DRIVEN MG gets serious with ID.3 rival

EXCLUSIVE Our first drive proves that MG finally has what it needs to take on the big boys, thanks to decent driving manners and a good range for a very keen price

- Sean Carson

• We get behind the wheel of MG's new electric family hatch
• Prices start at £25,995 for the SE, with a 218-mile range

THIS is British brand MG's 'ID.' moment. While the Chinese-owned firm has dabbled with EVS in the past - including the impressive affordable ZS crossover and MG5 estate - this MG4 family hatchback is where the company's push with its next generation of models really begins. That's why, in almost every sense, you can see parallels with Volkswagen's ID.3 - hence this being a crucial car for MG.

For a start, both models are competing in the same sector and aiming for the same buyers: everyone from city dwellers to families who might use the MG4 as a second car, as well as company car drivers keen to cut their Benefit-in-Kind tax bill.

STYLING All MG4s come with 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights; Long Range SE trim adds active grille shutters; Trophy Long Range has tinted glass and a rear spoiler

INFOTAINMENT A 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto dominates the dashboard. Physical shortcut buttons avoid you having to scroll through some menus

There are even more similarities when you analyse the key figures. The MG4 EV is based on an all-new platform for the brand, called MSP, which stands for Modular Scalable Platform. Like the ID.3, it employs a rear-mounted motor producing 200bhp, which is fed by a 64kWh battery in this top-spec Trophy Long Range version for a claimed range of 270 miles. Opt for the more affordable SE Long Range and this increases to 281 miles. Meanwhile, all MG4s have 150kW rapid charging, so a 10-80 per cent top-up for the bigger battery takes 35 minutes. Use a 7kW home wallbox and it'll take nine hours to fully replenish.