n the UK, I've had my MG4 Standard Range six week and live it.

[@LITTLEDROK]

I've had a look at both the MG4 and the BYD Dolphin and I expect they will be the ones to choose from due to the similar price and size. It would probably be a very interesting comparison between the MG4 and Dolphin plus maybe bring in a second hand 2018 Nissan Leaf to see how they compare for the price difference.

[@nordic5490]

MG4 is rwd = good. Atto3 is fwd = bad.

[@user-ei2vf1qx8p]

Great review. I would like a comparison between MG4 and the Tesla Y series RWD. Could put the Atto in the mix as well.

[@johnscholz7920]

Love your review. Not a big fan of the background 'music' though. Why have it?

[@stephent9453]

I enjoyed your review and the style of presentation. Enough that I have got in touch with MG and even looked at Ecotricity. I’m still a little wary of the Chinese car longevity but worth a serious look. Thanks.

[@rob1971]

A friend got the MG4 Trophy here in the UK recently, I think it's pretty much a direct equivalent. We took it for a 200 mile drive the weekend after she got it and we're both really impressed with the car, it's comfortable, quiet and more than nippy enough.

[@dunjanaera8637]

We’re in NZ and tested this recently and it’s definitely not a family car. We loved everything about it, except the space in the back. It slopes down sharply behind the back headrests so it feels really enclosed. This is more a singles/couples car and wouldn’t recommend if you have kids.

[@Flaskkorv]

Great info!

[@vitspinka1]

Sorry, but I can’t agree. It’s a small car and not an SUV, but for its size, it’s surprisingly roomy and it can accommodate a family without major issues. Go and try it.

[@CastleKnight7]

Got to disagree. Suits my family just fine, with plenty of leg room and space for shopping and my mountain bike.

[@gbw28]

Those plastic wheel covers look great. Really nice design.

[@scottzipf5503]

Great review! Can you please do a comparison between the MG4 and Atto 3? Road noise (particularly at 110kmph), highway handling and an honest review of the MG4 base model stereo. Apparently the 4 speaker system in the base model is very disappointing for a vehicle that excels in pretty much all other areas. Thanks Gavin!

[@andrewsmith8388]

I agree. When I sat in both at Fully charged, the ato3 seemed more spacious in back because of glass roof and I was taken by the roof rails and official tow bar with atto3. There seemed more center console storage space in front at risk of tighter front. But has Android auto finally arrived for atto3 in NZ?

[@nordic5490]

MG4 is rwd = good. Atto3 is fwd = bad.

[@andzc9230]

mg4 and atto 3 are not comparable. atto 3 is more suv this mg4 is more of a hatch back fam car. byd dolphin prob. but mg4 vs atto 3 mg4 wins for me. would have been our first ev if we did not purchase or zs ev which we also love

[@scottzipf5503]

my current car is front wheel drive so not an issue for me@@nordic5490

[@alexshepherd]

Atto 3 is quirky, large, weird to drive MG4 seems more of a European car, smaller, probably handles better I drove an Atto 3 and found that although the body was solidly-made (doors closed with a particularly nice sound and the funky trim was high quality), the handling was very supermarket-trolley strange coming from a Tesla. Seemed to be riding very high, steering weighting was uneven, and there were traction control interferences even with the relatively limited power on offer. I’d say if you want a spacious family vehicle on a budget and if you might have considered a Kia Sportage, you pick the Atto 3, and if you want a car that drives more like a (modern) Toyota Corolla or VW Golf, you pick the MG4. But I’m not Gavin and he has driven both, so I’ll let him give the final answer :)

[@gregp9554]

Great review. Would like you to compare to the MG4 Power when it arrives.

[@bluestraycat]

Great review, Gavin, as always...please do a comparison with the BYD Atto 3, the price of the MG4 is tempting but I think I'd rather pay a bit more and get the Atto 3

[@andzc9230]

if you want a bigger one yes. but overall mg4 wins.

[@airrodgers7277]

@@andzc9230only the base batteries on the MG use LFP, while the Atto 3 uses only LFP, that’s important because you can use the V2L function without worrying about the longevity of your battery…

[@andzc9230]

@@airrodgers7277 different topic

[@jimgraham6722]

I have had an Atto3 for eight months. It's a great vehicle, meets my needs exactly, no regrets at all. And no, I wouldn't trade it for an MG4.

