MG – Pulpaddict

MG Cyberster GT review

We spend a memorable week with the MG Cyberster – the only all-electric roadster on the UK market…

If cars were chosen purely for kerb appeal, then MG is onto a winner with the stunning Cyberster.

I was loaned a Cyberster for a week and I can’t remember the last time a test car garnered so many compliments and questions.

Whether it’s a thumbs up from fellow drivers, or people coming up to me to say how cool it looks, or simply to ask “what is it?”.

As things stand the Cyberster is pretty unique. Yes, Tesla is supposedly planning to launch a new Roadster soon, but for the moment, the MG is the only soft-top EV available.

It’s a big deal for the brand too (now Chinese-owned), because it’s MG’s first new two-seater since the 1990s.

Designed in London at the MG Advanced Design Centre, the Cyberster is a modern take on a sports car, yet with nods to MG’s rich history. So, there’s a long bonnet, low nose, sweeping curves and pert rear.

In fact, it’s fascinating from every angle, with hints of McLaren, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Maserati.

And that’s before you open the doors, because they are scissor doors – reminiscent of a Lamborghini.

Slightly bigger than a BMW Z4, the Cyberster is a real statement of a car with an aggressive stance, yet it also manages to exude elegance.

Priced from £54,995 to £59,995, the Cyberster is available in two trim levels – Trophy and GT.

The single motor Trophy is powered by a 335bhp/350lb ft motor driving the rear wheels. The 0-62mph sprint takes just five seconds and it tops out at 121mph.

However, the subject of this week’s review is the all-wheel-drive GT flagship – the most powerful production MG ever.

Power and torque rocket to 496bhp and 535lb ft, while the 0-62mph time plummets to a supercar-equalling 3.2 seconds, and the top speed is 125mph.

The downside is that the claimed range drops from 316 miles for the Trophy, to 276 miles for the GT, and kerb weight climbs 100kg to 1985kg.

Inside, first impressions are great. There’s a driver-focused, wraparound triple-screen set-up for the driver – a central 10.25-inch screen flanked by two 7.0-inch touchscreens. A fourth screen (climate control) is located in the lower centre console next to the gear selector.

Unfortunately, the steering wheel obscures parts of the two outer screens, which is particularly annoying on the left, which is the sat nav. Sadly, the screens are also too small and fiddly – nor are they intuitive to use or quick to respond.

The other problem is that though the suite of safety and driver assistance tech is admirable, the pings and bongs are hugely irritating. The driver distraction warning is the worst by far.

While space is good and the overall fit and finish is classy, there is one big flaw in the design if you’re 5′ 11″ or over like me.

Unlike a regular sports car, your bum isn’t as close to the ground because there’s a battery between you and the road.

This in turn means that the driving position is high for taller drivers (even with the seat at its lowest setting).

The result is that you’re peering down at the screen, which is already obscured by the steering wheel, and your head is uncomfortably close to the roof (or almost above the windscreen with the roof down).

So, I’m sad to say, the combination of the awkward driving position and unforgiving seat padding resulted in one of the most uncomfortable weeks I’ve ever spent in a test car.

Before I finish with the cabin, it is worth mentioning that there is a shelf behind the seats for small pieces of luggage, while the 249- litres boot is useful. Just in case you’re wondering, there is no front boot (frunk) like some EVs, to store charging cables.

Oh, and the electric scissor doors are a slick piece of theatre, but ultimately the novelty wears off, especially if you want to enter/exit quickly.

Despite my criticism of the driving position for taller drivers, the MG Cyberster is impressive on the road.

More old-school GT than agile MX-5, it delivers effortless power and the compliant suspension set-up means it cruises well.

Even though it weighs nearly two tonnes, the Cyberster GT manages to stay flat in more challenging corners, and grip levels are strong.

The steering is responsive and nicely weighted, while the Brembo brakes are effective, but require a solid pump.

