The MG4 XPower THRASHED This Petrol Hot Hatch! + Range Test

[@cinch]

New laptime video here - and this one blitzes everything! ua-cam.com/video/u6_nj1nFaoQ/v-deo.htmlsi=RLsfK6cG0yxppuXs

[@petersimms4982]

Everyone I know who has an MG loves it 😊

[@gillscorner794]

Interesting that the effect of driving fast on range is considered an issue worth reviewing for an electric car. Never see that when ICE cars are being reviewed at high speed round tracks despite the fact that such driving undoubtedly has a similar effect on mpg

[@cinch]

That is a fair point! At the moment, the main reason is that you can normally quickly go and fill up a petrol car at an on-site station. So the fun only needs to stop for 5-10 mins. But with an EV, you'll need to ensure there's enough range to drive to an off-site fast-charger. No doubt things will improve soon though, with fast chargers at tracks seemingly a no-brainer once EVs start to regularly attend track days 🙌🏽 That said, perhaps we should arrange a "what conks out first, this high-powered petrol car, or this EV?" video...

[@robturner724]

​@@cinchwhat you'd want is a rapid charger, not a fast charger

[@cinch]

@@robturner724 Even better!

[@fenegroni]

You want an ultra fast charger. Thats what >=150kW chargers are officially called.

[@kola100]

Totally missing the point-
Who actually gives a sh*t ….. really desperately trying to find any reason why you would by an ev unless you want a penis extension -
Save the planet by wasting the electricity to shove in that stupid car !
Grow up !!!!

[@superbracey]

This is the first brand new car I've ever seriously considered. I'm thinking about chopping in my 2012 Jaguar XFR (supercharged V8, 22mpg) and my 2002 Zafira (old school diesel, 40mpg) and I've worked out that when I take into account tax, insurance, MOT, maintenance and fuel costs, a new one of these on lease will cost me a lot less than I'm currently paying.
Most reviews on the X Power suggest that it's not as fun or playful as you'd hope (or compared to, say a Golf R), but this guy clearly knows how to drive and he demonstrates it's adjustability and balance on the limit.
I'm a petrol head through and through and will miss the V8 sound but the X Power might just be my next car.

[@cinch]

Will this Porsche go faster than the MG? New video here! ua-cam.com/video/YSZvyeg7Ens/v-deo.htmlsi=B6LuNVnf3CdCr2tm

[@anticat900]

In acceleration it is be a even stevens, but in handling the Porsche would win out.

[@RealGingerTea]

If you scroll down on the main screen, you can turn off traction control. Don't know if it's a good idea, but on a track, why not

[@chrisminigp2109]

What would a track biased tyre take off the time? 2 seconds a lap??
Dont forget this car is running ev specific low rolling resistance tyres. (Bridgestone enliten I think) Nice video Thanks 👍

[@cinch]

That's a good point. More grip from tyres would probably convince the Traction Control to back off too!

[@brianiswrong]

I think a set of pilot 4 or 4s would make a huge difference to the grip (however also the range)

[@swecreations]

Easily 2 seconds, likely more

[@renz2.060]

Great review! I have an Xpower on order in the green colour shown in your video. I had wondered about cornering, having read some sniffy reviews written by old men, but you've addressed all my questions!

[@cinch]

Thanks! Congratulations on your order :)

[@foulsmell656]

Great review. Good to see it in a track and thrashed.
One point though when this is judged against the other cars on the list. It’s a rolling start. Did they all start at the same speed? From a standing start the MG may move further up the table due to its initial acceleration . It does show it’s still a good handing car and can carry speed.

[@cinch]

Thanks! We did the same rolling start for all cars, so their starting speed depends on how quickly they've accelerated from the last corner :)

[@martingibbons7070]

Why not a standing start?@@cinch

[@cinch]

@@martingibbons7070 We wanted to create a 'qualifying' style laptime leaderboard. But perhaps we should do a second leaderboard with standing starts. What do you think?

[@wayneshepherd5933]

Yes it would be best, a true score race is from start, it be interesting to see the difference in time results. ​@@cinch

[@nicholashills6972]

Cool, and an absolute bargain, taking everything into consideration. A full practical hot hatch.

[@cinch]

We can’t disagree with that 🙌🏼

[@cinch]

Reckon this is already becoming the EV equivalent of the VW Golf R?

[@ruimvfigueira]

I've been waiting for a while to see how this one behaves on track. :)
Thanks for the video

[@cinch]

You're welcome :)

[@comeinhandynow]

At last a decent review of handling and brakes. Well done. Shows it to be a great car, which I can agree with having driven one. Just shows up the rubbish Top Gear magazine review of this car claiming it wasn’t a hot hatch!

