- MG has added a new entry-level version of its smallest electric hatchback, the MG4 Urban.
- The MG4 Urban Essence 43 brings the starting price down to $34,990 plus +ORCs.
- The Essence 43 will use a smaller 43kWh battery, but still has a range of up to 316km.
MG is making its electric hatchback offering more accessible in New Zealand, with the arrival of a new entry-level MG4 Urban variant priced from $34,990 plus on-road costs.
The new MG4 Urban Essence 43 becomes the cheapest model in the Urban line-up, undercutting the $38,990 Essence 54 model, while retaining a generous standard equipment list and a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 316km.
It also drops the MG4 Urban down into the same budget price range as the likes of the Arcfox T1 ($34,990), Geely EX2 ($32,990 to $37,990), BYD Atto 1 ($30,990 to $36,990), and Dongfeng Box ($32,990, although it is currently on special for $29,990).
Power for the new entrant comes from a smaller 43kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery paired with a front-mounted 110kW/250Nm electric motor. MG quotes a 0-80 percent DC charging time of approximately 28 minutes under ideal conditions on a DC fast charger.
A standard heat pump is also included, helping improve efficiency in colder conditions, while MG says the new model is designed to make the transition to electric motoring more attainable without stripping away the equipment buyers increasingly expect from a modern car.
"We're opening the door to more New Zealanders looking to make the switch to an electric vehicle without compromising on the features and equipment they expect from a modern car," said MG Motor New Zealand Country Business Manager Dean Sheed.
Despite its new entry-level positioning, the Essence 43 gets a fairly comprehensive equipment package.
Exterior features include 17-inch Starburst alloy wheels, full LED headlights and rear lights, and roof rails. Inside, there's a 12.8-inch HD infotainment touchscreen, a seven-inch digital driver display, satellite navigation and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Heated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and a six-speaker audio system are also standard, while safety equipment includes MG Pilot's suite of advanced driver assistance systems, seven airbags and a 360-degree camera.
The new MG4 EV Urban Essence 43 is available now through MG's New Zealand dealer network, priced at $34,990.
