Bong - just received my brand new MG4 Trophy and I absolutely love it. I sold my 3 year old Toyota CHR which I also loved till I tried this. My wife has a 22 plate Yaris hybrid and the Toyotas all bong too telling you off. It’s the nanny safety features built into most modern cars.
Hi James - I'm a week into ownership, your review is spot on, I have the base model SE (LFP 51kw), so no bongs, I've just moved from a 14yr old (170k mile, VW Tiguan 170 sport) to this - apart from a few bits of dodgy plastic (and the seats for me - at present dont have enough support) - i still cannot understand (get over), that this car is cheaper than what it cost 14 years ago for a VW Tiguan 170 sport! - I'm lucky that I have free charging (at work - as long as I get in early enough!), and have 4.5p evening (which I've never used todate) - so should save around £250 / month on fuel !!
I got 142kW charging from 25-50% at Ionity in my SE LR and averaged 96kW from 22-80%! Better than quoted figures and a game changer on my long trips (where faster chargers are available).
Thanks for the review James. Seem to be a few software improvements they could make, but that always seems to be the way with new EVs. Hopefully they make them.
BONG ... An insightful video James. Thank you. BONG ... I'll be interested to know how it has been this last year and if they have reduced that annoying ... BONG!!!
We've ordered a MG SE Long Range in blue to complement our Mk1 MG ZS EV after a great test drive from Bulldog MG in Tywford. They just gave us the key and we went out for an hour to test the car on everything from in-town to 70mph on the motorway. Apparently, that spoiler on the Trophy model knocks the range down by 10 miles over the SE which is £3k cheaper. The only thing we would miss is that the SE just has rear sensors rather than a camera like our ZS.
The Trophy is not starting from £28,495 ... that's the SE Long Range model. (Same battery system as the Trophy but without the 360 camera, wireless charging, electric heated seats etc.) The bong is the Drowsiness Awareness system - you can't permanently turn it off, but you CAN permanently turn off the sound. 🙂 PS - I've ordered the SE Standard Range in Camden Grey ... £26.5k which should arrive with me by the end of the month 🙂
You'll be pleased to learn that your SE won't have the drowsiness bongs either. The sensor is missing from the steering column (it's that lump with the flashing red LED in the video at 9m27s).
One main reason the initial MG eZS couldn’t be a taxi was because taxi licences ask that all passengers have a headrest, which was missing on centre rear seat. They did change this on later variant as well as learning and adding one to centre rear on MG5. So, I wonder why it’s missing from the MG4? Btw, thanks for the service and my m/kWh has raised again now the brakes are not hanging. Wee run through to Motherwell yesterday and home and mostly motorway driving got 5.4m/kWh. All hail the Wind-knife! (Ioniq)
👏thanks, that was insightful! one should be aware of when planning exit strategy from their deal (i.e. possibility to sell to cabbie - those who might have cash instead of finance...)
Excellent review James, I'm due to order my next motability car this month and feel I'm ready to move into the world of EV's now after driving a hybrid for 3 years. I seen an MG4 SE Long Range for £199 advance payment and so tempted, so will give it a test drive and see if it suites my disability needs in terms of comfort and access. The good thing about the SE Long Range is it doesn't have the driver fatigue monitor, so thats a plus😂
Great review (as always). Thanks. And an even bigger Thank You for removing the dreadful plastic wheel trims. I've watched loads of reviews of this car and yours is one of only two that appear to have realised the trims aren't alloys. Testament to the quality of your reviews. Thanks again!
The trouble with erroneous bongs is that if you are able to somehow get used to it.. when there really is something urgent requiring your attention you won't notice it. I couldn't tolerate the bongs but more importantly I can't manage a touch screen on the go so faffing around for heating controls in the software is not an option so it's a no from me. Great review as ever James, been looking forward to yours. I'll be interested to know how you disable the bongs in yours! 😂👍
@@MarkGaudie ooh I always forget about that, thanks. There is a slight problem in that I can never remember the name of the thing I want to work! Is it quite good at deciphering descriptions?🤔🤪
You can use the buttons on the steering wheel - need to set it to AC instead of for radio iirc, but there are 2 - one for each thumb! Can set it to control whichever function you want.
I had a sit in one last week after reading a review that commented on the 'cheap feeling' interior and, coming from a Leaf, I was very impressed with the comfort and build quality. I can't wait to have a test drive, apart from the bonging!
Agree about rear light cluster. That’ll break the first time it’s touched by another car, van or wheelybin. Defo get it PPF wrapped to help with scratching from washing, ice sliding from rear window etc.
Was the bongs due to one of your cameras covering a sensor. Does look a spankingley good car. The rave lighting and orange car was a trip at the beginning of the video lol.
Ordered one yesterday cracking car and super value for money, trophy Spec mainly as we have Motability and upfront payment is £250 with Motability contribution. It handles fantastic comfy. Like any car it has bits you think could be better but there's not many of them.
