Just picked up MG4 64kw. After years of running 2 SUV’s and A6 and Q7 decided to replace one of the 6 cylinder cars with an electric as a second car and it’s the best thing I ever did in the motor department. What a great car at a bloody amazing price. While I justified it as the wife’s city run about it is great on a 500km country round trip. I call the MG the Chinese Toyota…it will be in 3 to 5 years.
I'm a trophy user, I've been driving it for almost a month, this is the car I've ever driven, the most satisfying car, the start/handling/acceleration/stability/brakes are all good, I agree the car is good but has some flaws 1. The front two monitors are really not suitable for operation while driving. When driving, you need to pre-set shortcut keys to control frequently used functions. If the automatic reminder and braking function of the reversing sensor is turned on, when the car senses the presence of a person or vehicle when reversing (even if the car or person is stationary), the car will be suddenly forced to stop, and it will feel as if something has hit behind. I was stunned. So now I only turn on the reminder function, not the brake function 2. The UK is right-hand drive. When navigating using the car's built-in maps, the front 7-inch display will only show left-hand-drive car information. If you want to enter the roundabout, you will be very confused, because the system is developed by left-hand drive, so it is recommended to use mobile phone navigation in unfamiliar places. 3. If it is the trophy version, when you turn, the display screen will show the real-time road conditions on both sides of the car, but generally it will only be displayed for a few seconds, and then the screen will show that it stops on the same map, which will increase the crisis of steering. I still use the traditional steering habit, first look at the rearview mirrors on both sides, there must be no cars before crossing the line or turning 4. Although 360CAM is very easy to use, don't rely too much on this function, it will make you lose the original parking feeling. This seems convenient, but it makes me oversteer and lose my sense of direction. I'm pretty confident in my driving, but it takes a little getting used to the new features. 5. The problem that there is no rain dial on the rear glass made me a little uncomfortable at first, especially in rainy days or foggy weather, but in general, it does not affect driving. It is just a habit that makes us naturally look to the rear to ensure the rear situation, if it is a trophy version It can be replaced by 360CAM, but the normal version has no way to solve this problem, only the heating function can be turned on, but a certain amount of power is wasted In fact, there are still some functions that are not user-friendly, but if you already know enough about the operation of this MG4, these are no longer a problem. Some functions can be turned off directly if they are not needed. The key is to find the driving mode that works for you. As long as you find it, other functions are no longer a problem! Summary: Although some functions of this MG4 have problems, it is limited to system problems. All the hardware of this MG4 is full marks. You will love it when you drive it for the first time.
Very helpful review, I have a Trophy on order and can't wait to get it! My first all electric car, replacing a hybrid Kia Niro - what a difference to drive! Amazing car.
I’m following the same route from a Niro to MG4. Test drove the current Niro EV and megane e-tech and still chose the MG4 over them because it provided the combination of size and quality of drive we wanted.
We’ve recently ordered a red trophy after an enjoyable test drive. Looking forward to using the V2L feature charging the MG4 from our solar panels and discharging some of the 64KWHr to our EcoFlow Pro house back up system to use in case of those predicted power blackouts!
Ordered one at the weekend. The iD3 was just never going to be within my budget. I can honestly see me keeping onto this one for the full term of the deal. I was seriously impressed when I took one out for a test drive. Great review.
Thanks for a great review as ever; we’re still waiting for our Trophy. After having done battle with an id3 screen for 18 months I’m sure I’ll cope with the MG foibles just fine! One thing about boot space is that stated volumes can be deceptive - we looked at the Megane (which my wife hated) and although bigger on paper wouldn’t take a wheelchair, whereas the MG can.
I recall you mentioning that on the Megane review. Its an interesting viewpoint, because as you say, the Megane has depth, but the MG has the length you need for the wheelchair. So it isn't always about volume, more dimensions. Anyway, you won't be disappointed with your car when it arrives. This really is a great car. Thanks for continuing to watch and support the channel. Great to have your comments as always!
As a wheelchair user myself I’m a bit surprised by that. Can I ask, what sort of wheelchair do you mean- one of the long, collapsible in the middle ones ( old school type) or the squarer more sporty type with single footplate? Genuine question.
@@Petelmrg Thanks for that. Yes, it’s a different type of chair layout to mine. I can see how the MG4 layout might work better for that chair, but the Megane ( or the MG ZS) will probably be better for mine!
Just to add to this, I popped into MG today and tested my sons wheelchair in the boot (smaller than an adult wheelchair,) it fit both laying down and standing up which surprised me as in the Megane it would only fit standing up as the megane just isn't deep enough lengthwise, and due to the fact that has an insane load lip to lift it over it was a no go. with the MG I can slide it in and out with ease.
Enjoyed the review, very thorough. I was very tempted earlier in the year to buy the MG5, great car to drive, good range and price but not particularly good looking. I decided to wait to see what the MG4 was like and frankly I was not disappointed. After two test drives and watching several reviews I was smitten and put in my order for a Long Range version. However, after looking at the specs and a lot of thought I went back to the dealer and changed my order to a Trophy version. Initially, I thought the extra kit was not worth the added cost but after thinking about the advantages that came with reversing cameras, heated seats and steering wheel, and all the other safety kit fitted to the Trophy I bit the bullet and upgraded. Now the only issue is the 13-week lead time for the colour I want.
I will be ordering one as soon as it gets here, its been a bit too popular in the UK that we are still waiting for it to launch in Australia. MG is very popular in Australia as well. Buggy infotainment system might be annoying but other than that, as a single person I don't actually use the boot or backseat all that often.
A very comprehensive review and having test drove all the competition and compared and hummed and arred over the last 2 months myself, I have to agree nearly whole heartedly with your conclusions so much so that we thought all the cars where so close to each other that we could not justify spending the considerable extra on the others, so we a couple of weeks ago ordered our MG4 Fizzy Orange Luxury (UK Trophy) with Grey/white interior i.e Top of the range with all the possible options and still saved thousands on even the basic versions of the others. So we think if you do take account of Price there just is no contest. P.S subscribed to your channel 😁
Had my MG4 64kW for two months now. Amazing car, so much fun to drive, fast, smooth, quiet, comfortable, good build quality and very cheap, both to buy and to charge at home. Mine is not the higher spec Trophy but it has a rear windscreen wiper? The only thing I miss is a reversing camera but that´s all.
One thing I think you might mention in future reviews is battery technology. LiFePO4 lasts (long time) for at least twice as long as Lithium Ion (so, for example, the MG4 short range uses LiFePO4, but the long range uses Lithium Ion, so you might say the short range is the better value choice).
Good comprehensive review. Disagree about the need for a rear wiper and don't have a problem with the shape of the steering wheel, it improves access to the car and visibility. My entry-level SE SR is sublime to drive, economical to run and, at £25,995, was outstanding value for money. Nothing else comes close.
Perhaps the airflow over the SE is better because it has a different rear roof spoiler to the Trophy? I was starting to get used to the wheel by the end of my time with the car, but I have never really liked any other form of steering wheel other than round. Never liked it when Aston Martin offered the One-77 wheel on the 2012 Vanquish when I sold them either, so it isn't just MG that is at fault! Completely agree that it is hard to fault the car's entry point at £26k. Such a lot of car for the money. Probably even more so than the ZS EV and MG5 were when they were launched. Enjoy your car, and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
You beat me to it, exactly why the steering wheel is that shape... to view "square" panel better👍also I'm delighted about no rear wiper, looks much cleaner and not necessary. Btw trophy on order, 1st class handling with rwd. 👍
Superb, analytical review. So much depth, compared to the guys who jump into a car for a couple of hours and then rave about their shallow experience of the vehicle they are ‘testing’. Your evaluation of the car and the depth of information provided is definitely ‘a cut above’ many of your competition on TH-cam. Keep it up! 👍
I am 59 and have just started taking driving lessons, I know late starter. I am going for the automatic route and been looking at EVs as a purchase when I pass my test. I have watched a lot of videos on the various EV cars out there, I always come back to the MGs, I really like the mg 4, it looks like the car I will get, my wife and daughter like it as well.
We did, but the only problem with that, is that if you have set the a/c as your favourite button, then you still have to use the screen to alter anything. It's still a step that wouldn't be needed if the screen displayed the climate control all the time like it does in some other cars, or it was on a seperate button system like the Kia has.
@@nicholasrigg8999 we mention that, but my point is even if you do allocate it to the climate control, you still have to access the screen to make the necessary changes. So all the star button does is bring up the climate screen, just like pressing the climate button on the screen itself. Just seems a bit pointless.
An NZ reviewer (Gavin from ecotricity) has set the buttons so he can alter the Aircon temp using just the wheel controls. and really loved that. Haven't got my car yet. but I think it's something like using a programmable button to select temp and then volume controls to alter up or down.