[@AndrewSheldon]

Great review. Love the Ricky Gervais high pitched squeel. I suspect that low efficiency is lack of heat pump no? No internal electrical load unfortunately?

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

The clean new car rebate was reduced on July 1st and will not be available from July 1st 2024 in New Zealand. A smaller rebate is available for used clean cars.

[@davincisghost9228]

Oh of course Trev...you are one of the best reviewers out there you know...do that damn comparison...

[@GraemeFullerton]

Great review as always Gavin. 😁

[@taekin9781]

Great review! Ive been very excited about this car!!! Havent heard of the water test before but very interesting!

[@yeanswers]

Man electric cars are great, we interviewed Ben warren who work for @Nissan , check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqumapudo5KZhqM

[@notaurusexcretus4471]

MG4vBYD Dolphin please

[@ndc5544p]

5:35 to turn the car off, you stop, press the park button on the gear knob until the parking brake engages, then leave the car.

[@chrissscottt]

Nice review. Like the pyjama pants too ;)

[@The01jedi]

Hi - loving the reviews and would love to see a review of MG4 Essence 64 Vs Atto 3 Long Range.

[@alexshepherd]

5:33 “Function only availabe in P gear” - I bet that’s not the only spelling mistake :P - those would annoy me! What a great review. “Touching cloth” seats LOL 18:51 - spud score of six, or seven? - my eyes deceive me!

[@vernepavreal7296]

Great review nice to have the total boot Deb could you also provide the boot with wheel to wheel and height floor to inner and upper roof❤ thanks Cheers

[@theunknownunknowns5168]

I suddenly, for a unknown reason, need to go prep more potatoes for dinner 🤔

[@ulissedazante5748]

Indeed. No subliminal spud messages involved, I'm sure.

[@TobeyGuthrie]

Fantastic video! Every single EV should have V2L capability! This is the most frustrating thing about Teslas

[@metricstormtrooper]

If you look closely you'll notice that the steering wheel shape mimicks the shape of the MG logo.

[@panda_panda1149]

2:45 I see I'm not the only one who doesn't like leather seats, yesterday (although I don't live in NZ, but in Poland) it was 32 degrees C outside, and I can only imagine how how how the seats would've been based on touching some metal bits in the car

[@tonymaxwell303]

No you can turn the car off by walking away and remotely locking the car. Great review 👍

[@jeroenjansen2709]

The styling is daring but it looks great and harmonious!

[@simonvoigt8261]

Yes please to model Y/Atto 3/MG4 comparison video... wifey wants one while I have to slum it in a 2010 V6 SUV. Tasmania... so I suspect similar weather to NZ?

[@genx156]

Best review yet - so funny, the innuendo's 🤣🤣 Thanks 👍👍

[@ashleygore8644]

Brillant done! Cheers!

[@kevinasaurus]

Cool car! I'm in Canada so we don't have this as an option 🙁

[@paulmoy9736]

Never seen ratings done with spuds before......or the seated heats.

[@FlyingRhino]

Does it support a roof rack in NZ? (Seems like No in the UK but Yes in Denmark?)

[@mountman5386]

Def be good to see a comparison video.

[@cb-nz]

Would very much like to have as part of reviews the service intervals and costs (spoiler they are often high for such a simple vehicle type) and whether they are compulsory to maintain warranty. Also like to have disclosed what cellular connectivity is included, what data that includes, for what period as part of the purchase cost and what happens after that period is over (including likely costs) and whether ditching the cellular costs in future is possiblr or not.

[@mondotv4216]

Comparing an MG4, Atto 3 and a Model Y? They are 3 different sizes? You really need to compare the MG4 and the BYD Seal. In which case I think the MG4 wins every time.

[@mirnivoznik8536]

Gav in this video: 10 spuds. Cheers!

[@TheEcoas]

Seated heat, Android Apple and carplay auto... Is what I love about this channel

[@scottsanquentin601]

Thanks for the review Gavin. Just wondering...if Škoda and Toyota can make cars with rear seats that fold down perfectly flat, why not MG?

