Let's be honest, the MG4 Urban is not a great looker. But the Chinese maker seems to be taking a pragmatic approach with this car, aimed at urban users, commuters and families seeking an affordable, spacious and functional EV. Does the concept add up? Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpaMG is cementing its reputation as the unsung star among importers to Europe of Chinese cars.Rather than relying on dramatic performance, futuristic styling or groundbreaking technology for near-autonomous driving, the car brand aims to win over customers with competitive pricing.The MG name is storied, but many buyers will never have heard of the British sports car original anyway.MG is thus increasingly stepping into the role that Volkswagen once occupied so successfully.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile VW is currently trying to sell us the ID.Polo as the new "people's car" from €24,995 upwards, MG is launching the better-equipped MG4 Urban for almost exactly the same price.Except that it is in a class above, has a larger battery and even comes with a discount in some markets. That brings the final price down to €18,990 in Germany, for example, making this compact five-door model one of the most affordable electrics on the market.For the sticker price you get a stylish yet understated hatchback, measuring 12 cm longer than the previous MG4, which is by the way still available. The new car stands at 4.40 m.The choice of materials is surprisingly high-quality in the areas you can see and touch. The equipment leaves nothing to be desired either. A reversing camera and the bi-directional charge function come as standard, as do the navigation system and all the driver assistance features.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhen it comes to the cockpit controls, MG takes a different approach to most Chinese brands. Instead of relying entirely on digital solutions, there are still plenty of switches and buttons on the steering wheel and the centre console. That said, there are still animated instruments and a touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.This means digital natives can find their way around just as easily as people who grew up with push-button phones.The MG4 Urban offers plenty of space in every seat. Rear passengers benefit from a generous amount of room that is rare in this segment. Even occupants around 1.80 metres tall can sit comfortably in the second row.What is more, the boot has a generous capacity of 470 litres, not including the 98 litres under the false floor. And anything that doesn't fit in there can be stowed away in around 30 storage compartments throughout the cabin.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Chinese have somehow forgotten about the frunk, that is, the boot at the front, and with it, the best place to store the charging cable.Although it has a familiar name, the MG4 Urban is built on an all-new platform that is set to be fitted with the first solid-state battery later this year.Until that happens and MG is catapulted into the leading group of electric vehicle innovators, there will initially be two conventional power-train variants. On offer are electric motors of either 110 kW/149 PS or 118 kW/160 PS on the front axle and batteries of 43 kWh or 54 kWh.This means the MG can travel 325 or 416 kilometres on a standard cycle and that is where it unfortunately starts to lose its appeal. With peak charging rates of 82 or 87 kW (DC), it's one of the most lethargic chargers in its class.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe half-hour it takes to go from 10 to 80% is long enough as it is, but with such small batteries, it's almost embarrassing. This may be an explanation for the bargain basement price.The MG4 EV Urban also supports AC charging at up to 11 kW. Depending on the battery version, a charge from 10 to 100% is expected to take around five to six hours.As long as the MG is on the move, however, there's little to complain about. It isn't exactly a whirlwind though. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes a leisurely 9.5 seconds at best and the top speed is 160 km/h.Yet this is a thoroughly well-behaved family car which will rumble in a pleasant fashion down narrow old town streets or hum along the centre lane of the motorway.AdvertisementAdvertisementAnd even the driver assistance systems, which are otherwise often the bane of Chinese cars, are not too irritating. You can even shut them down at once if desired.It is neither the cheapest electric car on the market nor the best, not even in its class. Yet the MG4 Urban is an honest car which is just a sensible choice with a no-frills design, simple controls, solid handling and a decent range.Yes, the charging performance is poor, but that might soon change when the new and better batteries arrive.Overall the MG4 Urban is one of the best options in its segment and has the makings of a genuine "people's electric car". The only other place you're likely to find more car for less money is at a used car dealership.Specification: MG4 Urban 54 kWhThe interior of the MG4 Urban is rather simple and functional. Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpaThe MG4 Urban is characterised by its understated hatchback design and a rather functional approach. Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpaA wheelbase of 2.75 metres ensures there is enough space for two adults in the back seat. Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpaOn a single battery charge, the MG has a range of 325 or 416 kilometres in the standard cycle. However, other models charge more quickly. Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpaAdvertisementAdvertisementThe MG 4 Urban is a perfectly well-behaved family car, tuned for comfort, with enough comfort for the narrow streets of the old town and enough pace for the middle lane of the motorway. Marcus Werner/MG Motor/dpa
