What's the difference?
MG needs a win, and the MG4 Urban may be the right car at the right time to give the Chinese brand a major boost.
It has been a rough few years for MG, with sales in decline for the past two years, which has seen it tumble from Australia’s favourite Chinese car maker to a distant fourth place behind BYD, GWM and Chery.
Part of that could be because of its rapid expansion, both in terms of its total number of models but also the size of the vehicles it’s offering. The larger QS SUV and U9 ute have both received underwhelming responses from the car-buying public.
So, MG has returned to its roots - small, affordable cars. The MG4 Urban, not to be confused with the MG4 Hatch, is its new price-leading electric car and the company’s new management hopes it leads a sales revival.
Electric cars are becoming more affordable, but cheap doesn't always mean good. As more manufacturers chase buyers looking for an accessible entry into EV ownership, the challenge is no longer simply getting the price down. It's finding an electric car that offers enough range, practicality and everyday usability without making too many compromises along the way.
That's what the updated MG4 Essence 64 is promising. But does it deliver?
The MG4 Urban is not only the right car at the right time, perfectly catering to buyers looking to avoid rising petrol prices, it’s also a welcome return-to-form for MG as a brand.
MG is seemingly at its best when it sticks to small cars. It has traditionally excelled with the MG3 and ZS, smaller, more affordable products that keep expectations in check and can win over customers looking for the best bang-for-their-buck rather than simply the best car.
That’s not to say the MG4 Urban isn’t a good car. It offers tremendous value for money, excellent interior space and drives nicely, so anyone who has been considering making the switch to an EV should seriously consider this new arrival.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with meals provided.
The MG4 Essence 64 makes a strong case for itself as a value-focused EV, balancing a competitive price with useful range, a good level of equipment and engaging driving dynamics.
It's not perfect but it does enough well to remain a compelling option for buyers looking for an affordable EV that's easy to live with.