MG4 debuts in Europe, here next year

The 2023 MG MG4 has been revealed in all its glory ahead of the all-new small Chinese electric hatchback’s expected arrival Down Under in the first half of next year.

Previewed already by the Chinese reveal of the equivalent MG Mulan electric hatch, the MG4’s exterior doesn’t hold any surprises for anyone who’s been following the story since the bespoke EV was teased back in February.

“We are currently reviewing the MG4 for the Australian market and exploring different variants,” an MG Australia spokesperson told carsales.

“We expect to see this model locally in H1 2023.”

Measuring 4287mm long, 1836mm wide and 1504mm tall, the MG4 EV’s styling is as a mix of the Nissan LEAF, first-gen Toyota Mirai and the current Toyota Yaris Cross.

Underpinning that angular body is the first western application of MG’s new modular MSP architecture which in this instance supports a single-motor powertrain drawing current from either a 51kWh or 64kWh lithium-ion battery, depending on the variant.

All initial versions are powered by a rear-axle mounted electric motor, however, the maximum outputs vary depending on which battery it’s paired with, as does the effective WLTP range; 51kWh variants produce 125kW and can cover up to 350km on a single charge, while the bigger unit enables a 150kW peak output and a range of up to 450km.

MG says more variants are in the pipeline, including a more powerful all-wheel drive (dual-motor) version capable of a sub-5.0sec 0-100km/h dash.

For the time being though, the rear-drive versions will stop the clock in “less than eight seconds” and push on to a top speed of around 160km/h, says MG.

The MG4 should be a decent laugh in the corners too on account of its 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, low centre of gravity and rear-wheel drive configuration.

That sporting intent is reflected by the interior design, primarily through the chunky square steering wheel and a crisp but simple digital instrument cluster standing at the base of the steering column.

A bigger infotainment interface stands proudly at the top of the dash, underneath which protrudes a multi-layered centre console.

The floating element of the console is reserved exclusively for the rotary gear selector, a wireless charging pad and the electronic park brake, while features like cup-holders and storage bins reside down near the floor.

The front seats are split by what looks to be a generously-sized armrest that we expect to be installed in a floating manner, similar to the gear selector.

Generous interior space is ensured by the super-slim, 110mm-tall battery pack, with MG promising enough room for a family of five, despite the MG4 only having similar proportions to a Hyundai i30 hatch.

MG calls the set-up and the technology within the ‘One Pack’ magic battery solution.

“In the ‘One Pack’ battery system developed by SAIC Motor, the projection area of all batteries on the Modular Scalable Platform is the same; the connectors related to other components are also the same,” SAIC Motor deputy chief engineer Zhu Jun said.

“Under this design concept, theoretically, batteries ranging from 40kWh to 150kWh can be easily achieved.

“It can meet the energy requirements of the A0 to D class models, providing users with flexible and diverse choices.”

The One Pack battery system and MSP architecture certainly bodes well for future MG products, especially the nominated battery capacity figures that could comfortably offer driving ranges well clear of 550km and supercar-scaring power outputs.

Rumours out of China have suggested the flagship dual-motor MG4 could develop more than 300kW, with even more power possible for dedicated performance offerings like the upcoming MG Cyberster two-door.

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