[@cinch]

We're very excited to see how far EV hot hatches have come in just a handful of years :)

[@sidsod1616]

All ev's are hot especially when they constantly burst into flames 😂😂😂

[@psav7]

@comein The TG review isn"t rubbish, look at the lap-time, the I20 with 200HP is 3.5 seconds faster.....

[@fenegroni]

Are you sure it was TC cutting the power and not the torque vectoring?
Because the Turanza T005 are not going to give you the grip you seek out of the corners: they are optimised for low rolling resistance. You should at least fit an equivalent UHP tyre that can handle that torque.

[@cinch]

It could have certainly been that, yep! It was hard to tell, it felt like TC. One to investigate. We're asking MG for a car on stickier tyres for another go...

[@alecking3096]

Good review, I was seriously considering getting one of these. But it looks like it’s a bit of a one trick pony (traffic light Grand Prix) The battery overheating and reducing power so quickly is its biggest downside. 👍

[@MG4_Trophy]

Agreed. I test drove this and other MG4’s. Went with trophy long range in end. Recommend!

[@cinch]

Thanks! We were very impressed with its handling too. Did you opt for another model entirely?

[@alecking3096]

@@cinchI am still looking. I am currently leaning towards the standard range model Y. Gutted I missed out on there 0% finance offer last month. Model 3 is out as I need to put a dog in the boot 👍

[@cinch]

The dog might like the Smart Brabus #1!

[@whocares264]

especially when you go to tesco

[@Elaba_]

I saw the first MG4 ever driving around in Belgium yesterday.

[@hermanstokbrood]

No one is going to take this car to a track-day I guess. But that's not important at all as far as I'm concerned. This car is a crazy little car that will make a lot of people smiling.
Oh btw, I subscribed. 👍

[@cinch]

Good points! Great to have you onboard :)

[@baldodelia]

GREAT VIDEO AND EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE. PLEASE, WHAT ACRONYM U.S.C. STAND FOR? UNDER STEERING CONTROL, MAYBE? THX

[@user-jr3eb5oo3g]

How often can anybody actually do 0 - 62 in a few seconds. Its irrelevent to 99% of drivers.

[@wainerollins2587]

True.
0-60 is the most pointless gauge of performance ever.
It exists purely for bragging rights.
What really matters is in-gear times, which are more useful for sudden overtaking manoeuvres on country roads and motorways, Cfor example.
Saying that, it's a fantastic car for the price.
MG has really put a lot of manufacturers to shame with their pricing strategy for the MG4 in general.

[@electriccarstv]

Good day, thank you for the video. is it possible that the battery or the electric motor was overheated during the previous tests and that's why you achieved such a bad time? because that time is terrible compared to other cars. It's a shame you didn't try a sharp lap with a fully charged car and a cooled car.

[@positiveaspect5730]

nice thanks.
does the regen turn off for track mode?

[@archiefleming652]

I contacted MG Australia 5 days ago to ask the minimum range of the XPower at full racing speed but haven't got an answer.
Were you driving at track day fast touring driving or serrious full on racìng racing speed.
Also the brochure says it tops out at 200 Kph which isnt seriously fast.

[@cinch]

Hi Archie, Sam was driving as fast as he could, so we'd say full-on racing speed! Yet the car's computer reckoned he was still getting 2 miles per kWh. After 19.5 miles of fast driving, the car had 93 miles left (from a full battery) 👍

[@potter2702]

Great review and great driving, new sub!

[@cinch]

Great to have you on board :)

[@wayneshepherd5933]

If it was a start and go race there could be 4 seconds difference time.
Say the MG4 Xpower comes in at a time of 1:26.82 then a start and go test and finished with 1:24.82
Then say the i30N what came in at 12th did a start and go race and became 2 seconds slower that would put there score 1:24.99
That would put the xpower above the 12th position place, the results are accurate to the test he is doing, but there should be a start and stop race test. There would or could be a huge difference, even at the start of a race can decide the race.
Its a interesting car, i wonder if you could modify the car to keep it more cooler?

[@Buck3366]

I can’t get over how a 1.6 shopping car with 200ps smashes an EV with way over double the power by 3 seconds a lap. That I20N really does punch above it’s weight and is nipping on the heels of a DCT I30. I’m quite an advocate for the Xpower but it’s shortcomings really are apparent here. The speed it gathers is obviously overwhelming its chassis and the weight just adds to that recipe. As a first attempt its applaudable though but I use the term hot hatch very,very loosely where it’s concerned.

