While the MG4 tested by Euro NCAP used the regular LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery already on sale in China, MG’s parent company SAIC says the new semi-solid-state battery has passed “three-direction needle penetration tests” and “demonstrates improved performance in low-temperature conditions”, which we presume is in comparison with the existing MG4’s battery performance.
The new MG4 also features ‘battery to body’ integration to improve not only rigidity, but also the battery’s crash protection. We’re yet to find out the capacity of the semi-solid-state battery and what range and charging figures the new technology will provide. But thanks to patent filings, we know the Chinese MG4 has front-wheel drive and is lighter than the car currently sold here, at 1,485kg compared with 1,635kg.
Like the existing MG4 we already get in the UK, the Chinese MG4 received a full five-star crash-test rating from Euro NCAP – which MG will be relieved to hear following the recent abysmal showing of the MG3 supermini during testing.
Competition in the electric hatchback market is hotting up in the UK market, with the excellent Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq as well as the Cupra Born in line for a mid-life update. The Vauxhall Astra Electric is another rival and one that’s available on the Auto Express Buy A Car service with an average saving of more than £10,000.
As mentioned, the Urban model will line up alongside a facelifted MG4. While little is known about that car yet, in order for it to stay competitive, we expect it to gain influence from the newer MGS5 EV, including things like its 12.8-inch central touchscreen. The MGS5 EV also has a set of physical knobs and buttons for easier adjustment of controls such as the volume and climate settings, which we can expect will cross over into the MG4.
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