Totally agree re the rear wiper issue, utter folly from makers who believe it's not a problem. I'd love you to cover what the 7 year warranty actually covers. Most people assume that, of course, wear and tear items are not covered but wrongly assume everything else is. Well it's not e,g infotainment system is not. I'd argue that MG's warranty is not class leading.
Hi good review.i have a new shape LR ZS trophy conect and a MG MG 4 . Looking at the infotainment system everybody that reviews the car says theres a problem with it not working on the first time your press the icons you want. The problem is you are trying to press it to hard if you just gently touch it with your finger it works every time. Try it
Thanks for the tip! I have an MG4 on order! The reviewer criticises the fact you can't use touch screens with gloves on..... the Trophy model has heated steering wheel and with most of these EVs you can pre-heat the car before you get into it, why do you need gloves? (Yeah ok, will reduce the range but...) Also, as a former cyclist, I can tell you that you can buy gloves that have pads in the finger tips that still allow you to operate many touch screen devices!
Collected mine yesterday. Very good so far. Lane keep assist is as always a pain but it's the dame in any car. Only other niggle is the brake pedal, it may be that it's new and just bedding in but when coming to a complete stop they feel very sponge like. Love the car though, power, range, comfort the lot for fraction of rival prices. Well done MG
You would have got all your cases in the boot if you had dropped the floor shelf on that trophy model. Also steering wheel is that shape so that the "square" panel behind can be seen better 👍
I wish they have more trim levels so that one can get rid of the spoilers at the back to get more range but keep some of the other stuffs like the 360 degrees camera from the Trophy trim.
It's a shame that road testers of EV.s don't tell us what type of battery a car has, with more and more new types of batteries being developed it would help me decide which new car to buy
100% I'm with you on the rear wiper issue. Maker's are making smaller and smaller rear windows which make it harder to see what's behind you as it is a rear wipe would help immensely. It should be mandatory to have a rear wipe on all vehicles.
I'm looking to jump into the EV market myself in the next few months, however having seen the prices for some of the EV out there, I was put off and was thinking about an ICE car instead. Now that I've seen this, I'm very tempted to give EV another shot, what you get for the amount you pay seems a little too good to be true - I am test driving one next week so I am hoping to be as impressed in real life as I have been when watching and reading reviews. Personally for me, I can't justify a 45- 50k+ EV but something in this price range with what you get for it and that 7yr warranty seems very tempting. Ofc I'm wary of the potential build quality and the long term robustness of the interior but the pros outweigh the cons. I'm hoping the lag on the infotainment can be resolved by software updates. Looking forward to the test drive next week for sure.
Just about to retire and the company car (I-Pace) has to go back in 3 weeks, so I ordered a Trophy 2 weeks ago - 16-20 weeks for delivery, ho hum, but very much looking forward to it. Though I've already hinted to the dealer I might trade up to the 4WD version when it comes out later this year/early next, if the price is right. I previously owned a 2010 Focus RS and a 2016 Focus RS - see where I'm coming from 🙂
I have ordered the MG4 Trophy and the dealer has told me that they have updated the spec on the MG4 trophy to include a rear wash wipe and the one pedal drive mode. I have had extended test drives as a friend has one of these cars i found the car to be a fantastic drive and VERY comfortable having had the pleasure of driving it this made my mind up to buy hence my order for one. I am now eagerly looking forward to getting the car this will be my first EV so it will be a new experience for me.
Watching this video with interest. For a video which is so well produced, why is the audio so blown out? General rule: keep it low, people can always up the volume but they can't remove distortion. We will be buying an MG4 and your review is definately a part of that. Feel free to get in touch for audio tips!
First may I say, a great review. I own the late 2022 SE with the 50 kWh battery and find that using a 30 cm USB lead to connect the phone removes all the floating cable slack and secures the mobile phone on the top tray. I love the square wheel, the squareness gives a better view of the display behind it. I have no trouble adjusting the heated seats or steering wheel as they are not heated. Rural driving with a light right foot gives over 200 miles range, I typically see 4.7 miles per kWh, knock a bit off the battery for aircon. Yes the media system is flackey. I think the cheaper model is the sweat spot or maybe the SE with the 64 kWh battery for the extra range and charge performance. I have yet to see the quoted 84 kW charge rate listed for the LFP battery. I do think that the Trophy with the 60 kWh usable battery and extra drag and I believe some are fitted with 18 inch wheels, does not gain the extra 20% increase in range that the extra 10 kWh usable battery suggests. No complaints about your video, I watch them all the time, great reviews. I just think that the 50kWh car gives proporionatly better range than the 60 kWh usable Trophy car.
Test drove the Cupra Born ordered one only to be told the delivery probably will be put back from March to June. Test drove the MG, and was quoted a two week delivery. I’m waiting for the 24 plate so my Extended Range will be in my driveway on the 1st March.
I have a white with black roof Trophy on order, it was ready for delivery before Christmas 2022, I even went to look at the actual car. In the pre-delivery checks, they found a fault with the charging point locking pin and the car would not charge. The problem is, the part is coded to the chassis, so has to be delivered from the factory. Four weeks later, still no car and still no news. The dealership has no idea when the part is coming, if it has been made, if it has been despatched or even how. SIAC really need to get its act together on not only spare part production but also communication. The latter being non-existent!
The SOS function in my 2020 Seat Arona does this now and again it will just beep and flash up a warning that the SOS system is either malfunctioning or deactivated, so it's not just an MG issue, I wonder if it's a signal issue, like hitting a blackspot so the system can no longer communicate without a cell signal as obviously when you press the SOS button in the event of a crash it dials a service number so makes sense if there's no signal it would cease to function. Just wanted to add that tidbit of information to show it's not just an MG issue.
For sure the MEGANE E-TECH is better... but 35% more expensive (minimum)...🤣 otherwise, very good review, very detailed. Thank you a lot for that. I've ordered the "Trophy Long Range" version. I hope the software will get good updates about the infotainment issues. Honestly, for 90% of the time, it will give me all I want... maybe no for long trips, not the best choice but other than that, what a good bargain for the price !
I'm ordering a trophy in the grey colour was going to go for the volcanic orange but at 53 and showing me age didn't want to look like a just eat delivery guy . The volcano orange does look blooming fantastic but I think the grey suits me perfectly.
Same here. LFP battery chemistry is more robust chemistry and had a far longer lifetime, 3,000 to 5,000 cycles compared with 2,000 cycles of the NCM chemistry. The LFP batteries in the SE SR model should be good for between 500,000 and a million miles. The LFP batteries also contain no Cobalt, which means they are more ethical than the Nickel Cobalt Manganese batteries Also, LFP batteries are a far lower fire risk.
Wow, some of the negatives raised?? For literally a couple of $ online, get two touch sensitive led lights for the rear (changing the main interior lights to LED also brightens up the whole cabin. Install a wireless adapter for either Android or carplay to remove cable requirements. Never had any issue with coffee cups, so I'm not sure what the issue is with that one? You can get a 3d printed frunk unit but again never had the need as the cables if removed from the hard MG case into a soft bag means I can fit granny charger, a 10 metre type 2 cable coiled up and the MG V2L adapter and an extra tyre repair kit in addition to the MG pump and sealant under the tray and it sits flush..
I like this car and would like to order the Trophy version but a put off is the NMC battery type, the quirky screen controls and the lane assist that you can’t permanently disable. I’m still pondering.
Newer models now have a rear wiper I believe, which is great. I also think not having a rear wiper is a major flaw. Now, if only they would add grab handles because my elderly mother uses the grab handles in my current car all the time when I'm driving her somewhere. Others have mentioned other foibles/oversights in other reviews, but I can't think what they are offhand.
Aren't there two "star" buttons on the steering wheel that you can choose what you want to control such as heating and regeneration meaning you don't need to use the screen.
True, but I still think that too much needs to be done via the screen. Once you have pressed the "star" button, you still have very small icons and a laggy screen to contend with. I think we need to go back to physical buttons in cars. Its a safety thing for me. Take a look at our Cupra Diaries video and you will see it isn't just MG I am criticising though. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@AutoEV You can scroll through the the icons using the button on the steering wheel, there is no need to touch the screen. Just assign the "star" buttons to whatever you use most.
@@ohyesitsme you still need to use the screen to either increase or decrease the temperature or switch on the heated seat to any of its there levels, or the heated steering wheel.
@@ohyesitsme you still need to use the screen to either increase or decrease the temperature or switch on the heated seat to any of its there levels, or the heated steering wheel.
