MG 4 X-POWER

MG TAKES A MULLIGAN ON THE X-POWER

-  MATT CAMPBELL

Model MG 4 X-Power
Motor Dual electric motors
Max power 320kW
Max torque 600Nm
Transmission 1-speed reduction gear
Weight 1800kg
Economy 15.2kWh/100km
0-100km/h 3.8sec
Price $59,990
On sale Now

THE MG 4 X-POWER needed some work.Fast? You bet your arse, with the dual-motor electric hatch dispatching the 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds.

Reviewers around the world have invariably said that it's ballistic in its acceleration, but not many have waxed lyrical about its dynamics delivering much in the way of entertainment.

But that could be set to change, if MG Australia has its way.

The brand's local arm has essentially developed its own topsecret skunkworks Down Under to address some of the critiques of the X-Power's handling with a locally modified one-off prototype model that could point to a future of tuned-up, Aussie-ready cars to suit our tastes and conditions.

Sounds familiar, right? Holden and Ford did it for decades. Japanese brands have dabbled in hardcore evaluation for years, and in recent times the Korean brands - Hyundai and Kia - have built their brand reputations around attempting to perfect the suspension and steering calibration for locally sold vehicles, with great success.

In fact, Australian tunes are often chosen as the final 'go-to-market' option for chassis tuning for global vehicles in many markets. Yes, it seems our terrible roads have become an export opportunity.

Now it seems it is China's turn to raid the parts bin and make its cars even better, with MG Australia EV and product manager Matt Kavanagh teaming up with the brand's local PR David Giammetta to create this unique take on the MG 4 theme.