MG CHASES THE BIG
ONCE a legendary British marque, but now under Chinese ownership, MG announced this week that its newest all-electric vehicle will be launched in the UK from September. Available with battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV will have a range of between 218-281 miles, with a top speed of 99mph and acceleration from rest to 62 mph in less than 8 seconds.
it is expected to cost from £30,000 and take on Volkswagen’s iD.3 and the Nissan leaf.
A key clever feature is a one-sizefits-all super-slim 110 mm integrated battery-pack system, which can be upgraded via wifi or replaced completely if the owner wants more power or range.
The rear-wheel drive platform promises 50:50 weight distribution and an enhanced driving experience, with improved road-holding, driver engagement, and interior passenger and luggage space.
MG is now owned by China’s biggest car-maker SAiC, having been snapped up for a song when the then British-owned MG Rover scandalously went bust in 2005 under a team led by disgraced former Rover boss John Towers.
With cars now designed in Marylebone, london, but built in various locations abroad, the reborn MG boasts it is ‘the fastest-growing car brand in the UK’ with a six-car range of ‘affordable’ hatchbacks, estates and SUVs.
MG also continues to make a big play in its publicity material about the brand’s strong UK heritage and history.
David Allison, MG UK head of product and planning, said: ‘The MG4 EV is a key part of our next phase of growth.’ All the more surprising then that MG should so badly disrespect potential customers in its original home market by only officially unveiling the new car in Britain this week — seven days after its European preview on June 28.
Why not simultaneously? Maybe bosses genuinely don’t think Britain is geographically part of Europe?