Cracking review and first time I’ve watched you. Now a subscriber 👍. Really interested to see what your real world motorway mileage will be. I’m hoping you get over 250 as I’m thinking of buying one soon and need that magic number.
Ironically, I thought a fulled-loaded MG4 looks quite pricey compared to the competition. Maybe I'm just not comparing the right models in the right places..
Test drove same car Fri and also kept getting a warning to stop and have a coffee break despite only driving it for 30 mins. However liked it and have ordered one (in grey). Hopefully there will be SW upgrade that will resolve that problem.
Great car. Bought one last week. This is my fourth EV. Just upgraded my MG5 for this. Very happy with it. Decent size family car. Lots of tech, brilliant range for LR model. Sadly this is one of the heaviest EV's so the efficiency isn't as good as MG5. On avarage so far we getting around 3.5kwh. MG5 did around 4kwh based on last 6k miles. Game changer for EV market making any other electric car overpriced 😅
That's pretty much the point of the MG4. Even those for whom it doesn't float their boat, it will still be an EV game changer. In that it will be a stark reminder to other car makers to remain competitive. And we all win when that happens.
Attention note is apparently being fixed soon, but in the mean time the sound can be turned off and does not come back on again automatically. It's the switch below the one used to turn off the attention note.
When I tested the car I had bonging over and over. I soon realised if I put my hand in front of the sensor the bonging stopped. If I owned the car a piece of black card cut to the right size would be blue tacked to the sensor. I've not tried this but I reckon if it can't see you it will stop bonging. Loved the car but ordered the standard range SE as I don't need that range and feel Lifepo4 battery will last longer degrade less and can be left at 100% and discharged to 0% without damage. It's also a safer chemistry as far as fire goes. It can take many more charge cycles as well. Coming from a leaf these points are important to me.
Great review mate and what’s nice is because your a mechanic you no the issues you get with a car and I am sure you end up fixing them as you service them 👏👏😎
Mg are working on software update to reduce the sensitivity of the face camera for the driver alertness system which is the cause of the multiple bong alerts
I've got the SE Long Range. Done a 170m round trip Saturday. Took it easy going up and achieved 4.2 mpkwh. Coming back upped the ACC to 70mph as opposed to 65 on the way up. Had a couple of toe down overtakes on the faster bits of A12 and A120. Overall 3.8 mpkwh on the up and back journey. I only got the car 2 days before (traded in the 3 year old ZS Exclusive EV). After a bit of local drop offs/running around 170 miles done and 33% range left. Would have had to stop for a top up on the ZS. The bongs stopped if I indicated when changing lanes. I managed to turn the lane keep assist off via the screen yesterday whilst driving local and no bongs. Questions I still need answers to.... Is it capable of 11kw charging? Remember the ZS days of trying to reach (was it) 439v for a balanced charge? What is it for the long range SE?🤔
Good presentation as usual. I’m still waiting for my ZS mK2 which I ordered in December. I have tested the new MG4 and put a trophy on order. Hopefully not another long wait. A little concerned about all those bongs that you were experiencing on your test drive. During my test drive I did not have a single bong.
Great to hear. Mg have come on such along way in such a short space of time . There knocking it out the park . And many people said they wouldn't cut it !
i'm one of them. currently eating my own hat as I am planning on buying an MG4 this year. Really thought they would be a nasty budget brand I would never touch.
Some great info I've not seen on other reviews. Thanks. Especially good to hear the front seats are very supporting (like a Leaf's), as I love the Leaf seats and wouldn't buy the MG4 if it had uncomfortable seats.
While it's spectacular value (for an EV) a 2nd usb port in the rear, a lighter headlining and a courtesy light in the back would have added £50? To the list price,and nobody would notice the increase.
You're getting very good at this, James. Yes, I agree, the bong would drive me nuts. Is there not a hidden setting somewhere to lessen it, or kill it? Maybe you'll find it when you get your own.
We're seriously considering one. But a 260-mile round trip at the weekend made me wonder, at Hopwood Park there was a queue for Gridserve and 16 free Tesla Superchargers, which are not open to non-Tesla (yet). A 5 minute stop for Tesla- or a much longer wait for the rest.
Were you at HOYS? My good lady charged up her Tesla Y at Hopwood 👍 We had the MG ZS EV (one of the first 500..). Had it 2 years. It was fab value. We went for the Y as soon as the order books opened (as we knew there were long trips (780miles return) needed due to family health issues). I loved the MG but the Model Y is just fantastic for long haul journeys. If it was for more local trips we would have this MG... It looks great imho. Great review James. Honest take on it inho 👍
Best mg4 review to date James thank you! I thought the 11kw AC charging was on European models only, great news if on UK models also. Hoping to pick up one of these next year in Trophy spec, the wobbly rear spoiler is a bit concerning...
