Oh MG! Electric MG4 brings a strong challenge to Oz | Wheels Australia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ส.ค. 2023
- REVIEW: Is the MG4 the answer to EV affordability in Australia? The spacious hatchback makes a strong case for itself. FULL STORY: www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2023-mg-4-essence-64kwh-review-australian-launch
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#mg #mg4 #electriccar - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Is the MG4 the EV for you? Tell us here, and check out our full review! FULL STORY: www.whichcar.com.au/reviews/2023-mg-4-essence-64kwh-review-australian-launch
Just a note, the base model comes with an LFP battery so there's no problem charging to 100%. In fact it's recommended to do so regularly.
Was about to mention this as well. The larger packs are NMC so avoid charging those to 100% - plus substantially lower lifespan, iffy social and environmental credentials etc and higher price.
Needless to say I’ve ordered the base model.
Have you test driven @@abefrancis4137? I'm booked to test on Wednesday. Just a shame there isn't a 51 essence but understandable
Only LFP for me for ALL the reasons.
@@Clove_Parma agreed! It would be nice to have the option of heated seats and a better infotainment system.
Test driving on Saturday. Not mine though. Not sure when that will arrive.
I pick my SE SR up end Oct I can’t wait 😂❤
Had the pleasure of driving the xpower 2 weeks ago in the UK, that things a blunt instrument, pure brute force. The rides alot better than the base model mg4 due to the uprated springs and dampers.
Its so stupidly fast i can see alot of people launcing them into the backs of other cars.
This version has an LFP battery which can be charged to 100% for calibration
Sorry you missed the important fact that the base version has LFP batteries. They like being charged to 100%. Have a longer cycle life, virtually non flammable, and no cobalt. Although less dense LFP is far superior to the other types of battery chemistry such as nca or nmc.
The lower power density means even more mass, so in order to keep that as low as reasonably possible, the lower range cars are given LFP, but at least you can use 100-0%. However, the BS marketing department will give NMC or NCA battery ranges as 100-0% to make them look better, thus distorting reality.
Yet another review where the criticisms are easily overcome (e.g. using the right joystick and star button for the AC), but reviewers don't have enough time with the car to learn these workarounds.
Just got mine yesterday. Quite impressed so far. Based on my efficiency so far, the claimed WLTP range is quite achievable.
WLTP ranges are typically 15% overly optimistic. If you do reach them, which I doubt, you are a travelling road block.
Not in my experience. So far, I have gotten 14.5 kWh/100km over 4235 km which gives a range of 350 km, which is bang on the WLTP range. In fact, I live in a mountainous area, and if I lived on the flat, my range would be considerably higher than WLTP. @@csjrogerson2377
Thanks for that 👍
People bash the MG from a China and say it’ll blow up. Some have probs with the first model with oil leaks and the under tray bulge.
Some just don’t like MG.
I’ve yet to hear from anybody that’s driven one of these from the MG4 range to say the drive was bad.
Everyone loves the ride the drive 👍
Get mine two weeks on black I’m sooo excited 😂❤ 🇬🇧
Too bad we in usa don't get this, would love to have this, freaking politicians.
Sorry mate but you’re way off. Timing your 0-100 with just a phone is a bit of a joke, other reviewers have consistently tested it at 7.07 with timing gear. The 64 is closer to 7.1 while the XPower is treated closer to 3.6 real world
Well mate if you’d been watching I conceded that it wasn’t a particularly accurate way of doing it.
@@zerogeewhiz not trying to have a go at you, just saying that inaccurate testing of data isn’t worth the effort or your time. We value your expertise and thoughts on the factors that numbers simply can’t tell buyers, I’m just suggesting that’s a better focus.
Well done, a fair wide ranging review that has good balance and objectivity. We have had this car on sale in the Uk for over a year now and it is the second most popular EV here by sales volume.
Good honest review, thumbs up 👍
Great little car, say what you want about chinese made cars they are selling and have solid reliability compared to hyundai atm. Im still not quite sure evs are the future though.