@@AutoEV In another review, it showed the Heater Control Assigned to the Star, you can then use the toggle switch left/right to decrease/increase Temp and Up and down for the fan speed
Perfect EV. With the prices all good range EVs have I think this is the best solution! The Chineese need to penetrate the European market moore and faster, so that real affordable good EVs become a reality SOON!
Another thing is that it looks brilliant rather than just yet another electric car!! It’s a lovely looking vehicle, but there are a few design flaws, such as not having a rear wiper!!
My partner and I have been researching EV's for about a year now, in preparation for her new company car. We've found your reviews inciteful and informative and enjoyable, so thank you. Our conclusion is that for our needs the Niro is the car for us. A very good all-rounder, not perfect and slightly let down by its charging speed only. Second place was the Meghan, plus points equipment and style, let down by driving position and space. 3rd came the Born, style being its overall strength infotainment system being its downfall. Our thoughts on the MG4 are that it's a really competent car that gives you lots of kit for the money. However overall, it's lacking in perceived quality and tech. So close and MG will continue to improve at great speed in the future, We're sure. But for now, we believe the MG is the car to spend your own money on, whereas as a company car it just falls short and doesn't quite make sense.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Also, thank you for your kind words on the reviews. We do these longer reviews for people like yourself who are maybe considering a car and therefore need a review with a bit more detail. I can't argue with your findings, and would possibly have put them in that order myself. I get asked a lot what I would have if I had to choose between the Niro EV and the Megane, and my answer is always the same. If it has to e the one and only car in the family to do many tasks, I'd choose the Kia. If it were just for me, with a dose of practicality, it would be the Megane. Thanks again for watching and supporting the channel.
@@AutoEV Thank you for replying. Like I said the MG brand are excellent value for money, and if I had to put my own well-earned cash down MG would be the recipient of said cash. Although the ZS would just pip the 4 for us.
The MG4’s a very exciting car. It’s better to drive than many electric cars. It’s cheaper than anything else electric except one or two others like the Kia Soul 3!!
Regarding the lack of a rear wiper, 30 years ago a guy I knew worked for Wynns and he gave me a bottle containing a chemical that dispelled water. I’ve just bought a bottle of the modern equivalent from Halfords, it works a treat and rear visibility is enhanced. Rain X. Works well.
It’s not the same Geoff. Two scenarios for you. You park on your driveway and need to reverse out the next morning on a frosty morning. Your heated rear screen defrosts it, but the journey you did the day before made the rear camera dirty. You can’t clear the screen and you can’t rely on the camera as you reverse as a young child rides their bike past your driveway. Scenario two, is a real situation. As you drive down the road, the residual water on the rear screen is whipped up into a swirling vortex which you can’t see past in your rear view mirror. Which is exactly the scenario I found myself in with this car. Sorry Geoff, it’s a safety thing that just needs to be addressed. It’s what stand us apart from other channels; we sweat the details that matter to actual buyers. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@AutoEV I see what you are saying, but a) I don't have a rear camera and b) I don't reverse backwards onto a main road. It is illegal, or was the last time I looked 25 years ago. The wiper should be supplied but, for me I'm not overly bothered.
@@geoffmorris1769 it isn’t necessarily a main road. I live in a private cul de sac where kids live (including my own daughter). It’s a flaw where design takes precedence over practicality.
@@AutoEV I've had several saloons over the years, Audi 80, 2 x Skoda Superbs, Ford Mondeo. No rear wipers. I suppose it's because of these that I've tended to use my wing mirrors far more than my rear view mirror, covering 12 to 15,000 miles per annum over a long period. Not a huge problem for me but admittedly it is a strange omission. Good point though! 😀
@@AutoEV If your concern is safety then you should never be reversing out of a drive or a parking space. You should be reversing INTO that space to start with, so when you drive out you are driving forward. It doesn't matter whether you have rear wipers or not, if you are reversing out of a drive you can see WAY less then if you are driving forwards out of it. Reversing out you have two small mirrors and whatever space you can or cannot see through your rear window. Driving out forward you can see through the front windscreen and both side windows.
That MG heritage feel many claim is just based on that MG midget. What wasn't a very reliable car. And many other MG were just normal cars and later BLC, Rover, with that Badge. That current MG is just a great affordable car.
I agree with everything you said about this car which is sure to make a big impact. I would also add that not having a lumbar control on the seats is a big miss. Although this is a great car for the money the niggles may prevent me from buying one
MG made many different cars from the Midget and MGA/B to the Magnette, a family saloon based on the BMC Oxford, Cambridge, Wolseley 16/60 and Riley 4/76.
Hi Robert. I tend to drive the majority of the test in these cars in “Normal” mode (standard, default setting) as I think most (though not all) will drive in that mode. Also, “Eco” tends to limit the heating and ventilation and some functions, which I don’t think the EV driver should sacrifice to get the most out of the battery. It’s more about efficiency, an area that Kia and Hyundai excel in, whereas others like Stellantis seem to struggle. I had expected a bit more from the MG, especially given our experiences from previous products of theirs, but I appreciate that the “Eco” mode might have added an extra 10 miles or so. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
One question, the seats have memories? if there is two drivers, you can switch between the drivers easily? or you need to reconfigure your seat all the time? Thanks!
NIce simple review , however if you are going to do a real world review quoting manufacturers figures for 0-60 defeats that heading, given other reviews have done a real world test and found it better than quoted. Case loading in the boot, missed the obvious real world solution / suggestion is to take parcel shelf out. Keep up the good work, and please leave out any manufacturers claim if you wish to be taken seriously as Real world reviewers.
The only issue I have with performance testing is that I don't think we should be doing it on public roads. We don't have access to closed facilities, so unless I can be assured of safety, I won't risk other drivers or myself in trying to do timed runs. Hence why I just quote the manufacturers figures. Also, yes you can remove the parcel shelf, but then you increase the security risk by not having your luggage covered. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I've just ordered an MG4 Trophy. The dealer told me all Ordersplaced after 28th Feb would get 18" Wheels and Body coloured roof. Hopefully the Oil Leakand Software Issues will be sorted out by then
I've just bought a new SE long range in metallic red for £22,500 (over £7,500 discount, as the range is being updated early in 2025). Is this the best EV deal on the market?
Rear wipers only need to be mandatory on cars that need them. I have an Audi A2 and not missed a rear wiper in over 200,000 miles. They are not necessary on all cars :-)
@@AutoEV , in that case the MG 4 is a badly designed car. If manufacturers could design a car with a larger boot and only one windscreen wiper, in total, over 20 years ago, three is too many :-)
@@AutoEV Rear wipers aren't 'necessary' on any car. Vans and lorries have never had them. They become even less necessary as more cars have built in radar and video cameras. A rear view camera is going to give you way more visibility than what you can see through the rear windscreen whether you have wipers or not, and if you've got 2 or three adults sat in the back with heads moving back and forth, realistically what can you actually see anyway? 😀 I haven't had rear wipers on a car for 9 years, yeah, you miss them at first but you get used to not having them. What all cars need is the option to turn on a rear view camera on the LCD display (even when you're not reversing) in the event that the rear windscreen isn't clear enough. 😊
The screen is TOUCH sensitive, not PRESSURE sensitive. Pushing harder on the screen will not help in any way. Worst case scenario, you ruin it by always pressing way to hard, most likely, it just doesn't make a difference.... You might be old enough that you remember some of the first "touch screens", where you did have to pressure to make it work. Or maybe its just the very human thing - we have probably all been there at some point. But it is clear you are really pressing on the screen when you show it doesn't always respond, it is not a lack of pressure that is the problem.
Well nice review and informative, one thing id’nt understand is the steering wheel which is top of the line actually because of the form great ! It seems you like buttons at all cost then you must like the Kia e niro … with not less than 56 buttons omg 😂
If they can keep the price down and bring in a dual engine, they might just kill off the opposition altogether. Everyone would want one then, including me!
Not quite, but it depends on what you are comparing it to. Its nowhere near the Nissan Leaf e-Pedal for example, but better than the Stellantis Group cars.
MG 4 every time over a Megan E-Tech, apart from the looks I found the Renault woeful. Low, uncomfortable, small inside, 4 stalks coming from under the steering wheel like something from the 90's. On the plus side it did have rear wiper, shame the screen is so tiny and no camera mirror like some models sold in France. The Zoe was a way better proposition.
I was lucky that I have been driving a lot of this size of car recently (Megane, Cupra, MG, another-one-I-can't-tell-you-about-yet) and so many were fresh n my mind. Interesting how you found the Megane. I really rate this MG, but the Renault just edges it for me. Thanks for watching and taking the time to reply.