Apparently, the first batch of cars have several mistakes from the factory:- 600 SE models have the Trophy's privacy glass instead of just tinted, because they were built before the UK spec was finalised. Some cars have the 11kW AC charging instead of 7kW. The first 1300 cars will be supplied with Type 2 cables because MG couldn't get the granny leads they're supposed to have.
Test driven one on Friday and then placed my order excellent car and drive I currently have a Leaf which is a very good car but the battery technology and distance make the difference for me
A wee semi for this one. I took the trophy out for a drive and it didn’t bong me off the road. Kept hounding me about a slack rear tyre vocally. That’s the dealer failer to throw 2.9 bar in. Loved the low ride n seat position, one finger up to SUVs. I like it. I put €500 down. For taxi use too Quiet fast and that turning circle is awesome. The efficiency is high that leaf but battery pack is 2.2 x the range. So might be a non issue without heat pump too
Great Review, My current EV I actively use the paddles to set my own “regen” and for instance use zero-regen on a down hill to use zero throttle, then I can increase or decrease, it’s become an automatic response as part of driving so I would hope it’s as easy to set “regen” levels in the MG4..? Only downside, after observing all that fabulous technology that EV’s get it would appear that the MG4 like my current EV can’t have a rear wiper! 1st car I’ve owned in about 30 years that hasn’t got a rear wiper 😮
I got the standard SE version, its great and agree with the driving and seats. Also no bongs! Dont like the fact everything resets when switched off but for the price, great value! If you dont particularly need the space, this is the one to get. Ours is in the tricoat red which I think is the best colour, altho you do pay extra for it. Its as wide as an MG5 but about a foot shorter. I got mine for £26,950 delivered to my door by Justevs within a week.
My 2013 Nissan leaf is beyond economical repair at only 48k miles with full main dealer service history (regulator and motor error at 10k to repair) :( I loved my EV - BONG :) that made me smile when i needed it most so thank you
Ref the shiny black plastic problem , being a motorcyclist how about covering it with a sheet of clear plastic , no more scratches etc ( it’ll sort out that rear spoiler problem as well) . Just remember don’t tell the mrs you borrowed her hair dryer 😂😂😂😂
What are your thoughts on the oil leak? I’ve got a orange trophy lr coming and am very excited but many many people have reported the problem. It appears to be a possible over fill of the gear box and over flow but some haven’t had that easy a fix and been back in the work room for 3-4 weeks. Slightly worrying!
Mg know and are working on a fix for the BONG, it goes off because you are looking away from the road, and at present is too sensitive. I am sure this will be an easy fix, for now you can turn the volume down so you don't hear it but still get the coffee cup warning on the dash.
The bong is an easy fix! You just need to change the excess speed warning setting (instrument screen settings menu) to 110mph and it will never bother you again. the default is 20mph, so it goes off constantly.
It's a different system on the MG4 Trophy. The lump on the steering column at 9m27s is a "Drowsiness detection system", and it bongs if you look away from straight ahead. It can't be turned off (yet), but the bongs can be permanently muted.
Thanks James. 🙂👍 The first thing I do with any electronic kit with sound effects is to turn as many of them off as possible, and that includes startup jangles and external beeps. Those external noises can really annoy neighbours if late at night.. The frequent noises from that MG are a real annoyance, and would definitely dissuade me from buying one. I hope that MG sort out their electronics as soon as possible. And that rear-quarter view with that protruding light looks ridiculous, and ugly. The tacky plastic and the internal piano black plastic fingerprint and scratch display are definitely weak points. But I guess that those items are evidence of cost-cutting, and perhaps forgivable at the low price point of the car.
Your camera frame rate is clashing with the studio lighting making you video hard to watch due to the constant flickering. Beware as this is a major issue for those suffering from Photosensitive epilepsy
Hi James, thx again for that perfect introduction. You are looking for details, no one else would: Scratches on the rear spoiler, shaking roof spoiler, funny 🙂 You mentioned that there is no heat pump option available. Here in Germany there shall be a heat pump in the Luxury version. Are you sure it´s not possible to have it in UK? KR Stephan
Hi James - Loved the video !. A few people have said the door cill's are both high and wide, making it difficult for some people to get in and out of the car, if they have any mobility issues. The "Take a Break" constant bong warning needs an urgent update for sure ! A more worrying issue, is that some recent owners are reporting an oil leak from the rear area of the car, in the traction motor area !. The early test press cars, did not have this problem, but some early customers cars have an oil leak. Some chat suggests it maybe the reduction gear case that is leaking. Hopefully it has just been over filled at the factory and is exhausting via the breather ?. Fingers crossed its a quick fix. White MG4 Trophy LR incoming from the Chorley lads, heading in your direction for Kate ???. What's happening about your new Tesla model Y then James ?.
Thanks for another great update video I very good value car looks good in the colour just wish that black bit on the bottom was body colour. Yer pitty that plastic light bit and saw other reviews say that there is another plastic bit near rear door like fake windows looks to scratch easy on newish car but for the money looks a great car like the mg5 was .
