MG4 EV XPower review

MG4 EV XPower

We get to grips with the affordable EV hot hatch that is the MG4 XPower…

Full disclosure. I’m a big fan of the standard MG4 EV family hatchback. Not only is it a great value electric car (the range starts at just £26,995), but it’s well packaged, sharply styled and delivers a surprisingly engaging drive.

Add MG Motor UK’s generous seven-year warranty, and it’s a no-brainer if you’re ready to switch to 100% electric motoring.

The XPower is a sporty version of the MG4 – the second biggest-selling EV of 2023.

MG4 EV XPower

Unlike hot versions of standard cars from most other manufacturers, MG has decided to play it subtle with the XPower, so there’s no garish body kit.

It does get larger wheels, Bridgestone Turanza tyres, bigger brake discs, orange brake calipers, a contrasting black roof, and a new Racing Green colour option.

Inside, there’s red stitching, Alcantara trim on the seats and metal pedals. Otherwise, it seems much the same, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen (thankfully including physical short-cut buttons below), plus an additional 7.0-inch digital driver’s display.

MG4 EV XPower

Build quality in the cabin is fine, though there are a few too many scratchy plastic surfaces, while the infotainment system is on the basic side.

Of course, the big difference between the basic MG4 EV and the XPower is hidden from view. Whereas the regular car has a single rear motor with three battery options and power outputs of up to 243bhp, the XPower gets one battery choice, but gains a second 201bhp motor at the front, making it all-wheel drive.

With the rear motor at 228bhp, that equates to a remarkable 429bhp with 443lb of torque, delivering a blistering 0-62mph acceleration time of just 3.8 seconds – all for a still-competitive price of £36,495.

MG4 EV XPower

Crucially, MG’s engineers have also upgraded the XPower so that all that oomph (it’s the most potent MG ever made) can be distributed more effectively.

The new Dynamic Cornering Control System features a locking electronic differential and Intelligent Motor Control to allow torque vectoring between all four wheels.

There’s also revised spring and damper tuning, stiffer anti-roll bars and sharper steering, with MG claiming overall suspension stiffness has been increased by up to 25%.

MG4 EV XPower

The car’s 64kWh battery is good for a relatively modest official 239 miles on a single charge. However, the reality is likely to be well shy of 200 miles, especially if it’s cold outside and you’re heavy with your right foot.

The good news is that it has a maximum DC rapid charging rate of 150kW, which should deliver a 10% to 80% charge in 35 minutes via a 150kW public rapid charger, while a 10 -100% charge takes 8.5 hours using a 7kW home wall box.

On the road, the impressive instant torque is immediately obvious, especially in Sport mode with launch control activated.

MG4 EV XPower

It’s gut-wrenchingly fast in a straight line, but this novelty wears off a little when you watch your miles/kwh indicator sink to closer to 2 than 3. Oh, and a special button on the steering wheel to activate launch control would be welcome, rather than having to delve into the touchscreen.

Despite lugging around an extra electric motor, at 1,800kg, it’s still relatively light for an EV, which makes it feel agile.

One of the joys of the regular rear-wheel drive MG4 EV is it’s handling, which is more dynamic than most electric cars – especially in the affordable price range.

MG4 EV XPower

The XPower is much the same, but given the power on tap, it could do with a bit more fettling for it to be considered a true, all-round hot hatch. It still manages to stay flat in challenging corners, but a little more composure wouldn’t go amiss.

The ride feels slightly firmer than an MG4 EV, but it’s still decent, and there’s ample grip and stopping power on offer.

Like the regular MG4 EV, the XPower is wider than you think with a long wheelbase, so there’s plenty of space for passengers, front and rear. And, despite the sporty roofline, there’s good head and legroom in the back.

MG4 EV XPower

There’s also a healthy luggage capacity of 363 litres, rising to 1,165 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Given the performance boost, our only suggestion would be the addition of more figure-hugging sports seats up front.

Ultimately, the MG4 EV XPower is an impressive package, and as long as you can live with the range hit (the cheaper MG4 EV Trophy Extended Range can go 323 miles), its supercar-like acceleration and dynamic ride will never fail to put a smile on your face.

