The imminent MG 4 electric hatchback, expected to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2023 priced around $40,000, has received the top rating from Euro NCAP.
Australia’s safety body ANCAP is aligned with Euro NCAP’s protocols – although there are some tougher new ones for 2023 – so it would be reasonable to expect this score to carry over here.
The Chinese EV scored 83 per cent for adult occupant safety, 80 per cent for child occupant safety, 75 per cent for vulnerable road users, and 78 per cent for safety assist.
Government approval documents viewed by CarExpert reveal the MG 4 has been approved for sale at first with only the smaller 51kWh battery and rear-mounted 125kW electric motor.
This powertrain gives the MG 4 a claimed 350km of range on the WLTP test cycle, and it can be charged at up to 150kW on a DC charger.
The all-new MG 4 EV hatchback could (and probably should) become Australia’s cheapest electric car when it gets here – if UK market pricing is taken as a guide.
MORE: New MG 4 hatch could be Australia’s cheapest EV in 2023
For example, the MG 4 undercuts the base MG ZS EV in the UK by £3500, equal to around $A6300. The ZS EV SUV kicks off in Australia at $44,990 drive-away, suggesting a circa $40,000 price here for the MG 4 should be what to expect.
When the MG 4 and ZS EV update are both available, the fast-growing (top 10 by volume) brand will have a potent one-two punch here. MG Australia’s dealers are well-placed to sell EVs in particular, with the company offering buyers its own in-house Type 2 wallbox chargers priced from $1990.
The MG 4 EV is billed as one of the first Chinese-branded cars created for worldwide sale from the start of its life. MG’s sales target for its “Global Car” is 150,000 vehicles in the first full year.
Unlike the ZS which also comes with a petrol option, the MG 4 EV uses a ground-up EV-only platform made scalable for other applications – wheelbases of between 2650mm and 3100mm.
MG claims kerb weights of between 1655kg and 1685kg.
Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, app integration, four levels of brake energy regeneration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full range of driver-assist features. The MG4 EV will also handle regular over-the-air software updates.
MORE: Here’s how ANCAP is making crash tests harder from 2023
MORE: 2023 MG 4 review