Our Funky Cat review comes next..... OK, Toyota bZ4x. We had planned to review it a few months back, with the press car booked. Unfortunately due to the manufacturer's concern regarding the wheel issue, the press booking was cancelled until Toyota was satisfied that the issue was resolved. This is now the case, however the press office is having to go back to those who had it booked and work back through those media outlets in order. We are somewhere in that queue! It is coming, but we just don't know when. As is our review on its cousin from Subaru, the Solterra.
Drove a Megane last week, and will try an MG4. Megane feels high quality with a well sorted chassis. Fwd means the software restrains acceleration from low speed. For this reason I think rwd better suited to EVs. It's about £10k more than the MG4.
Car makers allow you to choose different colours/wheels/styles/models/lights/etc etc shame they cant offer dials and buttons instead of all in touch screen display, my previous car had similar screen my current car uses dials for fan/heating much better when driving, I know they are trying to go a minimalist look but the authorities try to stop people using their mobile phone causing a distraction when driving yet your car has such a fiddly display screen?
I completely agree with you. Perhaps we need a different perspective in our reviews? Happy to listen to your suggestions or more in depth comments if you have the time? Let me know and we can sort it out. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment and hopefully chat soon. Bryan@autoev.co.uk
We had to take what was available to us, which was this Trophy. Not to say we won’t test an SE at some stage though, but it will depend on what the MG Press Office is running. I can’t say I had any complaints about the seats and I did quite a lot of miles in my time with the car. Still, we are all different shapes and sizes, so that’s not to say they are perfect for everyone. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment and support the channel.
Correct, but my point stands. Too much to be controlled via the screen. Although, on balance, it isn't just MG that do this. VW group cars also have the issue with too much being buried in the infotainment screen, as does the next car we review. So it isn't just MG that is at fault here. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Also, some people store their cable under the bonnet; apparently, although there is no frunk, there is room to lay the cable flat on top and close the bonnet. I haven't tried that yet on mine.
You had the boot floor on the highest setting and complained about the height - why not put it on the lowest then you'd have more height... Also on the highest setting the cables will sit under the boot floor - but you said there was no space for them whilst having the floor on the highest setting - that would have only been true if the floor had been on the lowest... I keep both the type 2 and the granny charger under the floor with no issues. The rear wiper - never seen the vortex. Once you get used to not looking at the raindrops and focus past it then it's fine. Certainly it doesn't collect the crap which makes it hard to see out of the way my old ZS (and Mini) did. Is the view out the back great? Nope, it's a tiny window but good enough to see following traffic and for reversing there's the camera which is vastly better anyway. The height of the rear window wouldn't be much good for a wiper anyway, if you look at the maximum wiper arc it's simply not going to clear much area. A minor point; you could have put your sunglasses in the glasses holder above your head. Main thing I've found with the touch screen is it doesn't respond to jabs, you have to put your finger in place for half a second or so to get it to respond. The issue with that is if you're driving your finger moves and then the screen sees that as a drag/swipe and so doesn't register. Could be fixed in software but whether they will or not who knows. The USB cables shown don't come with the car so you have to buy your own. I originally bought a short 'coiled' lead which is very short but then replaced it with a wireless AA box which just plugs in. Shame it doesn't have wireless AA but...
Trust me, the boot floor was in the lowest setting. Under the floor was a solid floor so it wouldn't go lower and there was only one slot for a cable. The other had to stay in that bag. Trust me, we are very thorough when we test teh cars, we pull things, prod things, read the press packs and watch tutorial videos. That boot floor was as low as it would go.
@@AutoEV But in the video the boot floor is flush with the lip of the boot - when it's at it's lowest it's well below the lip. To get the boot floor low you have to fold over the edges otherwise it sits flush.
@@AutoEV I'll be honest I don't understand. I've just watched the video again and it definitely looks like the floor is on the highest setting - it's even resting on the two side parts that lift it up (folding the boot floor sides in lets it drop down and lowers the floor). However if you have the floor on the highest setting then the cables fit under the floor - that's were I keep both my type 2 and granny chargers. So not being able to fit the cables in suggests it is on the lowest setting - it just doesn't look like it in the video! Incidentally only the Trophy has the two floor heights the SE doesn't. The lack of cable storage is a pain - I'd sooner have the lower boot floor AND cable storage but I think there's space under the bonnet for a vertical 'frunk' that would hold the cables.
I didn't, only because if I did, I know I would forget to take them out before the car went back to MG! But yes, there is a holder for them as you point out.
When you quote prices is that before or after the government grant? If it is before the the driven model shown as £32190 will be exactly that. Whereas the model alluded to at £31500 will actually be £30000. A big difference for a few addons. Or have I misunderstood?
There is no Government Grant for EVs now. Previously we’ve quoted an “on the road price” so in other words, what YOU pay to own the car. Which is what we continue to do as there is no grant. The MG 4 Trophy is £31,500 but our car had options, so it’s £32,190 as tested. That’s the price you pay.
Excellent presentation as usual, thank you, but claimed mileage by MG is 280 miles, actual mileage in real life = 220 miles. Has MG been investigated for ‘incorrect’ description of the car?
First of all, thank you very much for watching and taking the time to send us a very kind comment. Your support is very much appreciated. Now, onto mileage claims. It’s a very difficult thing to clarify. We always quote WLTP figures as first of all, it’s a recognised test, but also we don’t have the ability or facilities to independently test the cars. Also, I tend to drive the cars “normally” ie, air conditioning on, radio/music on, drive mode set to “normal” and not hyper miling the car on motorways. It also depends on the time of year and ambient temperature when we are driving them, so I’m sure I’d have achieved better had it been back in the summer with the warmer weather. So you see, it’s never an exact science. All of that being said, I did expect a better result from the MG given our past experience of the brand, and I did do quite a lot of miles in the car, and never saw anything like the quoted range. Perhaps any owners who are really living with an MG 4 with the bigger battery can comment on here how they are finding life with the car?
Just picked up MG4 64kw. After years of running 2 SUV’s and A6 and Q7 decided to replace one of the 6 cylinder cars with an electric as a second car and it’s the best thing I ever did in the motor department. What a great car at a bloody amazing price. While I justified it as the wife’s city run about it is great on a 500km country round trip. I call the MG the Chinese Toyota…it will be in 3 to 5 years.
I'm a trophy user, I've been driving it for almost a month, this is the car I've ever driven, the most satisfying car, the start/handling/acceleration/stability/brakes are all good, I agree the car is good but has some flaws
1. The front two monitors are really not suitable for operation while driving. When driving, you need to pre-set shortcut keys to control frequently used functions.
If the automatic reminder and braking function of the reversing sensor is turned on, when the car senses the presence of a person or vehicle when reversing (even if the car or person is stationary), the car will be suddenly forced to stop, and it will feel as if something has hit behind. I was stunned. So now I only turn on the reminder function, not the brake function
2. The UK is right-hand drive. When navigating using the car's built-in maps, the front 7-inch display will only show left-hand-drive car information. If you want to enter the roundabout, you will be very confused, because the system is developed by left-hand drive, so it is recommended to use mobile phone navigation in unfamiliar places.
3. If it is the trophy version, when you turn, the display screen will show the real-time road conditions on both sides of the car, but generally it will only be displayed for a few seconds, and then the screen will show that it stops on the same map, which will increase the crisis of steering. I still use the traditional steering habit, first look at the rearview mirrors on both sides, there must be no cars before crossing the line or turning
4. Although 360CAM is very easy to use, don't rely too much on this function, it will make you lose the original parking feeling. This seems convenient, but it makes me oversteer and lose my sense of direction. I'm pretty confident in my driving, but it takes a little getting used to the new features.
5. The problem that there is no rain dial on the rear glass made me a little uncomfortable at first, especially in rainy days or foggy weather, but in general, it does not affect driving. It is just a habit that makes us naturally look to the rear to ensure the rear situation, if it is a trophy version It can be replaced by 360CAM, but the normal version has no way to solve this problem, only the heating function can be turned on, but a certain amount of power is wasted
In fact, there are still some functions that are not user-friendly, but if you already know enough about the operation of this MG4, these are no longer a problem.
Some functions can be turned off directly if they are not needed. The key is to find the driving mode that works for you. As long as you find it, other functions are no longer a problem!
Summary: Although some functions of this MG4 have problems, it is limited to system problems.
All the hardware of this MG4 is full marks. You will love it when you drive it for the first time.
Great info, thanks for sharing
Your comment is better than the video 🤣🤣
Hopefully, those software related issues will be fixed by OTA in the future.
Very helpful review, I have a Trophy on order and can't wait to get it! My first all electric car, replacing a hybrid Kia Niro - what a difference to drive! Amazing car.
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy your car when it arrives.
I’m following the same route from a Niro to MG4. Test drove the current Niro EV and megane e-tech and still chose the MG4 over them because it provided the combination of size and quality of drive we wanted.