[@jianyang6281]

EV is too heavy.

[@cinch]

We do love the i20N very much. Be sure to watch our video to see just how much Sam loved it 😜

[@ripmax333]

At 1.8 tons, it's hardly seen as a hot hatch for me, people seems to forget how hot hatches used to be. But maybe things might improve by time.

[@beastieboy3926]

Great, what`s the insurance going to cost, ?what`s the depreciation,???how long does it take to charge.? these are more important than 0 to 60 times.

[@patpong5873]

Great drive and track review of the MG X Power for 35k its a great little car can I ask your opinion on is the Smart 1 one Brabus better and is it worth the 7k extra ? would like to see Smart go around the same Track thanks in advance for reply

[@cinch]

Thanks! We think the MG is faster, but the Smart Brabus might be more playful at lower speeds. We’ll try to arrange a head-to-head 🙌🏼

[@patpong5873]

@@cinch MG4 X Power v Smart 1 BRABUS would be great thanks in advance look forward to the Track battle with your good driving skills good UA-cam channel

[@cinch]

Thankyou @@patpong5873 !

[@HaunterButIhadNameGagWtf]

Did anyone try e.g. Brembo there?

[@t8polestarcyan22]

What tyres is this MG4 is on?

[@cinch]

This was on Bridgestone Turanzas T005. Great for long distance driving, range and wet weather problems but a little too hard for the track. But then again, it wasn't intended for that so we'd say that it's the ideal tyre for it.

[@t8polestarcyan22]

@@cinch Thank you. However I do have wet weather problems with Bridgestone Potenzas where I don't with Michelin Pilot Sports nor Primacies.

[@tommyjakobsen5504]

so NICE.. maybe a OTA on the engine drive.. and Please compaire the time with BMW M2.. for a full lap.

[@lukemothug3744]

🦗🦗🦗

[@stevehayward1854]

Lets see some more EV's on that track. Model S Plaid, Model 3 Performance for instance

[@cinch]

We're working on it :) Watch this space

[@stevehayward1854]

@@cinch Thanks, that will be both appreciated and fascinating to watch

[@ssdma02]

Would be good to see how the Tesla Model 3 Performance fairs on that track in Track Mode.

[@cinch]

We’re on it 😜 We agree our leaderboard is lacking Teslas, so we’ll work to fix that

[@RUMBALman4downunder]

It needs better tyres like ps5

[@cinch]

We agree! One to test in the spring, we reckon...

[@davethevicar88]

Amazing for electric car really impressed better tyres and bingo cheap as chips day out

[@gunterverhulst2559]

I expected more off this car only for his acceleration.Probably with traction control completely off and maybe som better tires?

[@cinch]

We agree - better tyres and especially no traction control!

[@decimal1815]

I wonder if there is a secondary push-down on the accelerator?

[@cinch]

To push through the Traction Control? Sam reckons he had his foot buried into the carpet!

[@pringle239]

Let's not lie to ourselves. The MG of today is a 100% different company than the MG of 15 years ago.

[@cinch]

And a lot better for it, too 👌

[@robsmall6466]

GR Yaris, i30N and i20N went quicker according to your own lap time charts. Even the Fiesta and Focus ST were quicker. Not to mention the Civic Type R

[@renz2.060]

Good reason to buy any of those cars if lap times are your priority. Otherwise their relevance seems moot.

[@user-jh6vt8vx4v]

The GR is a Limited production run model. It is so strip down, even the back seat are just there not really for sweating. The N line and type R are more departure to their baskeline counterpart compare to MG4

[@cinch]

We were still impressed, especially given that the MG is on eco tyres. Like if you think we should give the XPower another go with stickier tyres!

[@robsmall6466]

@@renz2.060 Not really. Fun to drive

[@robsmall6466]

@@user-jh6vt8vx4v Again not really. Civic Type R and i30N and i20N ( not N Line as that's just cosmetics ) are proper hot hatches you can live with every day

[@psav7]

1:26 is rearly, rearly bad. Tesla M3P is similar on all the Tracktests to BMW M3, so it should do this Track in 1:20 or at least 1:21, even the Model3LR is faster than the MG....

[@cinch]

We’re working to get Teslas to the track asap 😜

[@jpataca5598]

When are you bringing the byd seal awd to the track?

[@cinch]

That is a very good question. We’re actually working on that…

[@jpataca5598]

@@cinch nice. Cant wait!

