MG4 Urban Review: the perfect compact electric hatchback?
The Urban is a new budget-friendly variant of the MG4 EV. (Cameron Richards)
The MG4 has set the benchmark in the electric family hatchback market, thanks to its sharp styling, engaging driving experience and impressive battery tech.
Four years after it first went on sale, the MG4 range has been given some nips and tucks and now there is a completely new entry-level model called the Urban – a budget-friendly electric supermini that is going up against the Renault 5 and BYD Dolphin.
So, has the MG4 Urban got what it takes to take on the Renault 5 and be the new class leader?
Updates
The MG4 Urban is front-wheel drive and sits on a completely different platform to the regular car. (Cameron Richards)
It might say MG4 on the tailgate, but the Urban is a completely new car and sits on MG’s ‘E3’ cell-to-body platform.
Although it might be the cheaper alternative in the MG4 range, the Urban is 108mm longer than the standard model and its wheelbase has also increased by 45mm. That should help with interior and luggage space.
Other changes include power being sent to the front wheels only, compared to the regular MG4’s rear-wheel drive setup.
Engines and transmissions
The Long Range 53.9kWh model can travel up to a claimed 251 miles. (Cameron Richards)
You can choose between two battery packs with the MG4 Urban: a 42.8kWh Standard Range and a 53.9kWh Long Range variant.
We’re driving the latter model which is hooked up to a single electric motor that produces 158bhp and 250Nm of torque. In terms of acceleration, the Urban can sprint to 60mph in 9.3 seconds and will reach a top speed of 99mph.
MG claims the Urban fitted with the Long Range battery pack can travel up to 251 miles between charges, and that all models are compatible with 150kW DC rapid charging, with a 10 to 80 per cent charge taking 28 minutes.
Behind the wheel
It’s good to drive and has a tight 10.5-metre turning circle. (Cameron Richards)
The Urban impresses out on the road, and particularly in and around town. That’s thanks to the car’s light steering and excellent 10.5-metre turning circle.
Every model comes with regenerative braking; however, the lack of steering-wheel-mounted paddles makes it more difficult to choose the different strength levels when you’re on the move, with the driver having to operate them through the car’s infotainment system.
Thankfully, there is a one-pedal drive function, which allows the vehicle to gradually come to a complete stop when the driver lifts off the throttle.
On a twisty road, the MG4 Urban isn’t the most exciting car in its class, though it shouldn’t be dismissed for being boring. The steering is well weighted and the acceleration from its electric motor is more than acceptable.
Refinement is impressive for a budget car with limited road and tyre roar entering the cabin and only the slightest bit of wind noise that reverberates around the door mirrors, while the ride at town speeds is not the most composed.
In terms of efficiency, the MG4 Urban averaged 4.7 miles per kWh in our tests, which works out at a real-world range of 253.3 miles – that’s two miles more than MG’s officially claimed WLTP range.
Styling
The Urban has a taller roofline than the standard MG4. (Cameron Richards)
The MG4 Urban’s exterior design is not the most dynamic, and from some angles it looks rather uninspiring.
All models come with roof rails, which give it an SUV-like appearance, though there are lots of design cues that have been borrowed from the MG Cyberster electric sports car with the Union Jack-style rear taillights and single-piece rear spoiler.
The tall silhouette and large doors differentiate it further from the regular MG4, although the standard car definitely has a sharper and sportier look to it.
Interior and practicality
The cabin has a simplistic design with lots of storage. (Cameron Richards)
Chinese cars tend to have very minimalist interiors, and the MG4 Urban is no different.
However, MG has added a few more physical switches for the climate control and infotainment system, which makes it much more user-friendly.
Lots of materials found on the door cards and dashboard are hard, but it’s balanced out with a nice soft-touch material found on the lower part of the dash and around the centre console.
There’s no issue with storage, as the Urban features a glove box, large front door bins, a floating centre console underneath storage cut-out, a deep cubby hole under the centre armrest, two cup holders and a wireless phone charger.
Due to the taller roofline, average-sized adults won’t have any complaints in the back when it comes to headroom, legroom and kneeroom, while the completely flat floor makes it easier for three to sit across the rear bench; sadly, there are no seatback pockets or centre armrest in the back, with just a couple of rear door bins.
The Urban comes with a 568-litre boot capacity, which is 180 litres more than what you’ll find on the regular MG4. There’s a standard 60:40 split-folding rear seat function and a false floor which gives you a completely flat load bay and 1,362 litres of space. There isn’t a frunk, but every car comes with a handy 98-litre underfloor storage area, which makes it one of the most practical cars in its class.
Prices and trim levels
The MG4 Urban is available in two trim levels. (Cameron Richards)
The MG4 Urban is all about value for money, and this compact EV excels in this category, thanks to every model coming with a decent amount of standard kit.
Comfort (£23,495 - £25,495): This is the entry-level model and is available with the Standard-Range 42.8kWh and Long-Range 53.9kWh battery packs, and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, an energy-saving heat pump, LED headlights, a 12.8-inch infotainment system, a 7.7-inch digital driver’s display and a wireless smartphone charger.
Premium (£27,995): The flagship model that is only available with the bigger Long-Range battery and boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree parking camera, ambient lighting and a battery pre-heating system.
Prices kick off at £23,495 for the entry-level Comfort - that’s almost £7,000 cheaper than a similarly sized BYD Dolphin and only £500 more than a Hyundai Inster, which has a much smaller footprint.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a sensible, practical and efficient EV, then look no further than the MG4 Urban.
With a starting price of £23,495, this electric hatch represents excellent value for money, while it’s easy to drive and packed full of space.
It’s not the most exciting choice in this segment, while some of the interior materials feel cheap in places, but we’d happily recommend this Chinese offering to those who want a no- nonsense compact EV.
Star rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
If you want a second opinion on the MG4 Urban, you can check out Jim Starling’s YouTube review here:
Pros:
Represents excellent value for money
Feels grown-up to drive
Lots of standard kit
Decent amount of interior space
Cons:
Cheap-feeling materials
Not the most exciting choice
Divisive looks
FACTS & FIGURES
Model we’ve tested: MG4 Urban Premium Long-Range 53.9kWh
Price of test car: £27,995
Engine: 53.9kWh battery pack with single electric motor
Power: 158bhp
Torque: 250Nm
0-60mph: 9.3 seconds
Top speed: 99mph
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Efficiency on test: 4.7 miles per kWh (253.3 miles real-world range)
Claimed electric range: 251 miles
Maximum charging speed: 150kW