Thanks, Tim. I think they will leaders in terms of sales initially in the lower price point, but they will widen their range to compete with more high end vehicles in time. They already have an Audi A6 equivalent in China 👍🏻
I agree, I test drove Mg4 Trophy yesterday, it kept boinging away like no tomorrow, I used my thumb covered up the infrared sensor on top of the steering column and it seems to have cured it, think I’ll use a sellotape and tape it over
As always James a flicking good and honest video I’m hoping my Trophy in White gets delivered soon, I’ve loved the MG5 but looking forward to fun times in the MG4. I feel you will be called upon if that bonging is as annoying as it seems..is it the driver alert sensor? Thanks
If the bongs keep switching themselves back on, might Cleevely offer a service to disable the loudspeaker (after getting the customer to sign a waiver)?
Says ‘LR Trophy from £28495’ which isn’t correct, the LR SE is from £28495. Can you actually lift the rear seat bases? Agree about the external polycarbonate type surfaces going to get scratched. Got 4mi/kWh around lovely Welsh back roads yesterday. Got 3.5mi/kWh on a 900 miles mostly motorway trip last weekend.
Back in the day cars had heaters in the engine compartment. It must have been the late seventies or early eighties when because of all the extra guff added to cars the heating / air con got moved under the dash.
I haven’t seen the LFP chemistry that MG employ in the 51KWh battery discussed in any review yet… it looks like we can expect a lot more cheap, great quality cars using this LiFePo chemistry
So today I have 4 service calls to MG4 owners who are fitting our debonging package. simple 1 hour job, 10% discount if you provide charging and a bacon sandwich
Also, campers note, it can tow 500 kg! Perfect for increasing capacity with something like an Erde trailer. Aerodynamics look good so I'm guessing it will be efficient.
I’ve commented on a few reviews about the LFP battery in the SR model. Only Tesla offers that choice I think. So many advantages with LFP and it was the reason I ordered one a few weeks ago. Before getting the SE long range research LFP batteries.
All very well James - but what does Florence think of it? - that's the clincher... anyway ours should be here within the next few days and its bye-bye id3!
I have an e-golf currently, and we are considering our next EV. And that Bong has completly put me. Off even bothering testing one. The only bong I get from my golf is when the Temps get below 4deg
I showed this video to my wife a week ago and after a test drive she has ordered the MG4 Trophy. 👍 Excellent content, thanks.
Bong - just received my brand new MG4 Trophy and I absolutely love it. I sold my 3 year old Toyota CHR which I also loved till I tried this. My wife has a 22 plate Yaris hybrid and the Toyotas all bong too telling you off. It’s the nanny safety features built into most modern cars.
Hi James - I'm a week into ownership, your review is spot on, I have the base model SE (LFP 51kw), so no bongs, I've just moved from a 14yr old (170k mile, VW Tiguan 170 sport) to this - apart from a few bits of dodgy plastic (and the seats for me - at present dont have enough support) - i still cannot understand (get over), that this car is cheaper than what it cost 14 years ago for a VW Tiguan 170 sport! - I'm lucky that I have free charging (at work - as long as I get in early enough!), and have 4.5p evening (which I've never used todate) - so should save around £250 / month on fuel !!
I got 142kW charging from 25-50% at Ionity in my SE LR and averaged 96kW from 22-80%! Better than quoted figures and a game changer on my long trips (where faster chargers are available).
Hi. And time from 22 to 80%?
@@emil10139 23 mins on Ionity
Thanks for the review James. Seem to be a few software improvements they could make, but that always seems to be the way with new EVs. Hopefully they make them.
BONG ... An insightful video James. Thank you.
BONG ... I'll be interested to know how it has been this last year and if they have reduced that annoying ...
BONG!!!
We've ordered a MG SE Long Range in blue to complement our Mk1 MG ZS EV after a great test drive from Bulldog MG in Tywford. They just gave us the key and we went out for an hour to test the car on everything from in-town to 70mph on the motorway.
Apparently, that spoiler on the Trophy model knocks the range down by 10 miles over the SE which is £3k cheaper. The only thing we would miss is that the SE just has rear sensors rather than a camera like our ZS.
The Trophy is not starting from £28,495 ... that's the SE Long Range model. (Same battery system as the Trophy but without the 360 camera, wireless charging, electric heated seats etc.)
The bong is the Drowsiness Awareness system - you can't permanently turn it off, but you CAN permanently turn off the sound. 🙂
PS - I've ordered the SE Standard Range in Camden Grey ... £26.5k which should arrive with me by the end of the month 🙂
You'll be pleased to learn that your SE won't have the drowsiness bongs either. The sensor is missing from the steering column (it's that lump with the flashing red LED in the video at 9m27s).
So have I today. Replacing my 2 year old MG5 which has been fantastic. Sorry to see it go. It deserves a good home!
Happy with it? I'm thinking of getting one.
