Affordable Electric Car of the Year 2023: MG4
The MG4 is the 2023 Auto Express Affordable Electric Car of the Year, with the BYD Atto 3 and Citroen e-C4/e-C4 X commended
As it stands, EVs are expensive, due to the cost of the materials and tech needed to build them – but nobody seems to have told MG that when it built the MG4. Prices start from £26,995, meaning this all-electric family hatch is on a par with a regular petrol five-door model for cost, yet you don’t have to sacrifice technology, practicality, driving dynamics or usability.
With the largest available (64kWh) battery offering a range of up to 281 miles, plus 135kW rapid charging, which will top up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in 35 minutes, the MG4 offers the kind of charging speeds and flexibility that better some pricier, more premium EVs.
There’s lots of big-car tech on board, too, with the top-spec Trophy version featuring a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 360-degree camera and parking sensors.
The infotainment is sharp and features over-the-air software-update capability, while the mechanical engineering underneath means it drives fantastically, given its price point. The MG4 is quick, quiet and comfortable, with plenty of space in the rear and a 363-litre boot.
The 4 shows that price needn’t be a barrier to EV ownership, or a capable car powered solely by electricity, despite market trends. It’s a worthy winner of our award this year.
Our choice
MG4 SE Long Range (£29,495)
While the top-spec Trophy trim gets loads of kit, if you’re after maximum affordability (and range), then the SE Long Range is the one to go for. It has the key features you need, drives as well as the Trophy, and offers an extra 11 miles of range for £3,000 less.
Commended
Chinese brands are arriving in Europe, and BYD’s brilliant Atto 3 proves there’s lots to like. Slick tech and a maximum range of 260 miles mean this electric SUV (costing from £36,490) has given many established makers food for thought. And it’s just the beginning for BYD.
Citroen e-C4 and e-C4 X
Citroen’s parent firm Stellantis is already releasing its second generation of electric vehicles, and its e-C4 family hatch and e-C4 X saloon balance affordability with space, while riding with plush control, as any Citroen should. Interesting design gives either electric C4 variant plenty of personality, something which helps separate them from many rivals.
You’ll find all the information on our New Car Awards 2023 winners and the reasons why we chose them on these pages. Just follow the links below to read more…
New Car Awards 2023: the winners
Special edition of Auto Express
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