I like this channel more and more every video - not only but also thanks to the refreshing dialect - greetings from Germany.
We’ve recently ordered a red trophy after an enjoyable test drive. Looking forward to using the V2L feature charging the MG4 from our solar panels and discharging some of the 64KWHr to our EcoFlow Pro house back up system to use in case of those predicted power blackouts!
Ordered one at the weekend.
The iD3 was just never going to be within my budget.
I can honestly see me keeping onto this one for the full term of the deal.
I was seriously impressed when I took one out for a test drive.
Great review.
Same, but I don't get it until April.
Like manure from a shiny shovel lol
Thanks for a great review as ever; we’re still waiting for our Trophy. After having done battle with an id3 screen for 18 months I’m sure I’ll cope with the MG foibles just fine! One thing about boot space is that stated volumes can be deceptive - we looked at the Megane (which my wife hated) and although bigger on paper wouldn’t take a wheelchair, whereas the MG can.
I recall you mentioning that on the Megane review. Its an interesting viewpoint, because as you say, the Megane has depth, but the MG has the length you need for the wheelchair. So it isn't always about volume, more dimensions. Anyway, you won't be disappointed with your car when it arrives. This really is a great car. Thanks for continuing to watch and support the channel. Great to have your comments as always!
As a wheelchair user myself I’m a bit surprised by that. Can I ask, what sort of wheelchair do you mean- one of the long, collapsible in the middle ones ( old school type) or the squarer more sporty type with single footplate? Genuine question.
@@thelaserhive3368 - it’s a standard size Careco ‘G-lite’ one with transporter wheels.
@@Petelmrg Thanks for that. Yes, it’s a different type of chair layout to mine. I can see how the MG4 layout might work better for that chair, but the Megane ( or the MG ZS) will probably be better for mine!
Just to add to this, I popped into MG today and tested my sons wheelchair in the boot (smaller than an adult wheelchair,) it fit both laying down and standing up which surprised me as in the Megane it would only fit standing up as the megane just isn't deep enough lengthwise, and due to the fact that has an insane load lip to lift it over it was a no go. with the MG I can slide it in and out with ease.
Enjoyed the review, very thorough. I was very tempted earlier in the year to buy the MG5, great car to drive, good range and price but not particularly good looking. I decided to wait to see what the MG4 was like and frankly I was not disappointed. After two test drives and watching several reviews I was smitten and put in my order for a Long Range version. However, after looking at the specs and a lot of thought I went back to the dealer and changed my order to a Trophy version. Initially, I thought the extra kit was not worth the added cost but after thinking about the advantages that came with reversing cameras, heated seats and steering wheel, and all the other safety kit fitted to the Trophy I bit the bullet and upgraded. Now the only issue is the 13-week lead time for the colour I want.
I’m in the same boat.
The extra kit, to me , was worth the higher price.
Love the styling. The front looks like a more refined version of the Lexus RX350.
I will be ordering one as soon as it gets here, its been a bit too popular in the UK that we are still waiting for it to launch in Australia. MG is very popular in Australia as well. Buggy infotainment system might be annoying but other than that, as a single person I don't actually use the boot or backseat all that often.
A very comprehensive review and having test drove all the competition and compared and hummed and arred over the last 2 months myself, I have to agree nearly whole heartedly with your conclusions so much so that we thought all the cars where so close to each other that we could not justify spending the considerable extra on the others, so we a couple of weeks ago ordered our MG4 Fizzy Orange Luxury (UK Trophy) with Grey/white interior i.e Top of the range with all the possible options and still saved thousands on even the basic versions of the others. So we think if you do take account of Price there just is no contest. P.S subscribed to your channel 😁
I wish we could have the lighter interior in the UK
Why didn't you mention the configurable joystick buttons on the steering wheel? These can be set to control heater, regen and driving modes.
@@potter2702 yeah I do not understand why yours does not have that option, we also get 11kw charger and a heatpump
@@beggarsoak1 I think he did
@@Ian_Woods Where are you based?
Had my MG4 64kW for two months now. Amazing car, so much fun to drive, fast, smooth, quiet, comfortable, good build quality and very cheap, both to buy and to charge at home. Mine is not the higher spec Trophy but it has a rear windscreen wiper? The only thing I miss is a reversing camera but that´s all.
One thing I think you might mention in future reviews is battery technology. LiFePO4 lasts (long time) for at least twice as long as Lithium Ion (so, for example, the MG4 short range uses LiFePO4, but the long range uses Lithium Ion, so you might say the short range is the better value choice).
When it comes to second owners, LFP will be better. Not everyone can afford or want a new car.
Good comprehensive review.
Disagree about the need for a rear wiper and don't have a problem with the shape of the steering wheel, it improves access to the car and visibility.
My entry-level SE SR is sublime to drive, economical to run and, at £25,995, was outstanding value for money. Nothing else comes close.
Perhaps the airflow over the SE is better because it has a different rear roof spoiler to the Trophy? I was starting to get used to the wheel by the end of my time with the car, but I have never really liked any other form of steering wheel other than round. Never liked it when Aston Martin offered the One-77 wheel on the 2012 Vanquish when I sold them either, so it isn't just MG that is at fault!
Completely agree that it is hard to fault the car's entry point at £26k. Such a lot of car for the money. Probably even more so than the ZS EV and MG5 were when they were launched. Enjoy your car, and thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
You beat me to it, exactly why the steering wheel is that shape... to view "square" panel better👍also I'm delighted about no rear wiper, looks much cleaner and not necessary. Btw trophy on order, 1st class handling with rwd. 👍
Superb, analytical review. So much depth, compared to the guys who jump into a car for a couple of hours and then rave about their shallow experience of the vehicle they are ‘testing’.
Your evaluation of the car and the depth of information provided is definitely ‘a cut above’ many of your competition on TH-cam.
Keep it up! 👍
Most in depth review I've seen, most are rushed and not worth watching. Subbed.
Thank you. Very kind words, very much appreciated.
I am 59 and have just started taking driving lessons, I know late starter. I am going for the automatic route and been looking at EVs as a purchase when I pass my test. I have watched a lot of videos on the various EV cars out there, I always come back to the MGs, I really like the mg 4, it looks like the car I will get, my wife and daughter like it as well.
You'll love it. And EV driving is a lot easier the a manual.
You guys didn't talk about the star button on the steering wheel. It's a multifuncional button, very practical with the air con, for example
We did, but the only problem with that, is that if you have set the a/c as your favourite button, then you still have to use the screen to alter anything. It's still a step that wouldn't be needed if the screen displayed the climate control all the time like it does in some other cars, or it was on a seperate button system like the Kia has.
You can use the left star button to amend the driving modes or regen settings - other reviewers missed this as well
@@nicholasrigg8999 we mention that, but my point is even if you do allocate it to the climate control, you still have to access the screen to make the necessary changes. So all the star button does is bring up the climate screen, just like pressing the climate button on the screen itself. Just seems a bit pointless.
@@nicholasrigg8999 Not at the same time!
An NZ reviewer (Gavin from ecotricity) has set the buttons so he can alter the Aircon temp using just the wheel controls. and really loved that. Haven't got my car yet. but I think it's something like using a programmable button to select temp and then volume controls to alter up or down.
Totally agree re the rear wiper issue, utter folly from makers who believe it's not a problem. I'd love you to cover what the 7 year warranty actually covers. Most people assume that, of course, wear and tear items are not covered but wrongly assume everything else is. Well it's not e,g infotainment system is not. I'd argue that MG's warranty is not class leading.
Hi good review.i have a new shape LR ZS trophy conect and a MG MG 4 . Looking at the infotainment system everybody that reviews the car says theres a problem with it not working on the first time your press the icons you want.
The problem is you are trying to press it to hard if you just gently touch it with your finger it works every time. Try it
Thanks for the tip! I have an MG4 on order!
The reviewer criticises the fact you can't use touch screens with gloves on..... the Trophy model has heated steering wheel and with most of these EVs you can pre-heat the car before you get into it, why do you need gloves? (Yeah ok, will reduce the range but...)
Also, as a former cyclist, I can tell you that you can buy gloves that have pads in the finger tips that still allow you to operate many touch screen devices!
Collected mine yesterday. Very good so far. Lane keep assist is as always a pain but it's the dame in any car. Only other niggle is the brake pedal, it may be that it's new and just bedding in but when coming to a complete stop they feel very sponge like. Love the car though, power, range, comfort the lot for fraction of rival prices. Well done MG
What was the problem with LKAS? Works fine in my Quashqai and I use it all the time ? Car practically drives itself.