[@HBTrailRunning-rp7hx]

Drove one today, great car, handles well, heaps of tech. Was keen to purchase one but after spending a little time in it I couldn’t live with the front seats. The base is too short (granted I have long legs) but it doesn’t offer any support and you can’t adjust it, only up and down - no tilt function. I also found the seats quite narrow and I’m far from being wide in the rear. No lumbar support either. Awesome cameras. Definitely more on the sporty suspension tune on kiwi roads. I’m sure they will still sell well MG have definitely meet the market and hit some good price points.

[@user-dj3bu1uc4q]

I ordered leather seat covers for the MG4 (aliexpress) and the seat has improved significant..

[@MagnumiPad]

Love your work Gav the Shoe

[@philiptaylor8223]

I was looking at this before I got my C40. It seems pretty unbeatable for the price, and you see a lot of them on UK roads now.

[@yeanswers]

Man electric cars are great, we interviewed Ben warren who work for @Nissan , check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqumapudo5KZhqM

[@sheryltrainor3784]

Such a shame is has No rear vents in the back! They need to start thinking about the back passengers too.

[@mevolutionnz]

Great video! By the way some of these are now serving as police car in France. 😂

[@cyabro]

If only MG actually wanted to sell them. I filled in the form on their website (twice) to register my interest in the MG4 and have had no contact...

[@glennmorrell8964]

yes that happened to me too, but I did get a txt last week that demo cars are here and do I want to book a test drive.

[@TheMitchellbegeng]

Where do you stand on PHEVs? I've got an Outlander PHEV on order

[@craybro]

Please do a comparison with the BYOD Atto 3 asap!

[@TassieEV]

I do like the look of it. I am curious to see you compare the BYD Dolphin to this car though, once it is available as it's in the same class of car unlike say the Atto 3 in that small hatchback category definitely not a CUV as I've heard some reviewers call it guessing MG is marketing it as that yet it's not really. I suspect there will be 3rd party Frunk options come will just removing that stupid piece of plastic first to get to the ginormous hole.

[@voidthewarranty1429]

I'm glad you weren't getting "pulled off" by the MG.

[@brizzyizzy]

Definitely keen to see comparison with atto3. What I'm currently debating between

[@Aayush2614]

I guess its more of a comparison with Dolphin than the Atto 3.

[@ALxdCr4ftPlays]

Atto 3 has a higher ride, better software (infotainment and voice recognition) that isn't cheap MG, more space (not a cramped mini), and a lot more soft touch surfaces than MG. MG sacrifices "quality" to keep their $$$$'s cheaper.

[@nordic5490]

MG4 is rwd = good. Atto3 is fwd = bad.

[@nordic5490]

@@ALxdCr4ftPlays poor driving dynamics due to higer cog and fwd in the Atto3 cannot be fixed

[@Aayush2614]

@@nordic5490 both has its own pros and cons depending on road condition, that criteria alone is not sufficient for any judgement..

[@KungFUcat10]

What's seated heats @2.04

[@shankarbalan3813]

good looking car!

[@manimalworks7424]

Please review the MG4 X Power!

[@hilarykariuki6651]

Could you review the MG5 Facelift i.e. if it is available in NZ?

[@logant6490]

It's still alloys under the aero wheel covers.

[@ukiyosurf]

"which could actually be cholesterol" 😭😭😭

[@StirsMYCookiez]

I love seated heats 😁

[@dean7442]

I own one, looks great and drives great, but there are no OTA updates, all updates have to be via a dealer. Also watch out for a very noisy air con system, very loud clicking noise. Warped rear under tray which will affect the cars aerodynamic efficiency. Plus numerous infotainment glitches and bugs such as selected drive modes not remembered and more.

[@frankiedehockie]

Yes - pls a comparison video

[@issachunt3418]

Who hasn't been pulled off? Seen a few MG 4s knocking about English roads. Seriously thinking about getting one in that spec and colour although it's called Trophy in Blighty.

[@TB-up4xi]

Trophy is the trim level not the car- There are 4 variants in the UK , the MG4 SE (51kwh), MG4 SE Long Range (64kwh) ,MG4 Trophy Long Range (64kwh), and MG4 Trophy Extended Range (77 Kwh). Outside of the UK the SE is referred to as Excite trim, and the Trophy is the the Essence Trim. In NZ the 77kwh is simply Long Range 77. i.e the NZ equivalents are Essence 51, Essence 64, Excite 64 and Long Range 77

[@dylanadams1455]

If you're going to do comparisons, I don't think a Model Y is fair - Atto 3, maybe Funky Cat or something else in the same price range. You wouldn't compare a Civic with a BMW X5. I know the Model Y is cheaper than that scenario, but it's still almost twice the price of the entry level model MG4. We need a cheap seats comparison!

