MG 4 Review

The competition in Malaysia's Class B electric vehicle market has become increasingly intense in recent years, with many brands seeking a balance between cost-effectiveness and practicality. As a pure electric hatchback under the MG brand, the 2024 MG4 Standard version enters the market at a price of RM 103,999, emphasizing long wheelbase space and basic configuration completeness, while continuing its rear-wheel-drive driving characteristics. In this test drive, we will focus on assessing whether this entry-level version can meet the core needs of daily commuting and family use, and whether its actual performance is solid beyond its price advantage.

In terms of appearance, the MG4 Standard maintains the family-style simple design. The overall lines are sleek, with the front adopting a closed grille paired with sharp LED headlight units. The strip-shaped daytime running lights within the light units have high recognition. The side proportions of the car are harmonious, with a length of 4287mm and a width of 1836mm, making the car appear wider than models in the same class. Paired with R17 tires, it doesn't look thin visually. At the rear, the highlight is the through-type LED taillights, which are clear when illuminated. The black trim beneath the rear bumper adds a touch of sportiness. Overall, the design of the MG4 Standard does not include too many overly decorative elements; it is understated and conforms to mainstream aesthetics.

Inside the car, the first thing noticeable is the suspended 10.25-inch central control screen, positioned slightly towards the driver’s side, so operational attention does not need to divert excessively. The interior materials primarily consist of hard plastic, but key areas such as the armrest panels are covered with soft materials, providing a decent touch feel. The seats are made of fabric material, with the driver's seat offering 6-way manual adjustment. After adjusting the seating position, a comfortable driving position can be found. In terms of configuration, the MG4 Standard comes standard with automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, keyless entry and start, and a multifunction steering wheel, ensuring that basic comfort features are not lacking. For safety features, six airbags, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control (ACC), and hill-start assist are all standard, making it relatively comprehensive for an entry-level electric vehicle.

Space performance is one of the core advantages of the MG4 Standard. Its 2705mm wheelbase surpasses many other models in the same class by over 100mm. Front-row headroom has a clearance of about a fist for a 175cm passenger, while rear-row legroom offers two fists of space. Even with three passengers seated in the back, the width is not overly cramped. Regarding storage capacity, the front center armrest box and door storage compartments have adequate volume, and the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split. When folded down, the trunk capacity expands significantly, accommodating baby strollers or luggage with ease. The rear row is also equipped with a power outlet for passenger charging needs, showing thoughtful consideration of practicality.

For dynamic driving, the MG4 Standard is equipped with a 125kW rear-mounted motor, providing a maximum torque of 250N·m and an official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.5 seconds. During actual acceleration, the power response feels immediate. Pressing the accelerator produces a noticeable push-back sensation, making city overtakes or highway accelerations effortlessly smooth. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is relatively smooth, suitable for daily commuting to save power; in Sport mode, all power is unleashed, suitable for occasional driving excitement. The rear-wheel-drive layout offers better agility in handling than front-wheel-drive models, with good vehicle body follow-through in corners. The steering wheel provides moderate resistance and minimal free play, making everyday driving easy to master.

The combination of front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension is considered to be of high specifications in the same class. When dealing with common speed bumps or bumpy roads in urban areas, the suspension can filter out most minor vibrations, without giving a harsh feedback; when passing through consecutive bumps at high speed, the vehicle's stability is also good, without unnecessary swaying. At high speeds, the wind and road noise of the entire vehicle are controlled within an acceptable range, and do not affect conversations inside the car. The energy recovery system has two adjustable levels: the low level closely simulates the coasting feel of a fuel car, while the high level provides more noticeable deceleration, suitable for users accustomed to one-pedal driving mode.

In terms of range, the MG4 Standard is equipped with a 51kWh battery pack, with an official range of 350km. In our test under mixed road conditions of urban commuting combined with a small amount of highway driving, the battery was used from 100% to 20%, achieving an actual distance of about 260km. The range attainment rate is close to 80%, which meets expectations. Fast charging time is 0.62 hours (30%-80%), while slow charging takes 8 hours. For daily use, home chargers or public fast charging stations are quite convenient.

Compared to vehicles in the same class, MG4 Standard offers clear advantages: lower price but with a longer wheelbase and larger space, while the rear-wheel-drive layout and independent suspension provide better driving fundamentals. Compared to the Luxury version within the same brand, the Standard version lacks features such as a 360-degree camera and a fully digital instrument cluster, but the core offerings of space, power, and safety configurations are retained. It is suitable for people such as families needing ample space but with limited budgets, and office workers focusing on commuting with occasional short trips. If greater range or advanced features are needed, higher versions can be considered, but the Standard version already satisfies most basic usage scenarios.

Overall, the MG4 Standard is a clearly positioned entry-level electric vehicle. It does not pursue comprehensive high-end features but instead allocates the budget on the aspects that users care most about: space, basic safety, and driving experience. Priced at RM 103,999 with a 7-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, its value for money is outstanding. For consumers who do not require too many fancy features and simply want a reliable, practical, and spacious electric car, the MG4 Standard is well worth considering.