The Cyberster GT only really comes unstuck when you press on and the suspension starts to struggle with the weight and height combo, pushing the car’s composure to the limit.

You can choose between the various drive modes – Comfort, Custom, Sport, Track – which tweak the level of steering assistance and throttle response.

As ever, Comfort offers the best blend of power and efficiency. Sport is fun in short bursts, but I found the ride is just too firm in this mode.

Full marks to MG for adding a Super Sport button to the steering wheel (just like a Porsche), which unleashes the car’s full performance, complete with Launch Control.

The Cyberster’s 150kW maximum charging rate is a good, but not class-leading. It means you’ll need around 38 minutes to take the 77kWh battery from a 10-80% charge. Naturally, it will also charge overnight via a 7kW wallbox.

The best efficiency rating I managed during my week with the Cyberster GT was 2.9 miles per kWh, but it was mostly closer to 2.6 miles/kWh which isn’t great and probably translates into a real-world range closer to 200 miles, depending on driving style and conditions.

If you want to squeeze out more miles, you can also alter the amount of brake regen by clicking the left-hand steering wheel paddle, plus there’s a one-pedal mode.

So, ultimately the MG Cyberster GT doesn’t quite live up to its stunning looks, but it’s still a bold stab at an electric roadster, and if you’re medium height, it could be for you. Just make sure you go for a test drive.

Verdict: The stunning MG Cyberster is a real statement of a sports car, with its curvaceous styling and dramatic scissor doors. While it’s not the dynamic driver’s car that some may have been hoping for, it is fast, capable and currently the only electric two-seater roadster on the market.

MG UK

MG ZS Hybrid+ review

We road test the all-new, full hybrid MG ZS compact family SUV…

It’s been a busy year for MG Motor UK. Not only has the Chinese-owned brand launched the acclaimed MG3 Hybrid supermini, but the next-generation MG HS mid-sized SUV and the ground-breaking Cyberstar electric sports car.

As if that isn’t enough, along comes the next generation MG ZS, which is now bigger, better and still a bargain.

The new ZS has a lot to live up to. The outgoing model was one of the UK’s best-selling cars. Since launching in 2017, it has notched up more than 100,000 sales.

Priced from £21,995-£24,995, the MG ZS Hybrid comfortably undercuts its many rivals including the Ford Puma, Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen T-Cross Skoda Kamiq, Renault Captur, Nissan Juke and Toyota Yaris Cross.

For this generation, the ZS is currently only offered as a full hybrid (there’s no EV version) and it uses the same system as the MG3 Hybrid .

In other words, there’s no need to plug it in and the system combines a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total power output of 193bhp.

The electric motor contributes 134bhp and 250Nm of torque, enabling the ZS to accelerate from 0-62mph in a punchy 8.7 seconds. Paired with a three-speed transmission, drive is via the front wheels (there is no all-wheel drive option).

The small 1.83kWh battery allows for short bursts of pure electric driving, which helps the ZS Hybrid delivers claimed fuel economy of up to 55.4mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 115g/km.

Two trim levels are available – SE and Trophy. Entry-level SE offers goodies including a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and built-in sat nav), a 7.0-inch driver’s digital instrument cluster, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, and keyless entry, plus the MG Pilot suite of safety and driver assistance systems.

Range-topping Trophy adds black leather-effect upholstery, heated front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera, rear privacy glass, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new ZS Hybrid has styling that brings it into line with the HS and MG3 Hybrid . Better proportioned than the outgoing model, it’s longer, taller and wider, while its smoother lines are kinder to the eye, even if the nose treatment does bear more than a passing resemblance to the Suzuki Across.

Considering the ZS is at the budget end of the market, the interior looks and feels surprisingly good. There are some soft-touch surfaces, and the faux leather seats in the Trophy version are top quality.

There’s plenty of space in the cabin with lots of storage areas. Rear seat legroom is especially generous, and taller passengers will have no complaints either.

