MG Australia has discontinued their base model ZS EV Excite SUV and announced the new MG4 51 hatchback base model, Australia’s first fully electric passenger car with a sub 40K price (before adding on road costs and taking away any government rebates).
It is hoped that rival BYD will price their new Dolphin EV hatchback at a similar level when it is launched in Australia later this week. This will enable several options for Australians who want an affordable EV that isn’t an SUV.
The four MG4 versions in Australia are:
- $38,990 plus on-road costs for the entry level MG4 Excite 51 (350km WLTP range)
- $44,990 plus on-road costs for 64kWh Excite (450km WLTP range)
- $47,990 (AUD) plus on-road costs for 64kWh Essence (435km WLTP range)
- $55,990 (AUD) plus on-road costs* for the 77kWh Essence (530km WLTP range)
The following images are extracted from MG’s press release which was sent late today, I have included them so readers have *all* the detailed specifications for all 4 versions of the MG4. Apologies for the small font, that’s how MG embedded the images into the PDF.
MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao said that he has made the decision to discontinue the ZS EV Excite (the most affordable EV SUV) to make way for the new MG4 51kWh Excite.
He conformed that he is strongly considering the 64kWh AWD ‘X-Power’ performance version of the MG4 and the ZS EV Essence and Long Range will remain on sale.
Ciao commented:
“Australians are doing it tough amid cost of living pressures, I know they are feeling those rising pressures at supermarkets, when they’re buying fuel, when they’re paying their energy bills”.
“Like I did when I launched the ZS EV, and as MG has done with our other models, we are creating affordable and accessible cars and the MG4 is helping Aussies get into an electric vehicle sooner than later.”
“There is no doubt that the cost of living is the number one issue right now for Australians and we’re trying our best to help by making EV affordable with the release of MG4 at under $38,990 (AUD) plus on road costs.”
The MG4 EV is the first MG EV to use their new Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) that will underpin a new generation of MGs, featuring rear-wheel drive, 50:50 weight distribution and thin battery technology.
The 64kWh battery versions are capable of recharging at up to 140kW, meaning a charge time of only 26 minutes from 10% – 80% using a 150kW DC rapid charger.
The MG4 EV also carries MG’s trademark 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty as standard, which remains one of the longest fully-transferable warranties in the country.
Key Features Detailed
- 17’’ aerodynamic alloy wheels with aero covers on 51kWh and 64kWh Excite
- 18” aerodynamic alloy wheels with aero covers on 64kWh Essence and 77kWh Essence
- Seven exterior colour options: Dover White, Brixton Blue, Black Pearl (Metallic), Camden Grey (Metallic), Dynamic Red (Tri-Coat) and Volcano Orange (Tri-Coat), Sterling Silver (Metallic).
- MG Pilot is included as standard on all MG4 EV models, a comprehensive package of safety equipment that features:
- Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Recognition
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System
- Driver Attention Alert
- Intelligent High Beam Assist
- Essence models are additonally also equipped with Door Open Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Assist.
- The MG4 EV’s interior details are:
- A choice of black fabric upholstery (Excite) or synthetic leather interior trim with contrasting cloth inserts (Essence)
- MG iSMART connected car features as standard, with voice capabilities on Essence models
- Integrated, interacting dual screen technology with configurable 7’’ driver display and 10.25” floating infotainment screen
- 4-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with upgraded 6-speaker 3D system on Essence models
- Rotary Gear Selector
- Essence models gain satellite navigation, 360° parking cameras, height-adjustable loading floor, wireless phone charging, Bluetooth and auto-dimming rear view mirror