You would have got all your cases in the boot if you had dropped the floor shelf on that trophy model. Also steering wheel is that shape so that the "square" panel behind can be seen better 👍
I wish they have more trim levels so that one can get rid of the spoilers at the back to get more range but keep some of the other stuffs like the 360 degrees camera from the Trophy trim.
Cracking in depth review, well done ! Got one of the red trophy's due into dealer any time now, can't wait !
Went for a test drive today,loved it! Thinking seriously of ordering one.👍🙂
It's a shame that road testers of EV.s don't tell us what type of battery a car has, with more and more new types of batteries being developed it would help me decide which new car to buy
100% I'm with you on the rear wiper issue. Maker's are making smaller and smaller rear windows which make it harder to see what's behind you as it is a rear wipe would help immensely. It should be mandatory to have a rear wipe on all vehicles.
Excellent informative review. Thank you and the team very much.
Do you know if it possible to preheat the car on a schedule? Many thanks
I'm looking to jump into the EV market myself in the next few months, however having seen the prices for some of the EV out there, I was put off and was thinking about an ICE car instead. Now that I've seen this, I'm very tempted to give EV another shot, what you get for the amount you pay seems a little too good to be true - I am test driving one next week so I am hoping to be as impressed in real life as I have been when watching and reading reviews.
Personally for me, I can't justify a 45- 50k+ EV but something in this price range with what you get for it and that 7yr warranty seems very tempting. Ofc I'm wary of the potential build quality and the long term robustness of the interior but the pros outweigh the cons. I'm hoping the lag on the infotainment can be resolved by software updates. Looking forward to the test drive next week for sure.
Just about to retire and the company car (I-Pace) has to go back in 3 weeks, so I ordered a Trophy 2 weeks ago - 16-20 weeks for delivery, ho hum, but very much looking forward to it. Though I've already hinted to the dealer I might trade up to the 4WD version when it comes out later this year/early next, if the price is right. I previously owned a 2010 Focus RS and a 2016 Focus RS - see where I'm coming from 🙂
I have ordered the MG4 Trophy and the dealer has told me that they have updated the spec on the MG4 trophy to include a rear wash wipe and the one pedal drive mode. I have had extended test drives as a friend has one of these cars i found the car to be a fantastic drive and VERY comfortable having had the pleasure of driving it this made my mind up to buy hence my order for one. I am now eagerly looking forward to getting the car this will be my first EV so it will be a new experience for me.
Watching this video with interest. For a video which is so well produced, why is the audio so blown out? General rule: keep it low, people can always up the volume but they can't remove distortion. We will be buying an MG4 and your review is definately a part of that. Feel free to get in touch for audio tips!
First may I say, a great review. I own the late 2022 SE with the 50 kWh battery and find that using a 30 cm USB lead to connect the phone removes all the floating cable slack and secures the mobile phone on the top tray. I love the square wheel, the squareness gives a better view of the display behind it. I have no trouble adjusting the heated seats or steering wheel as they are not heated. Rural driving with a light right foot gives over 200 miles range, I typically see 4.7 miles per kWh, knock a bit off the battery for aircon. Yes the media system is flackey. I think the cheaper model is the sweat spot or maybe the SE with the 64 kWh battery for the extra range and charge performance. I have yet to see the quoted 84 kW charge rate listed for the LFP battery. I do think that the Trophy with the 60 kWh usable battery and extra drag and I believe some are fitted with 18 inch wheels, does not gain the extra 20% increase in range that the extra 10 kWh usable battery suggests. No complaints about your video, I watch them all the time, great reviews. I just think that the 50kWh car gives proporionatly better range than the 60 kWh usable Trophy car.
Spent many hours looking for a good EV and keep coming back to an MG4. Getting home charger fitted next week then of to order MG4 Trophy....
Picked the 23 reg model up a few weeks ago, and it has rear wiper 😊, cracking car.
Test drove the Cupra Born ordered one only to be told the delivery probably will be put back from March to June. Test drove the MG, and was quoted a two week delivery. I’m waiting for the 24 plate so my Extended Range will be in my driveway on the 1st March.
I have a white with black roof Trophy on order, it was ready for delivery before Christmas 2022, I even went to look at the actual car. In the pre-delivery checks, they found a fault with the charging point locking pin and the car would not charge. The problem is, the part is coded to the chassis, so has to be delivered from the factory. Four weeks later, still no car and still no news. The dealership has no idea when the part is coming, if it has been made, if it has been despatched or even how. SIAC really need to get its act together on not only spare part production but also communication. The latter being non-existent!
My question is why add this rear spoiler if it makes the car slightly slower and use more power. Seems like there is no benefit to it.
By the way, still a really good review and yup, I own the Orange version *smile*
The SOS function in my 2020 Seat Arona does this now and again it will just beep and flash up a warning that the SOS system is either malfunctioning or deactivated, so it's not just an MG issue, I wonder if it's a signal issue, like hitting a blackspot so the system can no longer communicate without a cell signal as obviously when you press the SOS button in the event of a crash it dials a service number so makes sense if there's no signal it would cease to function. Just wanted to add that tidbit of information to show it's not just an MG issue.
For sure the MEGANE E-TECH is better... but 35% more expensive (minimum)...🤣
otherwise, very good review, very detailed. Thank you a lot for that. I've ordered the "Trophy Long Range" version. I hope the software will get good updates about the infotainment issues.
Honestly, for 90% of the time, it will give me all I want... maybe no for long trips, not the best choice but other than that, what a good bargain for the price !
The base model of the two has a £10,000 price difference.
I think this is the best in class all things considered, I also think that's the best color, very sharp.
I'm ordering a trophy in the grey colour was going to go for the volcanic orange but at 53 and showing me age didn't want to look like a just eat delivery guy . The volcano orange does look blooming fantastic but I think the grey suits me perfectly.
My MG4 is getting delivered Tuesday, super excited!
We get our SR tomorrow. I deliberately chose the entry level simply because it has an LPF battery, just research LPF and judge for yourself.
Same here.
LFP battery chemistry is more robust chemistry and had a far longer lifetime, 3,000 to 5,000 cycles compared with 2,000 cycles of the NCM chemistry.
The LFP batteries in the SE SR model should be good for between 500,000 and a million miles.
The LFP batteries also contain no Cobalt, which means they are more ethical than the Nickel Cobalt Manganese batteries
Also, LFP batteries are a far lower fire risk.
Wow, some of the negatives raised?? For literally a couple of $ online, get two touch sensitive led lights for the rear (changing the main interior lights to LED also brightens up the whole cabin. Install a wireless adapter for either Android or carplay to remove cable requirements. Never had any issue with coffee cups, so I'm not sure what the issue is with that one? You can get a 3d printed frunk unit but again never had the need as the cables if removed from the hard MG case into a soft bag means I can fit granny charger, a 10 metre type 2 cable coiled up and the MG V2L adapter and an extra tyre repair kit in addition to the MG pump and sealant under the tray and it sits flush..
I like this car and would like to order the Trophy version but a put off is the NMC battery type, the quirky screen controls and the lane assist that you can’t permanently disable. I’m still pondering.
Over The Air updates may well sort out a lot of the software issues :)
Thanks for the review
Newer models now have a rear wiper I believe, which is great. I also think not having a rear wiper is a major flaw. Now, if only they would add grab handles because my elderly mother uses the grab handles in my current car all the time when I'm driving her somewhere. Others have mentioned other foibles/oversights in other reviews, but I can't think what they are offhand.
Aren't there two "star" buttons on the steering wheel that you can choose what you want to control such as heating and regeneration meaning you don't need to use the screen.
True, but I still think that too much needs to be done via the screen. Once you have pressed the "star" button, you still have very small icons and a laggy screen to contend with. I think we need to go back to physical buttons in cars. Its a safety thing for me. Take a look at our Cupra Diaries video and you will see it isn't just MG I am criticising though. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@AutoEV You can scroll through the the icons using the button on the steering wheel, there is no need to touch the screen. Just assign the "star" buttons to whatever you use most.
@@ohyesitsme you still need to use the screen to either increase or decrease the temperature or switch on the heated seat to any of its there levels, or the heated steering wheel.
@@ohyesitsme you still need to use the screen to either increase or decrease the temperature or switch on the heated seat to any of its there levels, or the heated steering wheel.
@@AutoEV In another review, it showed the Heater Control Assigned to the Star, you can then use the toggle switch left/right to decrease/increase Temp and Up and down for the fan speed
Great review, I have just ordered the LR version. Does it come with a type 2 charging cable?
Perfect EV. With the prices all good range EVs have I think this is the best solution!
The Chineese need to penetrate the European market moore and faster, so that real affordable good EVs become a reality SOON!
Waiting for my trophy to arrive soon.
