MG4 EV Review: Electrifying Hatchback Joy, Redefined

What we like:

Incredible handling

Looks like a proper hot hatch

What we dislike:

Sound system could be better

When MG Motors launched the MG4, I’ll admit, I wasn't quite prepared for how deeply it would shake up my expectations of an affordable electric car. In an EV market dominated by SUVs and practicality-driven sedans, this sprightly hatchback feels like a jolt of nostalgia and fresh innovation, rolled into one. For me, it’s not just a great electric vehicle; it’s one of the best I’ve driven this year.

Think back to the glory days of hot hatches—the excitement, the handling, and the way a car can communicate through the wheel. The MG4 channels all of that energy and makes it work in an electrified package. The balance of the car is exceptional, providing a sense of planted confidence through every corner. It’s agile and responsive, steering with pinpoint accuracy. There's an immediacy and zest that separates it from other more "clinical" feeling EVs. This is a car that doesn't just move you; it connects you with the road, the sort of visceral experience that makes a daily drive far from mundane.

More Than Just Numbers

The electric powertrain offers a brisk, energetic feel that takes many by surprise, especially since it qualifies under Singapore’s Category A Certificate of Entitlement (COE) —a rarity for cars with a bit of performance bite. The MG4 is powered by a 64kWh battery driving rear-mounted electric motors producing up to 132 hp (99 kW). This allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint in a brisk 8.5 seconds—hardly believable given the plenty of oomph for the stop-start traffic grind, and sheer linear acceleration to keep you smiling as you pull away from traffic lights. It’s by no means the fastest EV on the block, but it doesn’t need to be. The power delivery is smooth and consistent, bolstered with a proper sense of immediacy.

Clutter-free, Driver Focused Cabin

The cabin is a mix of function and a touch of flair. No, you won’t find plush, ultra-luxurious materials here, but what you do get is thoughtfully laid-out ergonomics and just enough tech to keep things interesting. The 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen is responsive, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. A clear, user-friendly infotainment system, digital displays, and simple physical controls where they’re needed most make it feel modern without veering into over-complication. Some might notice hard plastics, but considering you’re getting this level of performance and a price tag around the $155,000 mark in Singapore, it’s a fair trade-off.

Superb All-Round Balance

Ride comfort in the MG4 doesn’t disappoint either. The suspension does a solid job balancing sporty dynamics with everyday usability. On the road, you will find the MG4 incredibly composed, so good in fact that it could almost pass off as an electric Golf GTI. It is that impressive—partly due to its rear-drive setup and near 50:50 weight distribution. The car is also surprisingly refined on the move, testament to MG's effort to evolve from their budget roots and compete in a more premium space.

How Usable Is It, Really?

Charging and range? On the right side of practical. The long range model boasts a WLTP-rated range of up to 450 km, while the base version offers around 350 km. More importantly, it can accept DC fast-charging up to 135 kW, allowing for an 80% charge in around 35 minutes.

On the topic of practicality, the MG4 delivers more than just driving thrills. Space in the cabin is respectable for a hatchback, with good legroom in the rear for a car of its size. Boot space stands at a handy 363 liters with the seats up, expanding to 1,177 liters when folded—making it practical for family trips, grocery runs, or even swallowing a whole bicycle.

But at the end of the day, what really steals the show is how the MG4 makes you feel. For anyone who remembers the thrill of driving a hot hatch—think Golf GTI or Honda Civic Type R—it’s easy to feel that spark reignited here, albeit in a quieter, more environmentally friendly package. MG has taken a commendable leap with this model, showing that you don’t have to sacrifice driving pleasure for green cred or affordability.

Verdict: Spirited Driving Meets Daily Practicality

In a market often focused solely on eco-credentials, the MG4 stands out by rekindling driving joy. Sharp handling, lively performance, and a touch of nostalgia blend with everyday practicality at a price that’s hard to beat. For anyone craving an EV that makes you smile, the MG4 is a strong contender. It proves that even in the electrified age, the thrill of driving endures—silent, powerful, and unmistakably exhilarating. This, is an electric hatch I’d gladly own and drive.

Photos by Ng Chin Hui and James Wong

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