For the record, the boot has a decent 443-litre capacity, expanding to 1,457 litres with the rear seats folded.

The driving position is pretty high up front. It’s not a deal-breaker and I soon got used to it, but I would prefer a little more downward travel. However, there’s no excuse in 2024 for the lack of steering wheel reach adjustment.

The infotainment system is a big improvement on the previous iteration, but still not the best. On the plus side, there are physical shortcut buttons beneath the main screen. However, it’s not always the fastest or most intuitive system to use, while the steering wheel controls are fiddly.

On the road, the MG ZS Hybrid is pleasant to drive, but let’s be honest, it won’t put a smile on the face of more spirited drivers.

It’s smooth and refined for the most part, but when you put your foot down or head uphill, the petrol engine kicks and the revs rise big time. The gearbox doesn’t help because it’s occasionally unpredictable and holds onto gears longer than necessary.

So, the new ZS is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, or simply cruising along.

The steering is light and precise and it’s a doddle to drive, but the ride is on the firm side and it can be fidgety over poorer surfaces at lower speeds. There’s also a fair amount of wind and road noise make it through to the cabin.

Push it in more challenging corners and body lean is kept well in check, but even with Sport drive mode activated (there’s also Standard and Eco), it’s never going to be a dynamic car to drive.

It’s worth mentioning that there are also three energy regeneration modes that can be adjusted using the two programmable buttons on the steering wheel. Always a joy to engage extra regen on downhill stretches to charge up the battery pack.

Based on our test drive on a variety of roads, we’d say economy of 50mpg is realistic, which is impressive.

Finally, if you’re looking for peace of mind, like all MGs, the ZS Hybrid comes with a generous seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Verdict: Put simply, the all-new MG ZS Hybrid is an economical family-sized SUV for about the same price as a supermini. It may not be top of the class for dynamism on the road, but it is a doddle to drive, spacious, well-equipped, and it’s blessed with a seven-year warranty.

MG Motor UK

Meet the MG Cyberster EV sports car

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

The all-new, all-electric MG Cyberster has been announced at Auto Shanghai 2023.

The exciting two-seat roadster marks a much-anticipated return to sports car production for the now Chinese-owned MG marque.

“Our intention was to create a completely new roadster ready for a new generation of sports car drivers and which opens a bold and compelling new chapter for M,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director of the company’s Marylebone design studio in London.

“The focus for Cyberster was to create a design that was respectful of the brand’s illustrious past and to bring back that sporting bloodline, while also being absolutely clear that it should be modern and forward-facing like the MG of today, completely in-tune with the rapid transition to electric vehicles.”

The Cyberster’s styling pays homage to much-admired roadsters from MG’s rich heritage, with its distinctive long bonnet, low nose and curvaceous surfaces, while also introducing striking new features such as its distinctive scissor doors and Kammback rear design.

“This is the perfect time to introduce an MG that completely reconnects with our performance DNA and is designed to enthral the driver on every level,” said Guy Pigounakis, MG Motor UK’s Commercial Director.

“MG is all set for an electric, sporting future and it is the perfect way to start celebrating our 100th anniversary.”

The Cyberster is expected to arrive for sale in the UK and Europe in the summer of 2024.

Check Also

Why motorists will waste a million litres of fuel this Easter

More than one in 10 drivers will be setting off on their Easter getaway with …

MG4 EV review

We road test the distinctive MG4 hatchback – not only is it a great value electric vehicle, but it delivers a surprisingly engaging drive…

You’ve got to hand it to MG Motor – a car maker that continues to defy the cynics with its blend of award-winning, reasonably-priced models that offer peace of mind thanks to a generous seven-year/80,000-mile warranty as standard.

The result is that the now Chinese-owned company is enjoying record-breaking sales and is the “UK’s fastest-growing mainstream car brand”.

Just to put that into perspective, MG’s 51,050 sales in 2022 were up nearly 67% year-on-year and some way ahead of established brands including Renault, Mazda, Honda, Citroen, Suzuki, Dacia and Fiat.