Verdict: The MG4 EV XPower is an all-electric five-door family hatch with a dark side. Should you choose to unleash the 429bhp on tap, it’s capable of competing with performance models two or three times the price. Sharply-styled, safe, great value for money and practical, it also offers peace of mind, courtesy of a seven-year warranty.

MG Motor UK

MG4 EV XPower

Remember your ‘other battery’, EV drivers advised

Gareth Herincx

5 mins ago
Auto News

Kia Niro EV

Many electric car drivers are unaware that their EV has a crucial 12-volt battery that is essential to the running of their vehicle, leading breakdown provider Start Rescue has revealed.

A faulty or flat 12-volt battery is the main reason for an EV breakdown, rather than unfounded worries about the main battery’s range.

Start Rescue’s research shows 23.7% of EV call-outs are due to the car not starting with the key, which is less than the 29.7% figure for petrol and diesel cars for the same issue.

“EVs are very reliable but, like all cars, it has a 12-volt battery that needs to be looked after,” says Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue.

“Overall, EVs are less likely to require a breakdown call-out than ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles, but EVs need to be driven to avoid the 12-volt battery going flat over time.”

Alongside the large high voltage battery that powers an EV’s motor, the 12-volt system is vital for door locks, ignition, air conditioning, safety equipment, and running crucial controls for the electric drivetrain.

The 12-volt battery in an EV is simple to maintain and Start Rescue advises drivers to use their EV regularly as the best way to look after both of its batteries – especially the 12-volt battery for all of the important systems that make it work.

“Charging up the car regularly will top up the 12-volt battery as it charges differently to an ICE car,” adds Lee.

“Pre-conditioning the car’s cabin temperature while it’s on charge is a big help, and you can also use a ‘trickle’ charger if you know the car will be parked up for longer periods, such as when you go on holiday.”

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Record number of vehicles on UK roads

Motorway traffic

The number of vehicles on our roads reached a record 41.4 million in 2023, according to the latest SMMT figures.

The new Motorparc data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that car ownership was up 1.6% to 35,694,845.

There were also record numbers of commercial vehicles, with 625,873 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 5,012,632 vans in operation, up by 1.7% and 2.6% respectively.

Despite the rise, average car CO2 dropped 2.1%. In fact, one in 40 of all vehicles on UK roads is now zero emission, including 960,896 cars, 61,161 vans, 2,383 HGVs and 1,922 buses.

Kia EV9 review

Almost half a million new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles were registered during 2023.

BEV van volumes rose by 43.5% on 2022 to 61,161, meaning 1.2% of vans on UK roads is now zero emission, while electric HGVs rose 146.4% in 2023.

Elsewhere in the SMMT data, the five most popular cars on UK roads in 2023 were the Ford Fiesta (1,487,925), Vauxhall Corsa (1,050,579), Ford Focus (1,049,818), Volkswagen Golf (1,004,152) and Vauxhall Astra (715,647 ).

Continuing their domination, superminis remain the most popular car type on roads, with one in three drivers choosing these more compact vehicles to get around.

And despite the fact that the UK is the fifth rainiest country in Europe, convertibles account for almost one in 35 cars on the road, with 1,022,849 in use.

Best Michelin Green Star restaurants for EV drivers

Gareth Herincx

3 days ago
Auto News

PEUGEOT E-308 and the Michelin Green Star winner

Peugeot UK has revealed the Top 10 Michelin Green Star restaurants for electric vehicle drivers.

The winners of the prestigious Michelin Green Star Award have been ranked according to the quality of the nearby charging infrastructure, and the number of cities within the 257-mile range of the Peugeot E-308.

First introduced in 2021, the Michelin Green Star is an annual award that highlights restaurants within the Michelin Guide that are at the forefront of sustainable practices in the kitchen.

All the winners offer dining experiences that combine culinary excellence with outstanding eco-friendly commitments.

Apricity in London’s Mayfair topped the list. It can be reached from 12 of the 15 major cities of the UK using the full range of the E-308. Drivers of the model can also benefit from 100kW DC rapid charging, which will power the battery from 20-80% in less than 25 minutes.

Drivers heading to the capital can also enjoy an extensive EV charging network. Apricity has an impressive 650 charging points within just a mile of the award-winning restaurant. The contemporary British restaurant is praised by the guide for its low-waste cooking and sustainable food sourcing.

London locations took the top four spots of the rankings. In second place came St Barts in the City of London, in third is Silo in Hackney Wick, and fourth place went to Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond-upon-Thames.