One main reason the initial MG eZS couldn’t be a taxi was because taxi licences ask that all passengers have a headrest, which was missing on centre rear seat. They did change this on later variant as well as learning and adding one to centre rear on MG5. So, I wonder why it’s missing from the MG4? Btw, thanks for the service and my m/kWh has raised again now the brakes are not hanging. Wee run through to Motherwell yesterday and home and mostly motorway driving got 5.4m/kWh. All hail the Wind-knife! (Ioniq)
👏thanks, that was insightful! one should be aware of when planning exit strategy from their deal (i.e. possibility to sell to cabbie - those who might have cash instead of finance...)
Once I recovered from my epileptic fit... :) this review was great, subbed :)
James, many thanks for the video, unfortunately Its unwatchable until 11:21. I appreciate you’re honest and informative vehicle assessments.
Excellent review James, I'm due to order my next motability car this month and feel I'm ready to move into the world of EV's now after driving a hybrid for 3 years. I seen an MG4 SE Long Range for £199 advance payment and so tempted, so will give it a test drive and see if it suites my disability needs in terms of comfort and access. The good thing about the SE Long Range is it doesn't have the driver fatigue monitor, so thats a plus😂
Great review (as always). Thanks. And an even bigger Thank You for removing the dreadful plastic wheel trims. I've watched loads of reviews of this car and yours is one of only two that appear to have realised the trims aren't alloys. Testament to the quality of your reviews. Thanks again!
Could you link the other, please, I'm keen to see more of it without the wheel covers
Thank you James for another very useful review. Very fair and balanced view for a game changing EV! Best regards, Atsham
The trouble with erroneous bongs is that if you are able to somehow get used to it.. when there really is something urgent requiring your attention you won't notice it. I couldn't tolerate the bongs but more importantly I can't manage a touch screen on the go so faffing around for heating controls in the software is not an option so it's a no from me. Great review as ever James, been looking forward to yours. I'll be interested to know how you disable the bongs in yours! 😂👍
You can use voice control for the AC.
@@MarkGaudie ooh I always forget about that, thanks. There is a slight problem in that I can never remember the name of the thing I want to work! Is it quite good at deciphering descriptions?🤔🤪
You can use the buttons on the steering wheel - need to set it to AC instead of for radio iirc, but there are 2 - one for each thumb! Can set it to control whichever function you want.
@@pmacftothank you for this but, sorry, old person here, no good at acronyms....iirc?
@@judebrown4103 no problem, it's "if I remember correctly" :)
17:29 well said James , interested to see how prices of the corsa e , Zoe and others change once they realise this is stealing sales .
Ooooo, have they!
@@AdrianMcDaid not that I'm aware of yet . will be keeping a eye on prices over the coming months .
Renault have said that the Zoe will not be replaced after the current model.
BONG BONG .... great as always pal 👍
I had a sit in one last week after reading a review that commented on the 'cheap feeling' interior and, coming from a Leaf, I was very impressed with the comfort and build quality. I can't wait to have a test drive, apart from the bonging!
Agree about rear light cluster. That’ll break the first time it’s touched by another car, van or wheelybin. Defo get it PPF wrapped to help with scratching from washing, ice sliding from rear window etc.
Thanks for the video & just love it in this colour! Someone told me the colour doesn’t have resale value, but couldn’t disagree more.
I bought my MG5 based on your reviews and I love it. Great review and if I didn't have the MG5, I might consider this.... Bong! 😄
Was the bongs due to one of your cameras covering a sensor.
Does look a spankingley good car.
The rave lighting and orange car was a trip at the beginning of the video lol.
Also, a good position for the charging port if anyone needs to use a Tesla Supercharger in the future.
You got me to buy an MG5 which I still live to bits, now you’ve got me thinking about one of these. You are costing me the earth 😅😅😅😅
Great review, on my list as well and we need more affordable EVs.
Ordered one yesterday cracking car and super value for money, trophy Spec mainly as we have Motability and upfront payment is £250 with Motability contribution. It handles fantastic comfy. Like any car it has bits you think could be better but there's not many of them.
A great review James , i think I would like one with glass sunroof which I think would make interior a lot brighter.
Cracking review and first time I’ve watched you. Now a subscriber 👍. Really interested to see what your real world motorway mileage will be. I’m hoping you get over 250 as I’m thinking of buying one soon and need that magic number.
Ironically, I thought a fulled-loaded MG4 looks quite pricey compared to the competition. Maybe I'm just not comparing the right models in the right places..
Great review James , thank you
Test drove same car Fri and also kept getting a warning to stop and have a coffee break despite only driving it for 30 mins. However liked it and have ordered one (in grey). Hopefully there will be SW upgrade that will resolve that problem.
Got to say, it was hilarious watching James get more and more irritated by the Bongs ❤😂
So I had a test drive in an MG4 today, really was fantastic.. seats are incredible, so comfortable, was told was 4 month wait ,… in Ireland…
It’s amazing the difference in a review from an EV person. Instead of a UA-camr.
Things we need to know.