I’m already a fan of the MG ZS EV crossover and MG5 EV estate, but the new MG4 EV is something else, adding serious style and impressive driveability to the mix.

For me, the MG4 is a breath of fresh air in an automotive world dominated by high-riding SUVs. I prefer to sit lower in the cabin. I want to feel more involved and enjoy extra agility.

In the EV world, there aren’t many hatchbacks on offer. Currently, the MG4’s most obvious rivals include the Nissan Leaf, Volkswagen ID.3, the Cupra Born and the ORA Funky Cat.

You only have to look at the picture of the car (here in signature Volcano Orange) to see that it’s no ordinary hatchback.

Up front there’s a swooping nose, sculpted bonnet, angular LED headlights and aggressive air intakes. The profile is aerodynamic and crisp, while the rear features a complex two-part roof spoiler, a full-width LED taillight bar topped with unique, inset zig-zag lines.

Competitively priced from just £26,995, range will depend on the battery size chosen – so it’s up to 218 miles with the 51kWh, or a possible 281 miles if you opt for the 64kWh battery.

Both battery units power an electric motor, producing 168bhp with the smaller battery or 200bhp (larger one). As with most EVs, there’s a single-speed automatic gearbox, while drive is via the rear wheels.

The 51kW Standard Range battery version accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, while the 64kWh Long Range unit is slightly slower (7.9 seconds). So, whichever you choose, the MG4 is no slouch.

There are two trims levels (SE and Trophy), with the latter exclusive to the bigger battery.

All MG4 EVs are generously equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen (thankfully including physical short-cut buttons below) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus an additional 7.0-inch digital driver’s display as standard, along with climate control, rear parking sensors and 17-inch alloys.

Other goodies include keyless entry, automatic headlights, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel.

The MG4 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 ample head and legroom in the back.

There’s also a decent luggage capacity of 363 litres, rising to 1,177 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Driving an MG4 couldn’t be easier. Once you’re inside, simply put your foot on the brake, select D for Drive via the rotary gear selector in the centre console, release the parking brake and you’re away.

On the road, the MG4 delivers just what you’d expect from an EV – and more. The ride is comfortable and refined. There’s a little road and wind noise, but it’s in no way excessive, while the engineers have done a great job of insulating you from lumps and bumps in the road.

The steering is light and there’s good forward visibility. However, the slim tailgate window makes backing into spaces slightly trickier, but there is a useful reversing camera and the top-of-the-range Trophy version I tested is blessed comes with a 360-degree camera.

The revelation with the MG4 is that it’s one of the few reasonably priced electric cars to treat owners to a genuinely dynamic drive (the MINI Electric is another example).

Hustle it through more challenging corners and it stays flat and planted, helped by a low centre of gravity from the batteries mounted far down in the chassis and 50:50 weight distribution.

It feels agile and lively, and it can even get playful in the wet or on looser surfaces, thanks to the rear-wheel drive set-up. Unlike many competitors, the brakes are well judged, inspiring confidence and adding to an overall smoothness.

The MG4 features three driving modes (Eco, Normal and Sport) plus four different levels of brake regeneration (Low, Medium, Strong and Adaptive). Normal/Medium worked best for me in everyday driving, though Sport/Low spice things up for overtaking and the odd blast.

If you can find a rapid 150kW connection, a 10-80% charge can take as little as 35 minutes and, if you have a wallbox, it will also charge overnight at home.

All in all, the MG4 is a fantastic EV. Sure, the infotainment touchscreen isn’t state of the art and it’s a tad slow to power up, while the steering wheel controls are fiddly. Additionally, rear visibility isn’t ideal and the boot could be bigger, but overall it’s a fab car at a great price.

Verdict: Affordable, distinctive, well equipped and practical, the MG4 delivers the kind of driving dynamics that’s streets ahead of many EVs twice the price. Add MG’s generous seven-year warranty, and it it’s a no-brainer if you’re ready to switch to 100% electric motoring.

