It might be reasonably sporty, but the MG4’s suspension is supple enough to soak up most bumps, so it feels like the car is flowing with the tarmac rather than fighting against it. Being an electric car, you’d also expect the MG4 to be quiet, and for the most part this is the case. However, as the speed increases, there’s a bit more road noise than you’ll find in some of its rivals.

Design takes a step up inside the MG4, and it certainly looks more modern than either the MG ZS EV or MG5. There are hints of German brands in some of the details, such as the BMW-like hexagonal steering wheel and chunky Audi-esque indicator stalks, and the MG follows the trend of ditching analogue instruments entirely. 

As mentioned, there’s a Germanic simplicity to the dashboard layout, which features a perfectly horizontal row of air vents, above which perches a neat 10.25-inch touchscreen and a single row of physical buttons for the most critical functions. Unlike a Tesla Model 3, there’s also a second smaller instrument display behind the steering wheel just for the most pertinent driver’s information. This has pretty good viewing angles, so it’s unlikely to be obscured by the steering wheel if you need to sit higher up or lower down.

In less positive news, the MG4’s impressively low price can’t be escaped in here, because some of the plastics feel hard and brittle to the touch. This is increasingly the case the lower down you look – while there are soft-touch materials high up, the lower door bins and storage area beneath the gear selector feel hard-wearing but scratchy.

There are two trim levels at launch, called SE and Trophy. Both get a pretty decent level of kit, including the same 10.25-inch central touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, LED exterior lights and 17-inch alloy wheels. 

Trophy comes with the Long Range battery pack as standard, and also adds a two-tone roof, rear privacy glass, a heated steering wheel and heated leather front seats. There’s also a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging, while the infotainment setup is upgraded to include MG’s iSmart technology, bringing live updates and remote smartphone access.

MG is a brand that tends to prioritise keeping things simple and affordable, rather than offering a myriad of optional extras and packs. Arctic White and Holborn Blue are standard colours, while metallic hues like the new Volcano Orange paint colour add around £600. 

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