It’s already the UK Car of the Year but can the MG4 EV pass muster in a week-long test by Al Suttie?

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MG4 EV

List price (BiK): £26,940 (2%) CO2: 0g/km Economy: 281-mile range Test efficiency: 237 miles

Monday

After a brief drive a while back, it’s very good to be trying out the MG4, which won the UK Car of the Year title not too long ago. That kind of accolade means I have high expectations and, on looks alone, as the MG arrived this morning, it’s off to a very good start. Its sharp lines remind me a bit of how much impact the original Ford Focus had when it was launched, and the MG is much more interesting than most small hatches to these eyes.

Tuesday

There’s plenty to like about the inside of the MG4 as I get familiar with it before heading off on a drive to Perth. The 7-inch screen that acts as the main instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, while the 10.25-inch infotainment display is also easy to navigate. My only gripe is the ventilation is worked through this touchscreen, when I’d prefer good old-fashioned physical buttons.

Wednesday

Another drive this morning, this time into Glasgow. The round trip is about 70 miles and, by the time I get home, the MG4 is still showing around 35% of battery charge. Compare that to the Genesis EV from the other week and it’s significantly better on range and convenience. As a result, there’s no concern about jumping in the MG to take my son to football practice this evening and running some other errands.

Thursday

First charge among my time with the MG4 this evening. Despite having heard a few stories of the car being tricky to connect to some chargers, I have no trouble and it also seems to be charging up speedily. After coming back from a walk, I get chatting to a Nissan Leaf owner in the next bay who is very keen on the MG and reckons this will be her next car. After last week’s charger incident, this is a welcome return to EV camaraderie.

Friday

A small niggle I’ve noticed this week is changing the regenerative brake settings for the MG4, which has to be done through the infotainment rather than steering wheel paddles or a button on the transmission tunnel. Otherwise, the MG4 is comfortable, rides the bumps very well, handles neatly, and has excellent refinement. As a family hatch, it makes a lot of sense too thanks to decent cabin space.

Saturday

Like many EVs, the boot in the MG4 is not the biggest compared to rivals with an internal combustion engine. However, it carries all the cricket kit for the kids today and squeezes in some shopping alongside on the way home. If you root around, there are also some handy storage options inside the MG’s cabin, so it certainly passes muster on the practical front.

Sunday

A final charge up this evening before handing back the MG tomorrow. It’s been a very pleasant car to live with, delivered a good driving range, charged up quickly, and worked ideally as a family hatch. Given the keen pricing of the MG4 next to many rival EVs, it is easily one of the best choices for anyone looking at an electric car for fleet use.