MG Motor

MG5 EV review

We road test the facelifted MG5 – currently the only fully electric estate car on sale in the UK…

Cards on table time – I’m a big fan of the MG5 EV. When I reviewed the original version in 2021, I concluded that it “may not be the sexiest estate car on the market today, but it does offer honest, practical, electric motoring at an affordable price”.

I stand by that, and I’m pleased to say that MG has worked wonders with the new version, so it’s better than ever.

The ‘5’ has been a big success, helping to deliver record-breaking sales for the “UK’s fastest-growing mainstream car brand”. It’s also won several prestigious awards.

So, what’s new about the 2022 MG5? Well, an extensive exterior makeover has transformed the car from dowdy to attractive.

It now has a sleeker appearance and features an updated interior complete with a new 10.25-inch infotainment system, capable of supporting iSMART connected car functionality through MG’s dedicated smartphone app.

The new MG5 EV can now tow up to 500Kg and is also equipped with Vehicle-To-Load (V2L) capability, meaning it can power other electric devices such as camping equipment using the energy stored in the battery.

Priced from £30,995, it’s offered in two specs – SE Long Range or Trophy Long Range.

Both are identical mechanically – the latter simply comes with more goodies, such as 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and rear privacy glass.

That’s not to say the that the SE isn’t well equipped – a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen, 7.0-inch digital driver’s display, MG Pilot (an extensive suite of safety and driver assistance features), plus automatic LED headlights and tail-lights, roof rails, rear parking camera and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are all standard.

And if safety is a priority, then you’re in for a treat. The MG Pilot suite includes AEB (autonomous emergency braking), adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and automatic headlights.

Featuring a 61.1kWh battery which powers a 154bhp electric motor on the front axle, it has an official range of 250 miles. Top speed is 115mph and it can sprint from 0-62mph in just 7.7 seconds.

More importantly for some, it’s incredibly practical. There’s plenty of room inside for up to five passengers, with two ISOFIX child-seat mounting points in the back.

The large boot, accessed via a wide tailgate opening, delivers a maximum 578 litres of capacity (loaded to the roof), rising to 1,367 litres with the 60:40 rear seats folded down.

Compared to the outgoing model, the cabin now feels more modern, and it’s well put together, but there is still a fair amount of hard black plastic up high.

Slip inside and it’s immediately obvious that the MG5 sits much lower than most EVs, which tend to be SUVs or taller hatchbacks.

It’s also a doddle to drive with an intuitively laid out dashboard and controls. Just select ‘D’ on the dial in the centre console and you’re off.

Light steering and good visibility help in town, while longer journeys are effortless, relaxing and refined.

There’s a choice of Eco, Normal and Sport, but I found that Eco was just fine for everyday driving. There are also three levels of regenerative braking to choose from, so adding the odd mile when coasting, braking or on downhill stretches is very possible.

Feeling faster than the official acceleration figure suggests, it’s more than capable of surprising other drivers off the line.

However, it’s no match for a conventionally powered estate like a Ford Focus in the handling department. Thanks to its soft suspension, there’s some body lean in faster corners, and it can become a little unsettled if pushed hard on more challenging roads.

But then, the MG5 isn’t meant to compete with established performance estates – it’s all about value for money and zero emissions.

The MG5 can be fully charged overnight at home or to 80% at a 50kW fast charger in 50 minutes (or in 40 minutes via a 100kW rapid charger).

As with all EVs, real world range drops by around 20%, so I’d say close on 200 miles is realistic, which is more than enough for most drivers.

And like all MG models, there’s peace of mind too because it comes with a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Verdict: The new, improved MG5 electric estate is better than ever. A stylish, facelifted exterior and new infotainment system inside make it even more appealing than before. Add practicality, comfort, a decent range and a generous warranty, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be on everyone’s affordable family car shortlist.

MG Motor UK