Wilsons in Bristol placed fifth in the Peugeot rankings and was the highest ranking of the Michelin Green Star list outside of London.

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Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

We get behind the wheel of the much-anticipated 100% electric version of the Vauxhall Astra…

The family favourite that is the Vauxhall Astra was originally launched way back in 1980.

Available as a hatchback or rakish Sports Tourer (estate), the eighth-generation model was introduced in 2022.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Initially offered as a petrol or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), it’s arguably the new pure electric version that’s the most intriguing.

One thing is for sure, it has to be good because it’s up against some stiff EV opposition from the likes of the MG4, Volkswagen ID.4, Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, Cupra Born and quirky Ora Funky Cat (GWM Ora 03).

Low-slung and sleek, it features Vauxhall’s modern new ‘Vizor’ front end which houses LED headlights, sensors for the driver aids and safety technologies, plus the bold new Griffin logo.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Based on the same platform as its Stellantis cousin (the Peugeot e-308), it’s the best-looking Astra ever.

I particularly approve of the long bonnet complete with crease running down the middle – a nod to classic Vauxhalls.

The Astra Electric has a 54kWh battery paired with a 154bhp electric motor powering the front wheels. It can sprint from 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds and has a claimed range of 258 miles (256 miles for the Sports Tourer).

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Frankly, it feels quicker off the mark than the official figures suggest. Either way, it’s more than enough performance for everyday driving.

There are three drive modes (Eco, Normal and Sport). Eco dulls the throttle response which helps to maximise range, Sport ramps up the power, while Normal offers the best of both worlds.

Vauxhall says the Astra Electric’s heat pump means the electric motor can operate at maximum efficiency in hot or cold weather, and I got pretty close to the claimed 4.2 miles per kWh during my spell behind the wheel.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

I’d have to spend a week or so with the car to work out how efficient it really is, but I’d estimate the Astra Electric has a real-world range of around 200 miles – more in city driving.

If you have a home wallbox, the battery will charge to 100% overnight. Hook it up to a 100kW public rapid charger and it will boost the battery from 20-80% in just 26 minutes.

Sadly there are no paddles on the steering wheel to adjust brake regeneration, but you can flick the gear selector to B-mode for more aggressive brake regen.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

Priced from £37,445, there are three trim levels – Design, GS and Ultimate.

The cabin of the Astra Electric has a more conventional look than many of its EV-only competitors, but it’s attractive, if a little dark.

It’s also well put together, but there are very few soft-touch surfaces and the materials used are by no means plush.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

That said, it’s comfortable, uncluttered and space is OK, while the slick new infotainment set-up, with its 10-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central display, is intuitive and works well.

It’s fairly minimalist, but thankfully there are some short-cut buttons below the centre touchscreen, so accessing the heating, for instance, doesn’t involve tapping the touchscreen.

Additionally, there’s ‘Hey Vauxhall’ voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an impressive list of safety and driver assistance features.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

If I had one quibble, it would be that I’d prefer a lower seating position – a common problem in EVs.

It’s also tighter for space in the back for adult-sized passengers, while boot capacity is an average 352 litres in the hatch (516 litres for the Sports Tourer), expanding to 1,268 litres (1,553 litres) with the rear seats folded.

The Astra Electric is easy to drive and handles well, offering a composed, if slightly firm ride.

Vauxhall Astra Electric review

There’s a little bit of road and wind noise on motorways, but for the most part it’s refined and comfortable on all but the poorest surfaces. Naturally, the Sports Tourer feels more substantial than the hatch, but it’s still agile and nicely balanced – despite weighing nearly 50kg more.

There’s some fun to be had in the Astra Electric, but it would be an exaggeration to call it dynamic and engaging. When pushed in Sport mode on more challenging roads, body roll is kept in check and there’s good grip, partly down to the balanced weight distribution and the positioning of the battery in the vehicle’s underbody.

Additionally, the steering is light, making it a doddle in town, but just like the Corsa Electric, the brakes aren’t very progressive.

Ultimately, the Astra Electric is a sensible family-sized introduction to electric motoring.

Verdict: The Vauxhall Astra Electric is stylish, straightforward, practical and easy to drive. However, some rivals offer a longer range for less money.

Vauxhall UK