The second-generation MG 4 electric hatchback has been revealed in China, bringing a new look and a significant reduction in weight.
The 4 has grown to bridge the gap between the existing model and the larger MG 5 electric estate. It's now 4.4m long, compared with 4.3m long previously, and the wheelbase has grown by 45mm to 2.75m.
That brings it into competition with the likes of the Citroën ë-C4, Kia Niro EV and Vauxhall Frontera, where it was previously a closer match for EVs such as the Volvo EX30.
It’s possible that the larger size of the new 4 is also supposed to position it as a replacement for the 4.6m-long 5, which is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The new 4’s styling draws heavily on that of the Cyberster sports car and the MG 3 supermini, with thin headlights up front and arrow-shaped brake lights at the rear.
MG has yet to reveal the car’s interior, nor technical details. However, filings with Chinese authorities state it has a single electric motor with 161bhp (down from 168bhp) and weighs in at 1485kg, a marked reduction from the current 49kWh car’s 1620kg.
Power is drawn from a lithium-iron-phosphate battery of undisclosed capacity, likely giving a range comparable with the 218 miles offered by the existing entry-level 4.
The new 4 is expected to gain a broader range of powertrains shortly after launch, mirroring that offered in the current car.
For reference, this comprises three other models: a Long Range car with 201bhp and a 64kWh battery, giving 288 miles of range; an Extended Range version boosted to 241bhp and 77kWh for 329 miles of range; and the range-topping Xpower with dual motors combining for 429bhp but a 64kWh pack yielding a reduced 245-mile range.
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Well....it looks like the "designer" googled EV cars and ended up liking a Porsche Macan EV and an Ora Funkycat...then did dome drawings and made a plastic model but thought it looked a bit too edgy so put it in the microwave and melted it...Perfect!! People will buy it and it will work....but it is sad that our motor industry in Europe is being arracked with cheap boxes like this. Thankfully we have Renault and soon Citroen to inspire and delight us...I hope they will not get eaten up by the Far East before they get cars to market. Please try not to buy this stuff...Europe needs your help to survive for your children's future. This "MG" car itself will be fine as a cheap box for uninvolved commuting with some sparkly lights on the plastics screens to entertain and beguile the driver but it is worrying if you stop and think about it.