Great car. Bought one last week. This is my fourth EV. Just upgraded my MG5 for this. Very happy with it. Decent size family car. Lots of tech, brilliant range for LR model. Sadly this is one of the heaviest EV's so the efficiency isn't as good as MG5. On avarage so far we getting around 3.5kwh. MG5 did around 4kwh based on last 6k miles. Game changer for EV market making any other electric car overpriced 😅
That's pretty much the point of the MG4. Even those for whom it doesn't float their boat, it will still be an EV game changer. In that it will be a stark reminder to other car makers to remain competitive. And we all win when that happens.
Attention note is apparently being fixed soon, but in the mean time the sound can be turned off and does not come back on again automatically. It's the switch below the one used to turn off the attention note.
Brilliant design on the HVAC. No stripping dashboards out to do repairs.
Best MG 4 review by far here on UA-cam ... IMHO
When I tested the car I had bonging over and over. I soon realised if I put my hand in front of the sensor the bonging stopped. If I owned the car a piece of black card cut to the right size would be blue tacked to the sensor. I've not tried this but I reckon if it can't see you it will stop bonging. Loved the car but ordered the standard range SE as I don't need that range and feel Lifepo4 battery will last longer degrade less and can be left at 100% and discharged to 0% without damage. It's also a safer chemistry as far as fire goes. It can take many more charge cycles as well. Coming from a leaf these points are important to me.
Great review mate and what’s nice is because your a mechanic you no the issues you get with a car and I am sure you end up fixing them as you service them 👏👏😎
Mg are working on software update to reduce the sensitivity of the face camera for the driver alertness system which is the cause of the multiple bong alerts
I've got the SE Long Range. Done a 170m round trip Saturday. Took it easy going up and achieved 4.2 mpkwh. Coming back upped the ACC to 70mph as opposed to 65 on the way up. Had a couple of toe down overtakes on the faster bits of A12 and A120. Overall 3.8 mpkwh on the up and back journey. I only got the car 2 days before (traded in the 3 year old ZS Exclusive EV). After a bit of local drop offs/running around 170 miles done and 33% range left. Would have had to stop for a top up on the ZS. The bongs stopped if I indicated when changing lanes. I managed to turn the lane keep assist off via the screen yesterday whilst driving local and no bongs.
Questions I still need answers to....
Is it capable of 11kw charging?
Remember the ZS days of trying to reach (was it) 439v for a balanced charge? What is it for the long range SE?🤔
Wouldn’t you be better with the SE LR if you don’t like the rear light bar? 🤔
Still has a very similar plastic rear but with a ducktail which I quite like on the SE spec.
great review James thank you ........ Bong!
Good presentation as usual.
I’m still waiting for my ZS mK2 which I ordered in December.
I have tested the new MG4 and put a trophy on order. Hopefully not another long wait.
A little concerned about all those bongs that you were experiencing on your test drive. During my test drive I did not have a single bong.
As to the bonging, I would just pull the appropriate fuse out that corresponds to the sound you do not need or find annoying.
Great to hear. Mg have come on such along way in such a short space of time . There knocking it out the park . And many people said they wouldn't cut it !
i'm one of them. currently eating my own hat as I am planning on buying an MG4 this year.
Really thought they would be a nasty budget brand I would never touch.
Looking forward to the great used EV options when I move back to the UK in a few years😍
Looks like a great car James great review thank you
Some great info I've not seen on other reviews. Thanks. Especially good to hear the front seats are very supporting (like a Leaf's), as I love the Leaf seats and wouldn't buy the MG4 if it had uncomfortable seats.
While it's spectacular value (for an EV) a 2nd usb port in the rear, a lighter headlining and a courtesy light in the back would have added £50? To the list price,and nobody would notice the increase.
10:55 on does not have flashing lights (low wattage I know but still flashing)
You're getting very good at this, James. Yes, I agree, the bong would drive me nuts. Is there not a hidden setting somewhere to lessen it, or kill it? Maybe you'll find it when you get your own.
We're seriously considering one. But a 260-mile round trip at the weekend made me wonder, at Hopwood Park there was a queue for Gridserve and 16 free Tesla Superchargers, which are not open to non-Tesla (yet). A 5 minute stop for Tesla- or a much longer wait for the rest.
Were you at HOYS?
My good lady charged up her Tesla Y at Hopwood 👍
We had the MG ZS EV (one of the first 500..). Had it 2 years. It was fab value. We went for the Y as soon as the order books opened (as we knew there were long trips (780miles return) needed due to family health issues). I loved the MG but the Model Y is just fantastic for long haul journeys. If it was for more local trips we would have this MG... It looks great imho.
Great review James. Honest take on it inho 👍
I’ve turned the bong volume on the coffee cup right down, still flashes the warning up but no noise.
Best mg4 review to date James thank you! I thought the 11kw AC charging was on European models only, great news if on UK models also. Hoping to pick up one of these next year in Trophy spec, the wobbly rear spoiler is a bit concerning...