[@VickersDoorter]

Fantastic car amd great review. I suspect, regards the traction control, MG have held back from 100% off to reduce the chance of smashing it and other road users. Perhaps, as with DJI drones, MG could offer a GPS unlock pass that's ringfenced to recognised race tracks. I'm all for speed and excitement, but not death.

[@cinch]

Thank you! That would be a good idea!

[@dennismhk3921]

Hi does it sounds noisy while driving on the race track

[@cinch]

There's an audible electric whine and a little road noise. But nothing too major :)

[@fredfrond6148]

Great content, looks like the MG4 was probably pretty close to the best value. Also that it could some real damage with better traction control software, better brakes and a real racing suspension. I did not see it on your spreadsheet but did you take the polestar 2 onto the track?

[@cinch]

Thanks! We haven’t yet, but we do intend to time the just-updated model when we can get our hands on one. Same goes for a Model S Plaid!

[@fredfrond6148]

@@cinch will look out for those test drives. This is the evolution of EVs. First it was zero to sixty speed. Then range comparison tests. Now comparisons on a full fledged test track that looks at all the abilities of a car from power, to braking, to driving dynamics. Hope you get to test the lotus Eletre one day too.

[@bield7]

Interesting review. MG offers amazing value for money name great performance. Shame it’s so mundane looking otherwise I might be tempted.

[@hamster639]

I miss that track being part of btcc calender

[@cinch]

We do too! We're just glad to be able to take care of it and make use of it after it closed

[@georgerichardson964]

It’s very top heavy, interesting to see how it passes the moose test

[@anticat900]

No it is not top heavy, quite the reverse, it's weight is very low down, though this is not an inconsiderable weight. And humm.. this track test shows just how agile it is, your moose would be quite happy.

[@georgerichardson964]

@@anticat900 I guess you have bought one then

[@anticat900]

@@georgerichardson964 Its on its way, been built and being moved to a ship transporter from China presently eta April 😊.

[@georgerichardson964]

@@anticat900 hope you enjoy it buddy, I have a Tesla model 3

[@anticat900]

@@georgerichardson964 I was thinking of a second hand model 3 there are some good deals with low miles. But i had to buy new and through our council scheme, and new model 3's are way costlier, £600+ a month over £340 for the MG so that was my only real opinion.

[@JRosey777]

You know that if this was an ICE car we would be all disappointed‼️
The I20 N with FWD and only 150kw laps 3s a lap faster than the Xpower, and how much does a I20 N cost? End of Story 😊

[@cinch]

We’re hoping to have a rerun with more performance-oriented tyres. But you’re right, the i20 N is mighty impressive! 🔥

[@archiefleming652]

Thank you

[@cinch]

You're welcome, Archie!

[@LivingLifeSlower]

But...look at the thing!

[@cinch]

Not a fan? We quite like the front!

[@anticat900]

The car is setup suspension wise and traction control wise for normal everyday driving and most often by those less experienced than this driver. They could have properly tied the suspension down and truly allowed access to its power but 'Karen' or 'Darren' taking the kids to school would wrap this car around a tree without computers managing its every move.

[@cinch]

We think a special XPower + or S would do nicely with some special track-worthy parts. MG, please make this 👏🏼

[@anticat900]

@@cinch There is a race track version now on show, that i imagine is very tied down to the road, whether they will make road legal versions I am unsure however.

[@cinch]

@@anticat900 Oh really... We'll investgate!

[@anticat900]

@@cinch I think it is called the MG EX4, same power but locked down suspension and race car body.

[@anticat900]

Yes after writing this, saw it at the Goodwood festival 🙂

[@sergesimonin8837]

Les gars c’est pas des voitures de course…le poids est largement défavorable.
Je sors d’un test en conduite normal avec la MG4 xPower, cela suffit amplement d’ailleurs dangereux pour les novices à la conduite car très puissant.
Effet Plaid assuré, en silence Svp. Avec une image très jeune.😊

[@TheNecromancer6666]

"Smashed this Petrol Hot Hatch"
Mate: it gets murdered by "Mildly Warm" hatches like 128ti. And this thing has torque Vectoring, AWD, 600Nm and 435hp. It should battle with the RS3. Its an embarassing car.

[@cinch]

Fighting talk! We've since learned that with a tyre change, the MG4 XPower is considerably quicker around a twisty track. The eco rubber doesn't fare well, but we're aiming to get a car back with some proper boots this year 😜

[@TheNecromancer6666]

@@cinch Factual.

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

Till MG fix the vibration that they tried to fix with rubber dampeners. I cannot recommend if you intent on going over 100kmh. come on MG you know theres a fault. And refuse to fix or compensate customers.