If we look at this car as a Corolla sized EV (just for context) it is also Corolla priced. Now consider that whilst it is $20K over the petrol MG it is not $20K over a Corolla. That means it makes sense as the family runabout where it is the family second car for the school run, the grocery shop, going to the gym and driving to the park and ride at the station. You'd never use up all the range in a week doing that and then you plug it in to the power point on Friday night and it is fully charged for the weekend. A family would still have a big vehicle for the road trip and the holiday. It is in effect a city car where these small affordable EVs are best suited and marketed. Of course you could buy a $65K Tesla or a $99K Kia EV6 but that is a lot for a second family shopper. The appeal of these Chinese vehicles (the MG, BYD Dolphin/Atto 3 and ORA) is that is it affordable.
Selling like hot cakes in the UK. They'll do the same here. Its only a matter of months. The 7 yr warranty and servicing every 2 years will attract many buyers. The old saying from years gone by, "Commodores are like bums, everyone has one" This will be the new saying within 2 years, MG's are like bums..........😊
you can map the heater controls to the steering wheel
Shame reviewers keep missing the fact there are no lights on vanity mirror in front and no lights in rear seat which is crazy
Hi Karen, i have enver used the lights in the mirror, and, most vehicle miles are driver only, so - meh
@@nordic5490who’s Karen? Why r u trolling, it’s not all about you
I have ordered the Essence which is the next level up from the car you reviewed. I understand it has different battery chemistry. I have not yet driven the car, that experience will come soon. I am hopeful that it will satisfy me. Thank you for your warts and all review, most of the time it will be just me in the car so yes the back seat area is dreadful in terms of features/comfort and you left out the absence of a light, I am kind of okay with that providing the driving and using is up to what I want. Keep up the great work.
Have you considered BYD Dolphin Premium or Atto 3 Extended Range? If you have, could you share your thoughts on why choosing MG 4 Essence over the BYD models? Spec wise DP is 3k cheaper, and with roughly same level of specs if not better, and Atto 3 is 3k extra but a larger sized car.
True but the dolphin is slower and doesn't drive or handle as well from most accounts@@chasingexcellence6646
I had range anxiety when I drove a petrol car in Australia, there can be a long way between fuel stops. I can’t see how electric cars will cope except in cities.
You stop at the chargers I guess
MG ZS EV (pre-facelift) with a range of so called 262km isn't that bad on fairly long trip on motorways. My driving haven't changed as I STILL floor the accelerator many times for fun. Only my braking however have changed so I can maximise the KERS as I slow down or stop but not by "one-pedal driving" - simply brake early and gently will do the trick.
I wish they would take a mature attitude towards their RIPOFF SERVICE FEE
I’m waiting for the XPower.
Only using the term 'Compact SUV' to increase sales, it's a Hatchback same as BYD Dolphin & Renault Megane e-Tech or the Ora Funky Cat. I'm sure the top spec has a wireless phone charging option unlike the bottom model. Unsure on the middle spec though.
Picked up my MG4 Essence (next level up) last Tuesday. Currently showing 80% charge and 411 km remaining, so it's efficiency around town is great. And it's the same blue colour; I wasn't too enamoured at the start, but it grows on you. I see the most popular colour in the UK is the orange, so maybe MG4 buyers aren't ashamed to be seen!
All EVs are very efficient in towns due to regenerative breaking. Get them on the motorway and they are rubbish.
I own an EV, you don't. I can confirm that at motorway speeds my MG4 is great. What's the basis of your assertion - clearly not experience!
Saying there is “penny pinching” in the base model and one of the cheapest EVs really is missing the point. The next model up in the range has all the bells and whistles for not much more money.
Love the colour design subjective I know and usefulness for the coin asked - huge advance I’d say for our market at this price point - review felt like a tyre kicking exercise compared to a through review of chassis dynamics I’d expect from wheels
We had the car for 24 hours.
0:44 or the UK version MG4 SE SR is £26K 👍
1:43 yeh the Holborn Blue (UK) is really gorgeous, as are both the red and grey. But although I like, it’s not for me . I went for a sexy little metallic Pearl Black myself and it’s perfick! ❤
Newer model that there though on screen as it’s got a rear wiper 👍
3:29 I believe they’re real leather
Press and bring the centre o my of the screen down and all the climate controls are there and much bigger, these can also be programmed onto the steering wheel. 4:00
5:12 glove compartment smaller than a Kia Niro but still fit a pair of gloves in them 😅
14:34 actually I watched someone beat the 7.7 seconds down to 7.1 😮
15:15 also the next spec up with the twin rear spoilers ?- the spoilers adds 11% drag 😮
15:15 - adds 11% drag also mean adds 11% or so more downforce which is needed when taking winding roads at high speed. The faster you go, the more downforce, the more grip. Having said though I'm not saying you can nor should speed though. Just think that extra downforce is your safety net while driving.
you mention that the mg4 base model is not that fast compared to the xpower , what about the the mg4 extended range 77kwh with 0-62 mph of 6.5 sec and 241 bhp , 350 nm of torque , surely that would feel more like a hot hatch than a warm hatch.
