2026 MG4 Essence Review

It’s a little confusing that MG now has two very different hatchbacks carrying the MG4 badge. The newcomer, known as the MG4 Urban, is a front-wheel-drive model focused on value, space and technology, while the car tested here is the original rear-drive MG4. Fortunately, the arrival of the Urban doesn’t signal the end for the MG4 as we know it. And that’s good news, because this remains the more rewarding car to drive.

The fundamentals haven’t changed, with the MG4 still riding on its dedicated rear-wheel-drive platform. Nor have they messed with the distinctive styling, which retains its balanced proportions and dynamic stance.

The line-up has changed, simplified with the arrival of the Urban. Gone are the multiple battery and specification choices, with MG New Zealand now offering a single, well-specced Essence variant. This pairs a 64kWh LFP battery with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 140kW and 350Nm. That sees 100km/h registered in 7.5 seconds, while the WLTP-rated driving range is a stated 452km, and fast DC charging peaks at 154kW.

More significantly, the revised MG4 now costs $44,990, representing a $4000 reduction. It’s always good to see things coming down in price these days. MG says the repositioning reflects the increasingly competitive EV market, and at this price point the MG4 looks especially good value.

It’s not entirely true to say there is just one model however. There is another, namely the XPower. This returns with its dual-motor set-up (150kW/250Nm at the front and 170kW/350Nm at the rear), enabling a 0-100km/h time of 3.8sec. And all for just $55,990.

The big changes for the new MG4 have happened inside, with the model updated to mimic the interior of the S5 SUV, and it’s a much nicer place to be. It’s no longer a Tupperware car, with soft linings everywhere: on the dash, on the doors and on the centre console. We quite like this colour combination, with the brown tones and lighter hues helping elevate the cabin ambience substantially. However, it’s not one that’s actually offered here in New Zealand; buyers instead get the choice of Grey Ivory or Dark.

There’s also a redesigned centre console, a relocated wireless phone charger and a larger 12.8-inch central touchscreen paired with a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display. Better still, the infotainment system is noticeably quicker and offers improved connectivity. Having a few proper buttons is welcome, reducing the need to constantly dive into touchscreen menus.

There’s also a good 360-degree camera system, well-behaved adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, apps like Spotify, and heated seats.

The MG Pilot driver assistance suite remains comprehensive, although the persistent speed warning chimes can still become tiresome. Thankfully, a shortcut button allows drivers to activate their preferred custom settings and silence many of the alerts, though this process still needs repeating each time the vehicle is restarted.

While the MG4 Urban offers rear-seat passengers more legroom, you’re not exactly struggling for space in the back of the rear-drive model. And while the Urban has a larger boot, complete with a sizeable underfloor storage cubby, this MG4 has a respectable 350L of luggage space, while split folding extends capacity to 1165L. It can also be fitted with a tow bar, though the limit is a modest 500kg.

Not everything is perfect. The suede-style trim on the centre console looks smart but may prove difficult to keep pristine in such a high-use area. The wide side sills still catch your leg during entry and exit, while the rear centre headrest obstructs rearward visibility more than it should. Occasionally, the shift-by-wire system can also be frustrating, refusing to engage drive unless sufficient brake pressure is applied. These, however, are relatively minor irritations in an otherwise highly accomplished package.

The MG4’s steering remains direct and well weighted, the chassis is genuinely entertaining, and the rear-drive layout delivers a level of balance that’s increasingly rare at this price point. It rides well at all speeds, and has a great turning circle for urban work. This is a hatchback designed for people who still enjoy driving, rather than simply viewing a car as another appliance.

While some buyers may wish for a cheaper entry model with a smaller battery, New Zealand’s small market size makes broad model choice difficult to justify. The flip side is that buyers get a sizeable battery, reducing the need for constant recharging. MG is also introducing servicing plans to help owners manage total cost of ownership, while the comprehensive warranty package adds further peace of mind.

This is a handy update. The MG4 now feels much more upmarket inside and, thanks to its sharper pricing, represents even better value. And it’s still genuinely fun to drive, a rare commodity among affordable Chinese cars.  

MG4 Essence

$44,990  /  17.6kWh/100km  /  0g/km
0-100 km/h 7.5s
Motor  140kW / 350Nm
Battery / range  64kWh / 452km
Drivetrain  1-speed auto / RWD
Weight  1765kg