MG4 revealed in China
Also coming soon is an important addition to the international MG range, a smart family hatchback likely to be sold across the world as the MG4. Like the MG5 EV Estate (the UK model is now being aligned with the smoothnosed version already on sale in Europe) and MG ZS EV, the new MG4 will be all-electric, but it uses a new platform with rear wheel drive – an interesting development in a world which has become used to front wheel drive for small and mid-range family cars. In China – and presumably only for that market – the MG4 has been introduced as the ‘MG Mulan’, tapping into nostalgia for the folk heroine, most memorably popularised in a famous Disney film.
The photos we feature this month of this important new model come direct from SAIC China, exclusively for MG Enthusiast; insiders assure us that this new car – 4.3 metres long, and aimed directly at the Cupra Born, VW ID.3, Citroen e-C4 and Peugeot 3-308, is both superb to drive and best-built of all the new generation MG cars to date. It is built on what SAIC is referring to as the ‘Nebula’ platform, which adopts a new generation of Lithium batteries. We aim to bring you early driving impressions later this autumn, all being well. In the meantime, we have learned that notwithstanding the attractions of the MG5 ‘sedan’ hatchback, which is destined for sales in Australia and New Zealand, that model is unlikely to come to the UK or Europe.
MG4 FACTS FROM CHINESE MEDIA LAUNCH IN JUNE:
● SAIC Project Code: EH32
● Dimensions: 4,287 x 1,836 x 1,1516mm with 2,705mm wheelbase
● Weight: 1,665kg
● Powertrain: all-electric ‘Nebula’ platform with ternary NMC Lithium battery pack made by Ningde E-CON Power System (a business 30% owned by SAIC) which is just 110mm thick
● Single electric 204bhp (150 KW) motor made by UAES (a joint venture between Zoomlion and Bosch) driving through the rear wheels
● Anticipated range options to be 400, 500 and 600km, with battery capacities from 51 kWh to 64 kWh.
● Panoramic roof
● Claimed 0-62mph performance: 3.8 seconds