This one is faster than he’s giving credit. The 51kwh has consistently been tested at 7.07 by other reviewers
I mentioned the 77 was quicker and a longer range. Literally two seconds after mentioning the 64 wasn’t faster than the 51.
Excite 51 if you're tight on budget or don't want to spend much. Essence 64 is the sweet if you want a better model and might as well spend few thousand dollars more over the Excite 64. Essence Long Range 77, that's only if you really need that range and fancy more power 180KW. Mind you there are people saying you might as well spend a few more grand and get Tesla Model 3 instead and can be right about that.
In short I'd say either go for Excite 51 or Essence 64. Or otherwise X-Power.
"Steel wheels"? The spec sheet says alloy wheels
They're plastic hubcaps on a mediocre RWD electric crossover hatch
The 64kWh Charges at 140kW , not 50kW as mentioned here.
Thanks!
i would buy one if the AWD version is available in Australia. the current essence and long range are good， but the price tags are too close to Model 3. For now, stick with tesla.
The back being hard plastic would be because of having kids in the back. Don't want to rip fabric etc.
Are any dealers able to comment on a trade in figure after 7 years?
Retain value of electric cars after 3 years are between 30-40% depending on the model. After 7 it's end of the life for battery, you would be happy to get 20% original price.
@@zyygisLFP battery chemistry will sustain over 3K charge cycles with little loss of performance, so it would be likely more than 1Million kilometres before any battery EOL situation occurs, and for most private use cases that would probably more like 20 years
@@zyygisThe LFP batteries should last over a century of average usage, literally. (WLTP range x 5000 cycles) / average annual km
we need more competition. more of it and more infrastructure. those living in apartments cant even charge their ev toys lol
Still too expensive. Costs twice as much as my Japanese turbo diesel which gets 4.0/100km on the motorway at 125 kmph. It would take decades to recover the initial capital cost, by which time the EV would be on its 2nd or even 3rd battery.
Why are people always freaking about rear vents in a small car?
I don't understand MG4 electric hatchback become RWD when RWD hatchbacks were extinct; for the love of late Queen (who loved UK MGs) go find a cheap MG Rover ZT 260 (RWD) or a rare MG Xpower SV...
Make a ev sub 30k that does 400ks to a charge then i will buy one untill then i will wait. 😊
The Family small Tesla is coming in 2025 and they are aiming for it to be 25k no news on range yet unfortunately.
@@RobertDodgeand that would be $US25K plus the Tesla 'uplift' in Aus, when/if it ever gets released 🤷🏼♂️
drive a tesla then drive a BYD then drive the MG, you will then realized why its cheap.
Drive a Rolls Royce then drive a Toyota and you'll realise why it's cheaper. What's your point exactly?
@@zerogeewhiz the very fact u refer to a rolls royce which is not even comparable to any car in price and quality makes me laugh. The difference between tesla, BYD and MG4 are not as massive as going from a rolls royce to a Toyota. Comparing all 3 shows u why MGs are cheap and make people understand what they are losing by getting an MG.
@@pkerry12 sentences that start with “the very fact” is a wonderful way to signal you have missed the point. Have a think.
@@zerogeewhiz thats a good deflection from someone that doesn’t understand my point.
@@pkerry12 your point is that a cheaper car is cheaper. Searing insight.
Entry level MG4 is the best 2nd car you can get in an EV
Tesla is better value as a first car
Needed to get my thoughts down as I am really not sure people are comparing apples with apples
Really trying not to be a Tesla fan boy becuase I want the whole market competing on EV but we are just not there yet. (but almost)
Close, but I think the next 2 years might level the playing field unless Tesla have already gotten too much of a head start on
It seems seems like all the reviewers are desperate to love the MG4
And I actually like it and would probably go out an buy one tomorrow, but it would only be the entry level
And here are the reasons, I would really want to pony up to get the Tesla 3
Features
Entry level MG only has 350km range vs Tesla 2 at 513km
The tesla has better tech , better charging options
Everything above base model MG4, has the older battery tech
Only the Tesla and the bottom of the range MG have lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery
LFP batteries are lighter, charge faster and are not as toxic as cobalt oxide or manganese oxide Lithium batteries
Note, the only drawback this battery has seems to be that they do not perform as well in the cold, but not a problem for me here Qld Australia.