[@user-dj3bu1uc4q]

The "plastic weel cover" you pointed out is actually the aluminium weel. The plastic cover is for energy saving purposes and is not shown in this video.

[@hongkongkong7174]

2:03 Seated heats? 😅😅😅

[@rcosnett]

Compare with BYD, please

[@nordic5490]

MG4 is rwd = good. Atto3 is fwd = bad.

[@sharmaynesmith9253]

Could you possibly compare all 3 with each other?

[@HairyNumbNuts]

Try "Close the air vents".

[@Crunch_dGH]

14:30 Re: Voice Commands. Just tried “Turn Bio-weapons Defense On/Off” in my Tesla. They worked! Are MGs NACS (deal maker) charging compatible (included plug adapter)?

[@TB-up4xi]

It's only $7000 NZ cheaper than a Tesla Model 3 RWD in this trim - I would pay that extra for the Tesla every day of the week it's a far superior car in very dimension, including the ride with the 18" wheels and updated softer suspension. Bigger, Faster, Longer Range, More economical, better materials, massively better interface, better infrastructure and and LFP battery v NMC (in the 64kwh model) means 100% charge every day for the tesla and keeping it between 80-20 for the MG to avoid battery degradation.

[@petercroft9895]

I just wish tesla would use a few more physical controls - touch screen controls seriously suck while bouncing around on rubbish NZ roads. And I really wish they'd add a screen in front of the steering wheel. That single centrally mounted "do everything" screen is a deal breaker for me - I don't care how cheap they get.

[@TB-up4xi]

@@petercroft9895 I have been in one for 4 months - I never touch that central screen while driving, there is no need ,every function, climate, stereo, wipers, cruise, satnav etc is fully controllable by the buttons on the wheel, stalks or voice, the speedo and sat nav is no more difficult to see than any other car. Once you are used to it you realise how great an interface it is. I have owned 42 cars since 1978 - this is by far the safest and best interface experience I have had on any vehicle from high end Audis BMWs and Mercs to budget Toyotas and Hyundais.

[@haydensmith8368]

@@petercroft9895 there are plenty of aftermarket options that you can buy & install yourself to add these very features (programable SEXY buttons, gauge cluster screens etc) and many look factory... to be honest though, after a few weeks driving, you soon get used to a different way of doing things - doesn't take long to get familiar with where the couple of settings you use most frequently sit on screen, and looking slightly to side of steering wheel for speed etc quickly becomes natural too (though I do agree with the bouncy finger issue). PLEASE NOTE, a recent software update has provided a massive level of functionality to steering wheel scroll buttons (can access many common adjustments now) and I often use voice commands to alter air con/windscreen defogger etc - these work so much better now too since "kiwi" English update some months ago - Tesla CONTINUELY improve their vehicles through software (every 2-3 months), adding requested features if demanded by enough people at no extra charge - what other vehicle manufacturer would do this?!

[@dylanadams1455]

the entry level one is the one that's going to do the business- 39k? that's pretty game changing. Sorry. Hate that phrase. Tesla Model 2 might kill it off, when it finally shows up.

[@ClassicVideos80s]

Does it have a cassette player? That's the deal breaker.

[@deficator750]

maybe you should fill the cup to full with the aston A because it clearly has less water in the cup

[@sammytsang2948]

Anything above 30k should not be considered affordable.

[@foreverwhisper]

I talked to an SAIC employee last Friday and he told me that MG4 sales number was 500 or so in recent months after a 25000 yuan price cut, before that the number is like 100 per month

[@alexshepherd]

What great value to get a ‘proper’ skateboard platform - in a hatchback - far less money than a FIAT 500 (which, like the Corsa and Leaf, makes do with an old-skool FWD setup with cheap twist-beam rear) and yet you also get a bigger battery/more range/more power. Seven-year warranties - These deserve to sell well!

[@stevebotica1074]

Does it have an interior light in back seat? Big surprise for us with our ZS EV - that it wasn't there I mean.