Another thing is that it looks brilliant rather than just yet another electric car!! It’s a lovely looking vehicle, but there are a few design flaws, such as not having a rear wiper!!
My partner and I have been researching EV's for about a year now, in preparation for her new company car. We've found your reviews inciteful and informative and enjoyable, so thank you. Our conclusion is that for our needs the Niro is the car for us. A very good all-rounder, not perfect and slightly let down by its charging speed only. Second place was the Meghan, plus points equipment and style, let down by driving position and space. 3rd came the Born, style being its overall strength infotainment system being its downfall. Our thoughts on the MG4 are that it's a really competent car that gives you lots of kit for the money. However overall, it's lacking in perceived quality and tech. So close and MG will continue to improve at great speed in the future, We're sure. But for now, we believe the MG is the car to spend your own money on, whereas as a company car it just falls short and doesn't quite make sense.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. Also, thank you for your kind words on the reviews. We do these longer reviews for people like yourself who are maybe considering a car and therefore need a review with a bit more detail. I can't argue with your findings, and would possibly have put them in that order myself. I get asked a lot what I would have if I had to choose between the Niro EV and the Megane, and my answer is always the same. If it has to e the one and only car in the family to do many tasks, I'd choose the Kia. If it were just for me, with a dose of practicality, it would be the Megane. Thanks again for watching and supporting the channel.
@@AutoEV Thank you for replying. Like I said the MG brand are excellent value for money, and if I had to put my own well-earned cash down MG would be the recipient of said cash. Although the ZS would just pip the 4 for us.
Have one ordered 😍
By the way, one of the MG Allegro Sports is in the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu!!
The MG4’s a very exciting car. It’s better to drive than many electric cars. It’s cheaper than anything else electric except one or two others like the Kia Soul 3!!
Regarding the lack of a rear wiper, 30 years ago a guy I knew worked for Wynns and he gave me a bottle containing a chemical that dispelled water. I’ve just bought a bottle of the modern equivalent from Halfords, it works a treat and rear visibility is enhanced. Rain X. Works well.
It’s not the same Geoff. Two scenarios for you. You park on your driveway and need to reverse out the next morning on a frosty morning. Your heated rear screen defrosts it, but the journey you did the day before made the rear camera dirty. You can’t clear the screen and you can’t rely on the camera as you reverse as a young child rides their bike past your driveway.
Scenario two, is a real situation. As you drive down the road, the residual water on the rear screen is whipped up into a swirling vortex which you can’t see past in your rear view mirror. Which is exactly the scenario I found myself in with this car.
Sorry Geoff, it’s a safety thing that just needs to be addressed. It’s what stand us apart from other channels; we sweat the details that matter to actual buyers.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
@@AutoEV I see what you are saying, but a) I don't have a rear camera and b) I don't reverse backwards onto a main road. It is illegal, or was the last time I looked 25 years ago.
The wiper should be supplied but, for me I'm not overly bothered.
@@geoffmorris1769 it isn’t necessarily a main road. I live in a private cul de sac where kids live (including my own daughter). It’s a flaw where design takes precedence over practicality.
@@AutoEV I've had several saloons over the years, Audi 80, 2 x Skoda Superbs, Ford Mondeo. No rear wipers. I suppose it's because of these that I've tended to use my wing mirrors far more than my rear view mirror, covering 12 to 15,000 miles per annum over a long period. Not a huge problem for me but admittedly it is a strange omission. Good point though! 😀
@@AutoEV
If your concern is safety then you should never be reversing out of a drive or a parking space. You should be reversing INTO that space to start with, so when you drive out you are driving forward. It doesn't matter whether you have rear wipers or not, if you are reversing out of a drive you can see WAY less then if you are driving forwards out of it. Reversing out you have two small mirrors and whatever space you can or cannot see through your rear window. Driving out forward you can see through the front windscreen and both side windows.
Great review! I really like what I see. My only reservation is that it’s produced by a Chinese state owned company.
That MG heritage feel many claim is just based on that MG midget. What wasn't a very reliable car. And many other MG were just normal cars and later BLC, Rover, with that Badge.
That current MG is just a great affordable car.
It’s good but will wait a while til things improve as it’s a shame the mg4 leaves out some. Wet standard features that this car should have
I agree with everything you said about this car which is sure to make a big impact. I would also add that not having a lumbar control on the seats is a big miss. Although this is a great car for the money the niggles may prevent me from buying one
Pity we don't get the alloys from other markets as I don't get why would you fit wheel trims over alloys, just have aerodynamic alloys to start with.
Even Tesla use wheel trims over alloys, there must be some reason why they do it.
@@OldManTony stops scraping your alloys and cheaper to replace if you damage them
I also tested the MG and the cupra born, but the Renault Megan e tech was the winner for me.
Agree. Best car in its class in our opinion. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
£10,000 price difference between base model of the two.
MG made many different cars from the Midget and MGA/B to the Magnette, a family saloon based on the BMC Oxford, Cambridge, Wolseley 16/60 and Riley 4/76.
By the way, the MG Metro also had the Quartic steering wheel!! It wasn’t only the Allegro, you know!!
You say your not seeing much more than 220miles but what driving mode is that? I've had an e niro for 2 years and its never been out of eco.
Hi Robert. I tend to drive the majority of the test in these cars in “Normal” mode (standard, default setting) as I think most (though not all) will drive in that mode. Also, “Eco” tends to limit the heating and ventilation and some functions, which I don’t think the EV driver should sacrifice to get the most out of the battery. It’s more about efficiency, an area that Kia and Hyundai excel in, whereas others like Stellantis seem to struggle. I had expected a bit more from the MG, especially given our experiences from previous products of theirs, but I appreciate that the “Eco” mode might have added an extra 10 miles or so.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
One question, the seats have memories? if there is two drivers, you can switch between the drivers easily? or you need to reconfigure your seat all the time? Thanks!
I think some over the air updates to the infotainment system will iron out most of the little bugs issues..
Thanks for another great review :) What do you say about Megane E-tech vs MG 4?
We would love to. Perhaps something for the New Year? We could add a third car into the mix. What would you suggest?
@@AutoEV I think I would go for BYD ATTO 3 as the third car.
MG5 or ID.3?
Thank you for this excellent review
Thank you for watching ad taking the time to comment.
hello what is the boot floor lenght and width please
Have a HS just now love it oo also have 2 mg f and one mgtf can't help myself lol
NIce simple review , however if you are going to do a real world review quoting manufacturers figures for 0-60 defeats that heading, given other reviews have done a real world test and found it better than quoted. Case loading in the boot, missed the obvious real world solution / suggestion is to take parcel shelf out. Keep up the good work, and please leave out any manufacturers claim if you wish to be taken seriously as Real world reviewers.
The only issue I have with performance testing is that I don't think we should be doing it on public roads. We don't have access to closed facilities, so unless I can be assured of safety, I won't risk other drivers or myself in trying to do timed runs. Hence why I just quote the manufacturers figures. Also, yes you can remove the parcel shelf, but then you increase the security risk by not having your luggage covered.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
I think the idea for the square steering wheel is so you can see the screen
Whar charger cables come with it?
19 inch alloys would be proportionate in view of the low centre of gravity skateboard chassis.
I've just ordered an MG4 Trophy. The dealer told me all Ordersplaced after 28th Feb would get 18" Wheels and Body coloured roof. Hopefully the Oil Leakand Software Issues will be sorted out by then
I've just bought a new SE long range in metallic red for £22,500 (over £7,500 discount, as the range is being updated early in 2025). Is this the best EV deal on the market?
For me, a car is a necessity because of my disabilities, but it has to carry four people when in use as a U3A vehicle.
I would like to see a MG TD EV!!
Actually, MG made the Allegro Sports model. Only half a dozen were made because it was too expensive for most of us!!
Best MG since SAIC took over. With you completely regards rear wipers, they should be mandatory.
Rear wipers only need to be mandatory on cars that need them. I have an Audi A2 and not missed a rear wiper in over 200,000 miles. They are not necessary on all cars :-)
Why🤔
But it is necessary on this car John.
@@AutoEV , in that case the MG 4 is a badly designed car. If manufacturers could design a car with a larger boot and only one windscreen wiper, in total, over 20 years ago, three is too many :-)
@@AutoEV Rear wipers aren't 'necessary' on any car. Vans and lorries have never had them. They become even less necessary as more cars have built in radar and video cameras. A rear view camera is going to give you way more visibility than what you can see through the rear windscreen whether you have wipers or not, and if you've got 2 or three adults sat in the back with heads moving back and forth, realistically what can you actually see anyway? 😀
I haven't had rear wipers on a car for 9 years, yeah, you miss them at first but you get used to not having them.