No storage in the front under the bonnet for the MG
Less storage in the trunk for the MG
The safety features and software appear to be mor polished in the Tesla
Resale
If the purpose is to be a shopping trolley and charge from home, and a longer warranty, I think the entry level MG is a really good option
But I work as a rep and it seems like the Tesla will be a no brainer based on the feature set.
I am just saying, by the time you get closer in a spec to spec comparison, the MG comes up a bit short
But I still like it :)
Pricing
MG Australia website
EXCITE 51 FROM $41,197 359km
Excite 64 FROM $47,317 450km
Essence 64 FROM $50,377 435kmn
Long Range 77 FROM $58,537 530km
Tesla 3 from $61900 513km
Charging
Superchargers can add up to 275 kilometers of range in just 15 minutes
It takes 38 minutes to charge the MG4 on a 150kW charger to get from 10% to 80%
So my point is, if you are going to charge from home all the time, it probably does not matter, but its worth knowing as everyone seems obsessed with how long they will have to wait while charging....
Its just hard to recommend the any MG except the entry level based on longer warranty and the initial purchase savings of the entry level model.
Does that mean its the great 2nd car argument based only on price?
OK
So now it's time for everyone to attack me
Cmon haters.....(Remembering that I actually like the MG4)
:)
The MG3's $16-$18k drive-away price is cheaper than the corolla, per se. The main issue is, First car tends to be a loaded term. First cars tend to be budget-oriented. MG3 is a budget car, MG4 is ... cheaper than the ZS EV. It might also be better than the BYD range, YMMV on the quality of the MG.
$40k can buy quite a nice hatch or SUV, maybe even a hybrid. But, $40k isn't cheap. $20k is cheap. Problem is, it's not under $20k. It's not under $30k. It's not under $35k and not under $40k.
While i'd be skeptical of the Tesla 2 at $40k local, it's probably more like $45k. It's also coming after the cybertruck FWIU, unless the chinese factories get started early. Prototypes have been rumored, which is where the price rises have come from. The other issue might be, the Model 3 is a better purchase if you're going to lease/novate a car. But, so is any other car under $40k.
It's not the first car for about 95% of the potential buyers of a car in 2024, it's probably not even in their top 10. You're putting a ~$45k SUV against a $41k "Hatch" against the MG3's $19k or the base ZS at $23k. While there are tangible benefits on the EV side of things.... You could probably buy 2 MG3's for the price of the MG4. Would you get 2 car's worth ? hard to say.
The calibrating point here is ... what else can you get for $40k. If someone's shopping for an EV, the MG4 is a good look, and a good car, but, it's hard to put this against other cars in the price bracket unless you're only looking for an EV.
Yeah exactly
My point related only to EV
You can buy ICE cars cheaper and take the hit at the gas pump I just thought that the only choice in an EV at the moment was limited. If you don't need to buy it would seem a great time to hold off.
@@Toliman.I should have said primary car. Not first car. I meant your main Sales rep or family vehicle with the 2nd car in the family not needing range...
I agree with most of what you have said but I lean towards the MG4 Excite 51 as being better value for money. The shorter range is not a problem for me. Time will tell which car is better value for someone like me. Unlike the Tesla, the MG4 can be used as a power source for your home in a blackout.
they need to start increasing the prices of the ev's because the Australian grid can't handle a full take over yet. They need to give the electrical grid time to catch up. we aren't America we dont' have nuclear power stations.
Yeah, nah.
@@theonlyjumpyhumpy yeah lets f$%k up the grid instead like everyone wants. enjoy blackouts.
Increase you crazy, they need to decrease, and stop ripping off people who want ev
@@tonyn3227 riping people off is stoping people from buying evs which means the grid has time to be upgraded. decreasing means more people will get them and the grid will not be able to catch up to demand for power.
With 350km range no, thanks. I will not buy a car with range under 800km. Ill stick with my combustion until i find a 800-1000 range, 5 minutes charging time
0:02 What MG means is "I drive like a complete moron" and "My parents think my car is a Euro but it's not"
Your review is very very negative for the cheapest EV in Australia ..