[@L0Ll0lfly]

Yeah do the comparison of Model Y and Atto 3 and MG 4

[@nordic5490]

MG4 is rwd = good. Atto3 is fwd = bad.

[@Jimmy-hf8fz]

@@nordic5490 Rubbish.

[@prazzo1232]

Yes please comparison with the Tesla Y

[@simonalexandercritchley439]

I'd wait a few years to see any potential problems.The lane keep assist is annoying and could be dangerous in some situations being too aggressive ditto rear collission avoidance. You must disable each time you drive. In Europe they have been out a few years but still no Ota updates. At least they are better than BYD that are rusting in less than a year old. Who wants to pay to be a beta tester then?

[@gregb1599]

I tested one, was not a fan of the over the speed limit by 3kph flashing constantly, like the lane keeping I would turn that off to

[@Beegee169]

MG has changed the lane keep assist in the 2023 model. Now it works much much better.

[@gregb1599]

@Beegee169 Not on the brand new MG4 I tested it was better than the updated ZS EV but no match for the old Nissan Leaf Propilot or my wife Haval Jolion

[@richardweaver8696]

I test drove the mg4 absolute no issue with lane keep assist worked fine, so we’ll in fact I decided to order one.@@gregb1599

[@user-dj3bu1uc4q]

The plastic weel cover is something else than what you pointed out.....

[@user-dj3bu1uc4q]

Behind the plastic weelcover is an aluminium weel

[@katzicael]

How is the lane-keeping tech, every review/owner video i've seen of this car and people *HATE* it and it's nearly gotten people killed.

[@staticman1263]

I want the MG4 stats in the HS body. That would be amazing

[@gregb1599]

Next year it's coming, although everyone thinks it will be the new ZS EV replacement but probably bigger.

[@staticman1263]

@@gregb1599 Wife has the ZS EV. Im wanting more range and size for family trips etc. If its coming that would be amazing

[@gregb1599]

@staticman1263 Yeah, apparently, it will be based on the MG4 platform, so it is built as an exclusive EV only, and like the MG4 Xpower AWD, almost certain.

[@issachunt3418]

Oh ant there are alloys under the plastic covers.

[@Pstaines439]

Love the interior, still not sure about the exterior. Like the EV6 it's a little Donald Duck like at the front. Not sure about your "pushed off is better than pulled off" comment, in a family car😂😂😂

[@swordscot]

Great that it has “seated heats”

[@MasterChief37]

I had an MG rental a couple of weeks back, it’s easily the worst modern car I have driven in 20 years.

[@kiwiramjet5625]

Well, to be fair, a lot of Australians didn’t recognise what I was saying with my thick Kiwi accent when I first arrived 21 years ago… 🥝 😂

[@fabutrash]

Comparison to Model Y please.

[@nordic5490]

It is $20k AUD cheaper than the cheapest model Y here in Oz

[@NZVideoGuy]

"seated heats"? @ 2.02 😂

[@dylanadams1455]

that's his standard Dad joke. He even likes to see if voice recognition picks it up

[@Airbag888]

I think the 0-100 was hampered by the fact that your battery was below 50% at the time of the test

[@WrathChild-NZ]

damn i love that blue

[@geoffreyplatt9251]

Why do car reviewers always review the top spec model?? It’s irrelevant to most buyers, because most people buy the base model. Please review the base model!!

[@richardweaver8696]

The MG4 top spec Essence model is the only one in NZ at the moment, I test drove it last week. The dealer I spoke to wasn’t sure when the lower spec would arrive.

[@SimonClaringbold]

Can you compare with the Tesla Model 3 SR+. If possible through in a journey with highway hyper-rapid charge into the comparison

[@Tsenngu]

The car DOES have a tow rating. it is unfortunatly very low. Here in Norway it is only 500KG.

[@MagnumiPad]

Kiwi EV Yay

[@WonkoTheSaneUK]

UK versions of the car have a tow rating of 500kg with a 50kg nose weight. However, they're NOT officially rated for any kind of roof rack. The AWD version does have launch control, allowing a 0-100kph time of 3.8s

[@davincisghost9228]

I now have to call you Trevor...after all, every Kiwi bloke who wears shorts in winter is a Trevor...damn sad.