Meet the MG Cyberster EV sports car

Gareth Herincx

2 days ago
Auto News

MG Cyberster EV sports car

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.

MG Cyberster EV sports car

“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.”

MG Cyberster EV sports car

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.

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MG4 EV review

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”.

MG4 EV review

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.

MG4 EV review

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.

MG4 rear lights

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.

MG4 EV review

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.

MG4 EV review

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.

MG4 EV review

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).

MG4 EV review

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.

MG4 EV review

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

MG4 EV review

MG5 EV review

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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.

MG5 EV

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).

MG5 EV

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 

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS has gone from an also-ran to an affordable PHEV frontrunner, ideal for a family – read on to find out why…

Launched in 2019, the MG HS is a worthy mid-sized SUV that has the unenviable task of stealing sales from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga and Hyundai Tucson.

Sitting above the successful ZS in the fast-growing Chinese brand’s range, up until now the HS has only been available with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that isn’t class-leading when it comes to pulling power, economy or refinement.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

On the plus side it’s offered big bang for your buck because it’s priced from just £22,995, and it delivers good looks, practicality, space, a pleasant driving experience and generous equipment levels.

Fast forward to 2022 and a plug-in hybrid version has been introduced. Suddenly the HS is a serious contender. Starting at £31,095, it’s one of the best value PHEVs on the market.

Like all plug-in hybrids, it offers the best of both worlds, delivering some of the experience of an EV without any of the associated range anxiety.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

MG has used the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the regular HS, but here it works in tandem with a 90KW electric motor (drawing power from a 16.6kWh battery) to give a combined output of 254bhp (and 273 lb ft of torque), enabling it to reach 0-60mph in just 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 118mph. 

Perhaps more importantly, it has an electric-only range of 32 miles (plenty for most commutes). 

On paper, it’s capable of as much as 155.8mpg if your journeys are modest and you keep your battery charged up, while CO2 emissions are as low as 43g/km. That last figure is crucial for business users because the lower the emissions the higher the tax benefits.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS Plug-in Hybrid uses a new 10-speed automatic transmission which works with both the petrol and electric motors to optimise power delivery and efficiency. Power is delivered to the front wheels only (unlike some rivals, an all-wheel drive version is not offered).

As for charging, the battery can be topped up to 100% in 4.5 hours using a 7kW home wallbox.

MG has kept things simple and there are just two trims levels – Excite and Exclusive.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

Standard equipment on the ‘entry-level’ Excite model includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10-1-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, plus a 360-degree camera system. 

Upgrade to the Exclusive and it brings upgraded LED headlights, smart leather sports seats and a panoramic sunroof.

MG Pilot – a suite of driver assistance systems that gives the MG HS one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class (helping the HS achieve a maximum five-star rating) is also standard.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

In other words, driver assistance and safety aids include Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Intelligent Headlight Control, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection.

MG is best known as a budget brand these days, but the HS is anything but cheap and cheerful.

The cabin is well put together with quality materials (the leather upholstery on the Exclusive model is especially good). It has a solid feel and the doors close with a satisfying clunk.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The digital driver’s display works well, though the central infotainment screen is a little sluggish and unfortunately also includes the climate controls, which isn’t ideal in hot and cold weather.

There’s plenty of space. In fact, rear passengers have a superb amount of head and legroom. The boot is a decent 448 litres, expanding to 1,375 litres when the 60:40 rear seats are folded.

Like many plug-in hybrid SUVs, it’s at its best cruising along. Most are let down by their gearbox/engine combo which invariably sends the revs shooting up if you put your foot down.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The MG HS is one of the better ones, but not perfect. More spirited drivers will find it a little hesitant, while the engine can become a little vocal if you floor it.

That said, it’s fine if you take it easy, offering pleasantly refined driving with ample power in reserve for overtaking.

It’s no performance SUV, so don’t go expecting massive amounts of driving engagement, but it covers its brief well and feels substantial and planted.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

The transition from electric to petrol and vice versa is fairly seamless, while running in electric-only mode is beautifully smooth.

The driving position is commanding (though I’d prefer the option to be able to lower the front seats a little more), visibility is good and the ride is comfortable.

Fuel economy will depend on keeping the battery charged up and the length of your journeys, so your visits to the service station for petrol will be few and far between if you complete most of your trips in EV mode.

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

However, on long journeys where you’re almost totally reliant on the petrol engine, economy can dip below 40mpg.

The good thing about the PHEV system on the MG HS is that it will feed in the electrical assistance, leaving you with a little charge even at the end of a long trip.

Finally a quick mention for the factor which may swing it for many as the cost of living crisis bites – not only is it great value, but the HS offers peace of mind thanks to a generous seven-year warranty.

Verdict: With the introduction of plug-in hybrid technology, the MG HS is now the tempting family car it could always have been. Comfortable, safe, refined, well built and economical, it’s one of the most affordable PHEV SUVs on the market. 

MG UK

MG HS Plug-in Hybrid review

Top 10 most searched-for classic cars

Gareth Herincx

1 week ago
Auto News

Ford Escort 1600i

The Ford Escort was the most searched-for car in 2021, according to Car & Classic – the classified and online auction website.

‘Dream cars’ such as the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, lead the search data during the pandemic, but 2021 saw classic car fans seeking more mainstream vehicles including the BMW 3 Series.

Across 2021, the Ford Escort toppled the Porsche 911, with the RS2000 the model most searched-for from the European Escort’s 34-year lifetime.

Recent Escort auction sales on Car & Classic include £25,500 for a Mk3 RS1600i (pictured) and £50,000 for a Mk1 Twin Cam.

Over the past 12 months, searches for the Triumph Stag more than doubled, securing third place.

It was closely followed by the 1980s’ E30 version of BMW 3 Series. More than a quarter of the specific searches for the compact saloon were for the iconic M3.

The rise in searches for the E30, up nearly 20% on 2020, follows sharp rises in the values for the M3 over the past five years. Published prices of the 24 road cars currently on Car & Classic span £40,000 to £189,000.

Other cars in the top 10 include the Ford Mustang and Jaguar E-Type, both growing by 10%. Slipping down the order, despite a similar number of searches in 2020, was the MGB GT.

Underlining rising demand for Japanese sports cars, the Toyota Supra and MR2, plus the Mazda RX-7 and Datsun 240Z all appeared in the top 20 searches of 2021.

Top 10 searches of 2021

  1. Ford Escort
  2. Porsche 911
  3. Triumph Stag
  4. E30 BMW 3 Series
  5. Ford Mustang
  6. Jaguar E-Type
  7. Ford Capri
  8. VW Beetle
  9. MGB GT
  10. MGB

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