Having a speedo … it’s too small … your fave a Tesla has none …
Crap review
You even comment on the colour
That’s not a reviewer trend surely it’s personal opinion !
I challenge you to find where I’ve said a Tesla is my favourite EV. Go on. Little bit of homework for you.
@@zerogeewhiz sadly it won’t change your constant negative approach to this car … poor effort
@@brent_in_aussie"Constant negative approach." I'd like to draw your attention to the fact that a) you're clearly not very good at this because you're too lazy to watch the whole video and b) in my conclusion I said I was very impressed. You might want to strip naked and skip down through a shopping mall declaring your love for the MG4 as is your right but my job is to evaluate what's in front of me. You might think your job is to troll folks on TH-cam and not worry about facts but when you make unfounded accusations about bias, you're gonna get some blowback.
In 2023 an EV makes sense due to much cheaper running costs but not in the coming years. Let me explain. This is basically a $25k petrol hatchback for $43k - $50k due to being an EV. The chances of getting your money back from lower 'fill up' cost is a moot point paying $15k - $20k more for an EV. You will have to drive 300,000km to make up the cost difference. In NSW with the incoming ~3 cents / km EV tax in 2 years and 60c per KW of electricity in 2025, make sure to crunch a lot of numbers before buying an EV thinking it will be cheaper to run long term, that's also taking into account that petrol could possibly be $3/L in 2025. Offpeak electricity charges as of Aug 2023 is already averaging 30c per KW with peak charges now averaging 45c per KW, expect it to double come 2025. EV only makes sense if you can install a massive solar system to reduce electricity costs to fill up but with the incoming per km EV taxes in more Australian States, it will further erode savings going EV.
I am in NZ, here is my thinking. MG4 Excite 51 with ORC, less govt rebate is 41K NZD, a base Toyota Corolla with ORC is 39K NZD. My current vehicle fuel and service costs are around 3k per yr. My average km per day is 30-40km. My power provider gives me 1hr of free power per day, at 7kw 1hr home charge an MG4 will get 40km. So in under 1yr break even, and making money thereafter. And sure as bear shitting in woods, the govt will start to tax the hell out of ICE vehicles.
The poor resale means you'll always be behind when buying a Chinese car.
@@mattyoz0 My current vehicle is 16yrs old, so if I buy chinse EV; by the time I was looking to buy another vehicle an ICE vehicle will be illegal and not existent, so I figure re sale value will be good.
The battery will degrade faster than an lfp like BYD atto 3
@@MarsOzzie MG4 Excite is an LFP battery, my km in 10yrs will be around 87000km, no problem, and battery has 8yr warranty. At 67 I will wear out before the battery.
The regen braking is piss week .. the MG4 slows down much too early when a car is in front of it. That’s a show stopper .. I don’t want it because of that alone. Info tech is universally regarded as poor, too small to fing see screen .. phone slides of the cradle EVERY TIME while trying to charge.. piss week again. No that’s not “ a small issue”. You will hate this and sell it not long after buying this over rated el cheapo, thrown together car .
NO lighting in the back for passengers.I’m definitely waiting for the Tesla Model 2 which will be far far superior and $40000 Aussie dollars
DONT BUY THE MG4… WAIT.. YES IT WILL BE ABOUT A 12 MONTHS WAIT
M2 more like $AU50K drive away ... if it gets released inside 12 months from now 🙄
I love my MG4 and I've had it almost a year. There's nothing I hate about it. My phone stays put in the cradle. Regen is fine, it's adjustable. It doesn't slow too early for car in front, this is adjustable.
No lighting for rear passengers is a curious oversight, but dead easy to remedy for those that habitually carry rear passengers (most people don't).
Build quality is pretty good. Not quite Audi standard, but far better than Tesla.
The software is a bit ropey, but getting better with each release.
It drives really well and handles better than a Tesla.
You’re right about the regen, it something I missed in the review.
@@sailingoctopus1 Sorry, how out dated is your view on Tesla build quality, do your homework. Also handles better than a Model 3, hmm, I don't think so.
To the extent that regen helps efficiency it is important; the car sounds reasonably efficient though, do I care about one pedal driving no. A number of manufacturers use systems where regen is recovered through braking as well. In my opinion the best option. I don't expect huge regen from a car that can only charge at 50kwh.