MG has just made getting into an electric car a little easier on the wallet, with the arrival of a new entry-level MG4 EV Urban. And at $34,990, it could give a few petrol-powered hatchbacks something to think about.
There was a time when getting behind the wheel of an electric vehicle meant having to dig considerably deeper into your savings. Thankfully, those days are becoming less common, and MG is doing its bit to keep the pressure on with the introduction of the new MG4 EV Urban Essence 43.
Priced from $34,990 MRP + ORC, the Essence 43 becomes the entry point to MG’s MG4 EV Urban range, offering Kiwi buyers a more affordable route into fully electric motoring without stripping away the equipment that makes everyday driving enjoyable.
Underneath its contemporary hatchback styling sits a 43kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, delivering a claimed WLTP combined driving range of up to 316km. Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque – more than enough to make urban commuting and the daily school-run shuffle feel suitably sprightly.
When it comes time to plug in, DC rapid charging can take the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in an estimated 28 minutes, provided you’re connected to a suitably powerful charger. There’s also a standard heat pump, helping improve efficiency when temperatures drop.
MG Motor New Zealand Country Business Manager Dean Sheed says the new variant is about making electric mobility attainable for more New Zealanders.
“The MG4 EV Urban has a compelling combination of design, technology, practicality and value. By introducing the Essence 43 at $34,990, we’re opening the door to more New Zealanders looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle without compromising on the features and equipment they expect from a modern car.”
And looking at the standard equipment list, this isn’t exactly a case of getting the budget version and being handed a steering wheel and a polite wave.
The Essence 43 rolls on 17-inch Starburst alloy wheels and gets full LED headlights and rear lights, roof rails, a 12.8-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, a seven-inch digital driver display, satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comfort hasn’t been forgotten either. Heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and a six-speaker audio system all feature.
Practicality is another box ticked, with 382 litres of boot space available, expanding to 1,266 litres when the rear seats are folded. That’s a decent amount of room for a hatchback expected to spend much of its life doing the everyday Kiwi thing.
Safety comes courtesy of MG Pilot, which brings a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, backed up by seven airbags and a 360-degree camera.
There’s also some welcome reassurance when it comes to ownership. MG’s warranty package offers up to 10 years or 250,000km of coverage when serviced through MG. This comprises seven years of standard unlimited-kilometre cover, followed by a further three-year service-activated extension, subject to terms and conditions.
The new MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 is available now through MG Motor New Zealand dealerships, priced from $34,990 MRP + ORC.
Tarmac Takeaway A 316km claimed range, decent performance, plenty of creature comforts and a substantial safety package for under $35K before on-road costs. MG clearly wants to make the EV conversation less about how much it costs to get in and more about whether you can afford not to consider one.