[@cinch]

This isn't something we came across in our tests, is this an issue for motorway driving?

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

@@cinch yep, its terrible and almost every xpower has it, Kia EV6 also seeing the issue. No fix so far,

[@cinch]

Interesting,@@jestronixhanderson9898. Strange that Sam didn't experience it on his drives, perhaps it's something that comes after a few miles. The build quality of this press car seemed to be very good

[@jestronixhanderson9898]

@@cinch its to the level where MG in Australia halted all imports on the model - as a high volume of buyers have it , they added a dampener to fix - this hasnt fixed. Demo cars they maybe doing full drive shafts wheels and roadforce fixes on

[@shadowplay8477]

It just doesn't look that much fun to drive. For comparison check out Misha Charoudins drive of the small 200hp i20n. Less power and slower in a straight line but much much more involving and fun.

[@cinch]

We also have a video of the i20N - and it did almost exactly the same as the i30N DCT! Find it in our Fast Laps playlist 😆

[@avdp9095]

It is a saleshit in the Netherlands

[@jianyang6281]

coz netherlands has SHELL.

[@gregsullivan7408]

Carwow got 3.77s to 60mph - what's wrong with yours?

[@cinch]

It’s rapid to 60 but after that performance tails off quickly, so on track (when you’re rarely under 60), it’s fast, but not rapid 🤙🏽

[@gregsullivan7408]

​@@cinchok, but you didn't answer my question. You got 4.9(?)s 0-100, whereas Carwow managed 3.77 to 60mph (97kph) - that seems like a big discrepancy.

[@blunpabb2766]

Could nt live with the dreadful look of it.

[@grahamallen1531]

Nice try

[@sempereadem54eadem64]

😂😂😂😂Electric junk

[@csjrogerson2377]

Well that is hardly surprising. Its one of the characteristics of an EV ffs. Now make it go 680 miles at 75 mph. My Mazda does, it will refill in 5 mins and it costs half as much.

[@CEYHUNKIRIMLI]

yeah it beats half as much powerful ICE hot hatch by less than a second... consider this for a second; someone makes and ICE car with 435 horses and brags about beating another half as much powerful ICE car by less than a second... no one would consider that as an accomplishment... but for EVs, OMFG that's amazing.... :) EVs are heavy as f..., and they won't be able to perform anywhere close to similarly powered ICE cars, never ever... we need extremely high energy density batteries... stop this nonsense...

[@ovo5326]

I think it’s all about the price, who wouldn’t want a faster car at the same price range? That’s also kinda why they do comparisons between zo6 and lambos. Nobody is actually gonna take their EVs to the track anyways.

[@mibox8302]

Chinese subsidized EV's are hard to beat on value. I'd just be worried if the batteries are safe because many Chinese EV's have exploding batteries, unless they have more QA for exported brands like MG and Volvo/Polestar.

[@GDM22]

The Chinese are the dominant players in battery technology, CATL and BYD are number 1 & 2 in the world and putting a lot of LFP batteries in cars at the moment. Tesla use CATL and BYD LFP blade batteries in their volume sellers. Just be careful where you get your supposed facts from.

[@martymountebank5995]

Let’s all buy Chinese cars and put our own people out of work - yay GREAT IDEA.

[@stephenbusby3521]

Most of our “own” cars are made in China these days 😂

[@av8r.007]

China is a hostile State. We don't need them to be making anything plus stealing secrets from our universities, spying on our politicians, etc. What don't you understand about hostile?@@stephenbusby3521

[@MrPrime-mt8dd]

Why’s everyone starting a car reviewing channel since Carwow got popular

[@CastleKnight7]

I think you’ve answered your own question.

[@fanfeck2844]

Can you have to much choice?

[@cinch]

We love Carwow’s content! We’re inspired, but also trying to do something slightly different 🙌🏼

[@jamesbowskill362]

Lots of power in a very ugly shape, TO GET YOU TO THE NEXT CHARGE POINT.........if you can find one working, then, SIT AROUND FOR HOURS stuffing YET MORE very expensive cakes etc & horrid coffee.........before you attempt your 'perilous' journey home or to the office, to explain just WHY your results are so poor with time lost !!!!!!

[@johnc2536]

I’ve got a fast charger at home for my Kia Ev6 GT, we have an awesome charging network and never had a problem. Haven’t been beaten by ICE vehicle yet.. but I haven’t raced a Lambo or McLaren yet 😂

[@DanGibbon]

Chinese crap😂

[@mikewhitby2686]

Ha I’d seriously doubt it