NEW ERA FOR MG (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mg4_2022

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 59

Back in 2022, the MG4 redefined its brand - and redefined what customers should have to pay for a cutting-edge compact five-seat EV family hatchback. It might not be on your wish list if you're currently looking for a car of this kind from the 2022-2025 period. It should be. Here, we look at the initial pre-facelift MG4 models.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr SUV (EV)

Historyword count: 209

By 2022, for the first time in its long history, MG had become a proper mainstream player. Proper in terms of sales (by then it was out-selling brands like MINI, Skoda and Land Rover). And proper in terms of product - or at least in terms of this one, the MG4, launched in that year. The company called this compact full-EV hatch a 'disruptor', offering much more for much less: and that's exactly what it was. For less than the cost of an EV supermini, here was an all-electric family car that made similarly sized rivals look hopelessly over-priced. With new Chinese-era MGs of the past, there would have been a caveat to come at this point - or several. Cheap build quality, dull road manners, naff interior plastics and, in the case of an EV, feeble driving range. None of which, on paper at least, seemed back in 2022 to apply to the MG4, which was the first of several subsequent models from the brand to use the sophisticated and then all-new Modular Scalable Platform that was tasked with transforming what we could expect from the marque. The MG4 was thoroughly updated in early 2026. But it's the earlier 2022-2025-era versions of this car we look at here.

What You Getword count: 368

Did you ever imagine an MG might look like this? More to the point, did you ever imagine an ordinary family hatchback might look like this? Think of this car as a Chinese take on a Volkswagen ID.3 and you won't be far off the mark. The two EVs are similar in size and if anything, the MG4 looks more contemporary, almost CUPRA-like, with its 'floating' roof, heavily sculpted black lower bodywork, short rear overhangs and intricate rear light clusters. It was also the first MG model with badging referencing its SAIC conglomerate parent (in the side of the rear light unit). The insectoid looks could do with a larger set of wheels than the standard 17-inch rims to set them off, but aesthetically that's about it on the debit side. Plip the key fob and the projector LED headlamps spring into life welcoming you in. Inside it feels minimalist, uber-modern and was a whole generation on from anything MG had previously ever produced. At first glance, there's a curious and slightly over-large steering wheel (flat-topped and bottomed) through which you view a 7-inch instrument screen. Plus a centre 'floating' 10.25-inch infotainment display. And not a lot else. The interior looks lacks the bright and cheery feel of an ID.3. And you could nit-pick about some aspects of plastics quality. But overall, the design here lacks little in either ambition or execution. You might find it annoying that there's no way of turning the car off should you wish to park up and remain in it; the only way of powering the MG4 down is to get out and lock it. A great benefit of EV drivetrain packaging is the way that it usually frees up surprising amounts of rear seat leg room - which is again the case here. Even a six foot adult wouldn't have too many complaints in the back. The tailgate rises to reveal a 363-litre boot that looks reasonably-sized but is 22-litres smaller than that of that rival ID.3. Still, there are small netted side pockets, plus the practical shaping means you can make good use of what's available and there's an adjustable-height floor under which you can conveniently store the charging cables.

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