Apparently, the first batch of cars have several mistakes from the factory:-
600 SE models have the Trophy's privacy glass instead of just tinted, because they were built before the UK spec was finalised.
Some cars have the 11kW AC charging instead of 7kW.
The first 1300 cars will be supplied with Type 2 cables because MG couldn't get the granny leads they're supposed to have.
Test driven one on Friday and then placed my order excellent car and drive I currently have a Leaf which is a very good car but the battery technology and distance make the difference for me
Has the bonging now been sorted? I test drove a trophy that was bonging and was told that it would be sorted with a software update.
A wee semi for this one. I took the trophy out for a drive and it didn’t bong me off the road. Kept hounding me about a slack rear tyre vocally. That’s the dealer failer to throw 2.9 bar in.
Loved the low ride n seat position, one finger up to SUVs. I like it. I put €500 down. For taxi use too
Quiet fast and that turning circle is awesome. The efficiency is high that leaf but battery pack is 2.2 x the range. So might be a non issue without heat pump too
Great Review, My current EV I actively use the paddles to set my own “regen” and for instance use zero-regen on a down hill to use zero throttle, then I can increase or decrease, it’s become an automatic response as part of driving so I would hope it’s as easy to set “regen” levels in the MG4..? Only downside, after observing all that fabulous technology that EV’s get it would appear that the MG4 like my current EV can’t have a rear wiper! 1st car I’ve owned in about 30 years that hasn’t got a rear wiper 😮
I got the standard SE version, its great and agree with the driving and seats. Also no bongs! Dont like the fact everything resets when switched off but for the price, great value! If you dont particularly need the space, this is the one to get. Ours is in the tricoat red which I think is the best colour, altho you do pay extra for it. Its as wide as an MG5 but about a foot shorter. I got mine for £26,950 delivered to my door by Justevs within a week.
My 2013 Nissan leaf is beyond economical repair at only 48k miles with full main dealer service history (regulator and motor error at 10k to repair) :( I loved my EV - BONG :) that made me smile when i needed it most so thank you
Ref the shiny black plastic problem , being a motorcyclist how about covering it with a sheet of clear plastic , no more scratches etc ( it’ll sort out that rear spoiler problem as well) . Just remember don’t tell the mrs you borrowed her hair dryer 😂😂😂😂
I didn't get a single bong on my test drive. Have a Trophy on order as my first EV, can't wait
What are your thoughts on the oil leak? I’ve got a orange trophy lr coming and am very excited but many many people have reported the problem. It appears to be a possible over fill of the gear box and over flow but some haven’t had that easy a fix and been back in the work room for 3-4 weeks. Slightly worrying!
💁♂18:10 have you tried to tape up that IR sensor on steering wheel, facing you?
bong
From what I've read, that just triggers a slightly different bong.
@@WonkoTheSaneUK damn, they thought about it. but shouldn't be surprising, the Great Firewall of Chaina is onto us! 😞
Mg know and are working on a fix for the BONG, it goes off because you are looking away from the road, and at present is too sensitive. I am sure this will be an easy fix, for now you can turn the volume down so you don't hear it but still get the coffee cup warning on the dash.
Hi - thanks for the great review. What's the audio system like in the Trophy?
The bong is an easy fix! You just need to change the excess speed warning setting (instrument screen settings menu) to 110mph and it will never bother you again. the default is 20mph, so it goes off constantly.
It's a different system on the MG4 Trophy. The lump on the steering column at 9m27s is a "Drowsiness detection system", and it bongs if you look away from straight ahead. It can't be turned off (yet), but the bongs can be permanently muted.
@@WonkoTheSaneUK I have the trophy. It can be turned off in the MG pilot settings. Okay, the warning still shows up, but it doesn't bong
Thanks James. 🙂👍 The first thing I do with any electronic kit with sound effects is to turn as many of them off as possible, and that includes startup jangles and external beeps. Those external noises can really annoy neighbours if late at night.. The frequent noises from that MG are a real annoyance, and would definitely dissuade me from buying one. I hope that MG sort out their electronics as soon as possible. And that rear-quarter view with that protruding light looks ridiculous, and ugly. The tacky plastic and the internal piano black plastic fingerprint and scratch display are definitely weak points. But I guess that those items are evidence of cost-cutting, and perhaps forgivable at the low price point of the car.
And there's no rear wiper! 😕
Your camera frame rate is clashing with the studio lighting making you video hard to watch due to the constant flickering. Beware as this is a major issue for those suffering from Photosensitive epilepsy
Hi James, thx again for that perfect introduction. You are looking for details, no one else would: Scratches on the rear spoiler, shaking roof spoiler, funny 🙂 You mentioned that there is no heat pump option available. Here in Germany there shall be a heat pump in the Luxury version. Are you sure it´s not possible to have it in UK? KR Stephan
Knock knock, who is that,? MG4 MG4 EV . MG4 BONG !!! Thanks James.
Hi James - Loved the video !.
