Talking about the small MG4 electric five-door hatchback today, a four-model rear wheel drive range plus a high performance all-wheel-drive X-Power model. Launched last August the MG4, along with the rest of the MG EV line-up, has just been moved to nationwide drive-away pricing. I tested the third tier MG4 Essence launched at $47,990 plus on-roads but now $46,990 drive-away – with a tough and competitive EV market the current 2023-build MG4 stock has already suffered one year’s depreciation, so the new drive-away deal prices the MG4 at current market value. Having said that, this Chinese electric hatch is a fine effort – the Essence with a 64kWh battery and a range of 435km. MG supporting it with a 7- year/unlimited kilometre warranty, the first service at 40,000km or 24 months costing just $296. Charging, 26 minutes from 10-80 percent capacity on a 150kW fast charger. Importantly it comes with a five-star ANCAP safety rating. There’s five drive modes and four regenerative braking modes plus the MG4 features vehicle to lead technology meaning you can use the charge to power external appliances. The body stylish, although somewhat colour dependent, the black test car didn’t do it justice, but certainly roomy with 50/50 weight distribution. More next segment.

Download this podcast here