The second-generation MG 4 electric hatchback has been revealed in China, bringing a new look and a significant reduction in weight.
The 4 has grown to bridge the gap between the existing model and the larger MG 5 electric estate. It's now 4.4m long, compared with 4.3m long previously, and the wheelbase has grown by 45mm to 2.75m.
That brings it into competition with the likes of the Citroën ë-C4, Kia Niro EV and Vauxhall Frontera, where it was previously a closer match for EVs such as the Volvo EX30.
It’s possible that the larger size of the new 4 is also supposed to position it as a replacement for the 4.6m-long 5, which is nearing the end of its lifespan.
The new 4’s styling draws heavily on that of the Cyberster sports car and the MG 3 supermini, with thin headlights up front and arrow-shaped brake lights at the rear.
MG has yet to reveal the car’s interior, nor technical details. However, filings with Chinese authorities state it has a single electric motor with 161bhp (down from 168bhp) and weighs in at 1485kg, a marked reduction from the current 49kWh car’s 1620kg.
Power is drawn from a lithium-iron-phosphate battery of undisclosed capacity, likely giving a range comparable with the 218 miles offered by the existing entry-level 4.
The new 4 is expected to gain a broader range of powertrains shortly after launch, mirroring that offered in the current car.
For reference, this comprises three other models: a Long Range car with 201bhp and a 64kWh battery, giving 288 miles of range; an Extended Range version boosted to 241bhp and 77kWh for 329 miles of range; and the range-topping Xpower with dual motors combining for 429bhp but a 64kWh pack yielding a reduced 245-mile range.
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What I want is a plug-in hybrid that has ~100 miles of battery range (ideally a small capactor/'solid state battery' so it doesn't take much space, weigh much, etc.).
With:
An 150 HP ICE engine that drives the either the front or rear wheels.
And two small 50 HP electric motors that drive the other wheels, for a total of 250 HP.
No fancy transmission or linkages between the electric motors and ICE engine.
The car operates as a 2WD car, unless 4 WD is warranted (triggered by tire slippage, sharp acceleration, etc.) or activated (for example, if the car is stuck in snow, and I want AWD to get moving).
The electric motors serve as generators when power is not required of them (while coasting, breaking, recharging the battery, etc.). And, when their power is necessary, the directly drive their tires/axel. After all, electric motors and electric generators are the exactly same thing -- as motors they use electricity to generate movement, as generators they use movement to generate electricity. The 'transmission' linking the ICE and electric motors is the ground.
The car operates as an electric vehicle unless additional power (for acceleration, etc.), or AWD (for slippery roads, etc.), or the battery is below ~25%. If the ICE is necessary for power, traction, motive force, recharging the battery, it starts up.
How easy is that?
Had a really long chat with my MG dealer today, and he says and I quote
"I was a little surprised to see this yesterday!
We definitely have had nothing from MG to say there’s due to be a new MG4 so whether this will just be a car for other markets I do not know.
I’m definitely in agreement with you that it looks ORA-ish!
Maybe it’s an early April Fools prank!?!?"he went to the annual MG dealer conference recently, and saw all the cars that are coming this year, and likely next, and this was not there, in one of the pictures is states E5, which is the new naming structure of the MG range, you will see this with the new ZS EV coming soon.I am assuming, like the post says, it is a replacement for the MG5, and will spawn an estate, and not the MG4 Estate that has been shown around, again, this was not shown at the MG conference, so maybe another AI peice of poo. LOL... Anyway, the UK is not looking to be getting this so we do not need to worry !
Sorry but that is just awful, after all the effort they have gone to to make each of their cars distinctive, and better with each generation, this is a huge step backwards in design and looks. The current MG4 is amazing and they are everywhere, I feel this one will not be as popular.