MG4 EV Urban (2022 - )

Since its debut nearly four years ago, MG has been enjoying the remarkable success of its fully electric MG4 EV.

After a rather lacklustre revival under Chinese ownership following the collapse of the MG Rover group, the MG4 EV truly surprised everyone.

While electric vehicles still tend to carry a premium over their petrol and diesel-powered counterparts, the MG4 EV's arrival highlighted this disparity even further.

When MG revealed the pricing, which was considered exceptionally low for an electric car at the time, many expected it to disappoint. However, it turned out to be quite the opposite.

MG seemingly managed to find the winning formula: creating a fully electric vehicle that includes an impressive array of features, with commendable practicality and performance, without skimping on quality.

Though MG's initial reign didn't last indefinitely, it did push other manufacturers to enhance their offerings. Now, the brand returns with the new MG4 EV Urban, but there's more to it than meets the eye.

Despite the moniker, this isn't merely an updated version of the MG4. Instead, it's an entirely different vehicle built on a new platform altogether.

The MG4 EV Urban serves as the hatchback variant of the standard crossover-hatchback MG4 EV. It features a more compact battery built on advanced technology, a reduced range, and an even more budget-friendly price point.

You might assume the Urban to be smaller, but that's not quite the case. Interestingly, its dimensions are marginally larger, improving practicality, though it doesn’t fit the crossover category.

Additionally, the Urban is front-wheel drive (unlike the rear-wheel drive MG4 EV, except for the four-wheel drive XPOWER variant) and utilises a simpler torsion-beam rear axle.

So, can it replicate the success of its relative? Let's find out with our motoring journalist, Tim Barnes-Clay.

The MG4 EV counterpart enjoys a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds, with the range-topping XPOWER variant capable of a bladder-weakening 3.8 seconds. In contrast, the new Urban is more subdued, requiring 9.6 ticks to reach the same speed. Opting for the more robust electric motor saves 0.1 seconds. 

While this isn't competitive with some foes, it remains respectable for a hatch, especially given that some rivals exceed 10 seconds. The new MG feels lively when accelerating hard, giving the impression of being quicker than its actual numbers suggest.

When it comes to handling, different steering weight settings make it easy to navigate tight city streets while offering a heftier feel for those fast drives along rural B-roads. This versatility makes the Urban a well-rounded choice, delivering decent manoeuvrability across various driving conditions and feeling balanced around corners despite its simpler suspension compared with the standard MG4. 

There is ample grip in bends, and while some body roll is evident, the Urban manages to put its clout down effectively on the road. To claim it's thrilling to drive might be overstating it. The original MG4's rear-wheel drive setup certainly gives it an advantage over the Urban, but this newer model still outshines some family hatchbacks in terms of driver engagement. That said, the Renault 5 is far more entertaining and cheaper, though it compromises practicality significantly. 

As for ride comfort in the Urban, it's passable. The firm suspension aids in handling but can leave you bouncing in your seat on rougher roads, and you'll feel the sharper impacts from uneven surfaces. For a slight improvement in ride quality, you might want to consider the entry-level model, which features smaller wheels.

At higher speeds, the Urban does generate quite a bit of tyre noise, though wind blast remains relatively subdued. The vehicle also offers four regenerative braking modes, including an 'adaptive' setting that automatically adjusts - and three levels that range from minimal to maximum severity. If you're keen to experience true one-pedal driving, you'll need to access the infotainment system to activate it.

This new vehicle shares a slight resemblance with its sibling, the MG4 EV. The bonnet slopes down with a noticeable drop-off, and the car has a more rounded shape. An integrated splitter at the front and defined cheekbone contours contribute to its familiar look. 

Distinct creases run along the sides, similar to the MG4 EV, and the rear is subtly influenced by its older bruv, with the number plate positioned lower to highlight a prominent MG badge.

The Urban comes in two trim levels. The Comfort trim features 16-inch alloys, a 12.8-inch HD infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reversing camera, LED lights, and four speakers. 

The top-tier Premium model boasts 17-inch alloys, a heated steering wheel, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless phone charger, a 360-degree camera, and additional speakers.

Power options include a Standard Range with 149PS and a Long Range with 160PS, but the Premium is only offered with the Long Range powertrain.

When it comes to space, the MG4 EV Urban excels in its class. The front seats are expansive, offering ample headroom and legroom, and the cabin is sufficiently wide to accommodate two larger adults comfortably.

In the rear, you'll find surprisingly generous legroom and headroom. While the middle seat is narrower than the outer chairs, three adults can still fit without it being overly cramped, unlike in many similar vehicles. The flat rear floor, thanks to the absence of a tunnel running through the centre, adds to the comfort.

The boot is notably large as well, with a capacity of 479 litres in the Comfort model (470 litres in the Premium model) – significantly overshadowing the orthodox MG4 EV's 388 litres.

Additionally, the Urban's boot space may be advertised as 577 litres (Comfort) or 568 litres (Premium), which accounts for an extra 98 litres of storage beneath the boot floor. When considering this underfloor storage, it surpasses almost every other hatchback in this segment.

With the rear seats folded over in a 60/40 split, space expands to an impressive 1,364 litres (Comfort) or 1,362 litres (Premium) – a major increase over the standard MG4 EV. The boot floor in the Premium model is also height-adjustable, which eliminates the loading lip for added convenience.

Inside the cabin, there are several storage options too, including roomy door bins and a capacious cubby beneath the central armrest. The Urban also features two cupholders in the front and a handy tray at the bottom of the dashboard.

The charging speeds for this vehicle are not particularly rapid; in fact, they're slower than those of the standard MG4 model. Such charging rates are common for vehicles in this segment.

The Long Range variant reaches a maximum of 87kW, while the Standard Range model peaks at 82kW. Consequently, recharging from 10% to 80% with a DC charger takes precisely half an hour for the Long Range version and a slightly quicker 28 minutes for the Standard Range.

When it comes to home charging via a wallbox, AC charging is capped at 11kW, resulting in a charging time of seven and a half hours for the Standard Range and approximately nine hours for the Long Range.

The Urban model will be remarkably economical to operate, particularly if you primarily charge it at home. Buying it is also designed to be affordable, as MG aims to replicate the impressive appeal of the MG4 at launch.

As a bonus, you won't have to fret about the Expensive Car Supplement impacting your road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) significantly. While electric vehicle road tax is no longer free, it'll cost you just £10 for the first year, with subsequent charges set at £195, subject to annual adjustments.

Zero emissions make it a fine choice for company car users, as is true of all electric vehicles, as they become more prevalent. 

Unfortunately, MG has a somewhat mixed reputation regarding reliability, though. To counter this, MG offers a seven-year warranty, comparable with Kia's. What's more, servicing is necessary only every 15,000 miles or annually, whichever occurs first.

Safety is where MG excels. Nine of the automaker’s last twelve cars tested earned a five-star score from Euro NCAP, with its electric cars performing particularly well. That is the case for the MG4 EV Urban, too, which was awarded five stars, an 87% score for adult occupants, 85% for children, and 80% for safety assists. The MG4 EV Urban is impressive on the safety front alone, then, especially once you properly factor in the low price.

Furthermore, the MG’s performance feels quicker than it actually is; it’s superbly practical, spacious beyond the reach of most rivals, and it handles reasonably well for a car not built for the driving experience. However, the ride comfort could do with some improvement.

Taking everything into account, my choice for this electric car would be based on its value, so I'd opt for the entry-level Comfort trim, which, as its name more than hints, offers greater comfort.