What all cars need is the option to turn on a rear view camera on the LCD display (even when you're not reversing) in the event that the rear windscreen isn't clear enough. 😊
The screen is TOUCH sensitive, not PRESSURE sensitive. Pushing harder on the screen will not help in any way. Worst case scenario, you ruin it by always pressing way to hard, most likely, it just doesn't make a difference.... You might be old enough that you remember some of the first "touch screens", where you did have to pressure to make it work. Or maybe its just the very human thing - we have probably all been there at some point. But it is clear you are really pressing on the screen when you show it doesn't always respond, it is not a lack of pressure that is the problem.
Well nice review and informative, one thing id’nt understand is the steering wheel which is top of the line actually because of the form great ! It seems you like buttons at all cost then you must like the Kia e niro … with not less than 56 buttons omg 😂
I do like a button!
@@AutoEV a button but not too many
If they can keep the price down and bring in a dual engine, they might just kill off the opposition altogether. Everyone would want one then, including me!
Is the Regen strong enough for 1 Pedal Drive?
Not quite, but it depends on what you are comparing it to. Its nowhere near the Nissan Leaf e-Pedal for example, but better than the Stellantis Group cars.
MG 4 every time over a Megan E-Tech, apart from the looks I found the Renault woeful. Low, uncomfortable, small inside, 4 stalks coming from under the steering wheel like something from the 90's. On the plus side it did have rear wiper, shame the screen is so tiny and no camera mirror like some models sold in France. The Zoe was a way better proposition.
I was lucky that I have been driving a lot of this size of car recently (Megane, Cupra, MG, another-one-I-can't-tell-you-about-yet) and so many were fresh n my mind. Interesting how you found the Megane. I really rate this MG, but the Renault just edges it for me. Thanks for watching and taking the time to reply.
@@AutoEV The Funky Cat looks a little expensive, I'm looking forward to the BYD Atto 3. Any plans on a BZ4X review?
Our Funky Cat review comes next..... OK, Toyota bZ4x. We had planned to review it a few months back, with the press car booked. Unfortunately due to the manufacturer's concern regarding the wheel issue, the press booking was cancelled until Toyota was satisfied that the issue was resolved. This is now the case, however the press office is having to go back to those who had it booked and work back through those media outlets in order. We are somewhere in that queue! It is coming, but we just don't know when. As is our review on its cousin from Subaru, the Solterra.
Drove a Megane last week, and will try an MG4. Megane feels high quality with a well sorted chassis. Fwd means the software restrains acceleration from low speed. For this reason I think rwd better suited to EVs. It's about £10k more than the MG4.
Megane can tow 900kg which is good for folding campers and trailer tents.
Car makers allow you to choose different colours/wheels/styles/models/lights/etc etc shame they cant offer dials and buttons instead of all in touch screen display, my previous car had similar screen my current car uses dials for fan/heating much better when driving, I know they are trying to go a minimalist look but the authorities try to stop people using their mobile phone causing a distraction when driving yet your car has such a fiddly display screen?
PS, all men think the interior is over the top, we need some women’s opinions! The interior and that it came in green is what sold me on it!
I completely agree with you. Perhaps we need a different perspective in our reviews? Happy to listen to your suggestions or more in depth comments if you have the time? Let me know and we can sort it out. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment and hopefully chat soon. Bryan@autoev.co.uk
I wish reviewers would test the se range as they will probably be the ones most people will buy, I’ve heard that the seats are not great.
We had to take what was available to us, which was this Trophy. Not to say we won’t test an SE at some stage though, but it will depend on what the MG Press Office is running. I can’t say I had any complaints about the seats and I did quite a lot of miles in my time with the car. Still, we are all different shapes and sizes, so that’s not to say they are perfect for everyone.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment and support the channel.
Driving Modes can be set to steering wheel controls
Correct, but my point stands. Too much to be controlled via the screen. Although, on balance, it isn't just MG that do this. VW group cars also have the issue with too much being buried in the infotainment screen, as does the next car we review. So it isn't just MG that is at fault here. Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment.
Charge cable fits under false floor in boot and stars on the steering wheel can be programmed for Aircon and driving modes
No false floor on the car I had. I looked.
Also, some people store their cable under the bonnet; apparently, although there is no frunk, there is room to lay the cable flat on top and close the bonnet. I haven't tried that yet on mine.
@@AutoEV trophy car has a gap to take the charging cable watch the review from car wow
You had the boot floor on the highest setting and complained about the height - why not put it on the lowest then you'd have more height...
Also on the highest setting the cables will sit under the boot floor - but you said there was no space for them whilst having the floor on the highest setting - that would have only been true if the floor had been on the lowest...
I keep both the type 2 and the granny charger under the floor with no issues.
The rear wiper - never seen the vortex. Once you get used to not looking at the raindrops and focus past it then it's fine. Certainly it doesn't collect the crap which makes it hard to see out of the way my old ZS (and Mini) did.
Is the view out the back great? Nope, it's a tiny window but good enough to see following traffic and for reversing there's the camera which is vastly better anyway.
The height of the rear window wouldn't be much good for a wiper anyway, if you look at the maximum wiper arc it's simply not going to clear much area.
A minor point; you could have put your sunglasses in the glasses holder above your head.
Main thing I've found with the touch screen is it doesn't respond to jabs, you have to put your finger in place for half a second or so to get it to respond.
The issue with that is if you're driving your finger moves and then the screen sees that as a drag/swipe and so doesn't register.
Could be fixed in software but whether they will or not who knows.
The USB cables shown don't come with the car so you have to buy your own. I originally bought a short 'coiled' lead which is very short but then replaced it with a wireless AA box which just plugs in.
Shame it doesn't have wireless AA but...
Trust me, the boot floor was in the lowest setting. Under the floor was a solid floor so it wouldn't go lower and there was only one slot for a cable. The other had to stay in that bag. Trust me, we are very thorough when we test teh cars, we pull things, prod things, read the press packs and watch tutorial videos. That boot floor was as low as it would go.
@@AutoEV But in the video the boot floor is flush with the lip of the boot - when it's at it's lowest it's well below the lip.
To get the boot floor low you have to fold over the edges otherwise it sits flush.
In our car there was a solid floor beneath the boot floor. I promise I did check! Maybe its the amp for the Trophy's bigger stereo?
@@AutoEV I'll be honest I don't understand. I've just watched the video again and it definitely looks like the floor is on the highest setting - it's even resting on the two side parts that lift it up (folding the boot floor sides in lets it drop down and lowers the floor).
However if you have the floor on the highest setting then the cables fit under the floor - that's were I keep both my type 2 and granny chargers.
So not being able to fit the cables in suggests it is on the lowest setting - it just doesn't look like it in the video!
Incidentally only the Trophy has the two floor heights the SE doesn't.
The lack of cable storage is a pain - I'd sooner have the lower boot floor AND cable storage but I think there's space under the bonnet for a vertical 'frunk' that would hold the cables.
Another question, why don't you put your sunglasses in the dedicated sunglasses compartment above the rear view mirror??
I didn't, only because if I did, I know I would forget to take them out before the car went back to MG! But yes, there is a holder for them as you point out.
Why are there two coolant reservoirs?
When you quote prices is that before or after the government grant? If it is before the the driven model shown as £32190 will be exactly that. Whereas the model alluded to at £31500 will actually be £30000. A big difference for a few addons. Or have I misunderstood?
There is no Government Grant for EVs now. Previously we’ve quoted an “on the road price” so in other words, what YOU pay to own the car. Which is what we continue to do as there is no grant. The MG 4 Trophy is £31,500 but our car had options, so it’s £32,190 as tested. That’s the price you pay.
The grant has been over for at least 3, 4, 5 or more months. You can stop dreaming about that grant.
Excellent presentation as usual, thank you, but claimed mileage by MG is 280 miles, actual mileage in real life = 220 miles. Has MG been investigated for ‘incorrect’ description of the car?
First of all, thank you very much for watching and taking the time to send us a very kind comment. Your support is very much appreciated.
Now, onto mileage claims. It’s a very difficult thing to clarify. We always quote WLTP figures as first of all, it’s a recognised test, but also we don’t have the ability or facilities to independently test the cars. Also, I tend to drive the cars “normally” ie, air conditioning on, radio/music on, drive mode set to “normal” and not hyper miling the car on motorways. It also depends on the time of year and ambient temperature when we are driving them, so I’m sure I’d have achieved better had it been back in the summer with the warmer weather. So you see, it’s never an exact science.
All of that being said, I did expect a better result from the MG given our past experience of the brand, and I did do quite a lot of miles in the car, and never saw anything like the quoted range. Perhaps any owners who are really living with an MG 4 with the bigger battery can comment on here how they are finding life with the car?
Rear indicators use old bulbs??