A few people have said the door cill's are both high and wide, making it difficult for some people to get in and out of the car, if they have any mobility issues.
The "Take a Break" constant bong warning needs an urgent update for sure !
A more worrying issue, is that some recent owners are reporting an oil leak from the rear area of the car, in the traction motor area !.
The early test press cars, did not have this problem, but some early customers cars have an oil leak.
Some chat suggests it maybe the reduction gear case that is leaking.
Hopefully it has just been over filled at the factory and is exhausting via the breather ?.
Fingers crossed its a quick fix.
White MG4 Trophy LR incoming from the Chorley lads, heading in your direction for Kate ???.
What's happening about your new Tesla model Y then James ?.
Thanks for another great update video I very good value car looks good in the colour just wish that black bit on the bottom was body colour. Yer pitty that plastic light bit and saw other reviews say that there is another plastic bit near rear door like fake windows looks to scratch easy on newish car but for the money looks a great car like the mg5 was .
Excellent review mate as always did you say that one of the bongs was a speed camera alert which would be handy ?
Cracking review. How would you rate MG in terms of leading the way with EVs?
Thanks, Tim. I think they will leaders in terms of sales initially in the lower price point, but they will widen their range to compete with more high end vehicles in time. They already have an Audi A6 equivalent in China 👍🏻
I agree, I test drove Mg4 Trophy yesterday, it kept boinging away like no tomorrow, I used my thumb covered up the infrared sensor on top of the steering column and it seems to have cured it, think I’ll use a sellotape and tape it over
As always James a flicking good and honest video I’m hoping my Trophy in White gets delivered soon, I’ve loved the MG5 but looking forward to fun times in the MG4. I feel you will be called upon if that bonging is as annoying as it seems..is it the driver alert sensor? Thanks
Bong! Another great review James. Do you know when you are getting delivery of your MG4?
If the bongs keep switching themselves back on, might Cleevely offer a service to disable the loudspeaker (after getting the customer to sign a waiver)?
Says ‘LR Trophy from £28495’ which isn’t correct, the LR SE is from £28495.
Can you actually lift the rear seat bases?
Agree about the external polycarbonate type surfaces going to get scratched.
Got 4mi/kWh around lovely Welsh back roads yesterday. Got 3.5mi/kWh on a 900 miles mostly motorway trip last weekend.
Glad you said that... I thought I'd been done!
I’ve just taken the same model for a test drive, can confirm it was not bonging all the time at all, perhaps settings related in that particular car
Excellent and honest review!
Bong was reported and what people do you can switch sound off so it's not annoying. Hopefully OTA will resolve this issue
Back in the day cars had heaters in the engine compartment. It must have been the late seventies or early eighties when because of all the extra guff added to cars the heating / air con got moved under the dash.
I tried it on saturday , as you said it's a great car !
Terrible lighting in the studio had to fast forward to the actual test drive, but great review thanks.
Please change refresh rate of your camera with those lights lol 😆
Thanks for the review. The one competitor you didn’t mention is the Megane. What are your thoughts irrespective of price?
I haven’t seen the LFP chemistry that MG employ in the 51KWh battery discussed in any review yet… it looks like we can expect a lot more cheap, great quality cars using this LiFePo chemistry
So today I have 4 service calls to MG4 owners who are fitting our debonging package. simple 1 hour job, 10% discount if you provide charging and a bacon sandwich
Hi. What does this include and how does it work. Do you know how much its going toncost also. Thanks
@@adam060577
Probably an OBD software switch.
What does debonging mean as I am buying an mg 4 ev?
@@ryanmarder2446 Getting rid of the annoying warning bongs....
the SE long range is better, it's mid range, does without the spoiler on the back and gives it better range.
The back of the car is a bit challenging but overall it’s pretty good .
Also, campers note, it can tow 500 kg! Perfect for increasing capacity with something like an Erde trailer. Aerodynamics look good so I'm guessing it will be efficient.
I’ve commented on a few reviews about the LFP battery in the SR model. Only Tesla offers that choice I think. So many advantages with LFP and it was the reason I ordered one a few weeks ago. Before getting the SE long range research LFP batteries.
All very well James - but what does Florence think of it? - that's the clincher... anyway ours should be here within the next few days and its bye-bye id3!
Great honest review and I agree completely with that rear end light bar it just doesn’t look good
probably the frequency of the lights
IIRC MG have removed the sensor/camera that watches your eyes on the road so it's not as sensitive now. I don't know what the warning is based on now.
No, they haven’t removed the sensor, but they say it can be fixed with a software update
I have an e-golf currently, and we are considering our next EV. And that Bong has completly put me. Off even bothering testing one. The only bong I get from my golf is when the Temps get below 4deg
As someone pointed out above you can mute the noise.
@@petersylvester2905 James muted it multiple times and as he kept saying it just keeps coming back
@@buckymoto1784 as someone else pointed out you can change the notification speed in the settings to 110mph to stop it too.