John Murdoch gets behind the wheel of the MG4 Urban, an all-electric family hatchback, and previews the new Nissan LEAF, now in full production at Nissan's Sunderland plant and soon on sale.
MG4 Urban: Affordable Family EV
The MG4 Urban offers exceptional value for money, with prices starting at just under £23,500. This family hatchback provides more room than some SUVs, ample equipment, and impressive efficiency. While it may not be as stylish as some competitors, the Urban model boasts generous boot and passenger space, surpassing its more expensive sibling, the MG4.
Two power outputs are available: the Standard Range produces 147bhp, while the Long Range delivers 158bhp. The extra power compensates for the larger battery's weight, and both models accelerate from 0-60mph in just under 10 seconds.
Driving Experience and Range
The Urban is ideal for town driving, with a large windscreen and short bonnet providing excellent visibility. Light steering and cameras (on top models) make manoeuvring easy. Four regeneration settings allow for single-pedal driving. The car handles well on country roads and cruises comfortably at motorway speeds, though this reduces range. The Standard Range model achieves up to 201 miles, while the Long Range offers up to 258 miles. Charging from 10-80% takes 30 minutes on a 150kW charger.
The cabin is well-equipped with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, seven-inch driver's display, and physical climate controls. Boot space is 577 litres, significantly more than most rivals, and passenger space is generous in both front and rear. Large rear doors ease access, and under the boot floor is a space for charging cables.
Safety and Warranty
The MG4 Urban has a five-star NCAP safety rating and a seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty covering the battery. While it may not be exciting to look at or drive, it offers great value EV motoring.
New Nissan LEAF: 52kWh Battery Option
Nissan has announced a new 52kWh battery option for the all-electric LEAF, following the 75kWh version introduced earlier this year. The new variant qualifies for the UK Government's full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, bringing its price to £28,849. With a range of up to 280 miles, the 52kWh battery is available on Engage and Advance grades.
Aditya Moorthy, product manager at NMGB, said: "We are excited to introduce the new 52kWh battery option on the all-new Nissan LEAF, offering up to 280 miles of range (WLTP) and starting at an attractive £28,849 with the Electric Car Grant. Designed for everyday driving, it combines confident electric performance with the comfort, technology and practicality customers expect from LEAF."
Production and Legacy
Right-hand-drive LEAF production has begun at Nissan's Sunderland plant, with cars arriving at dealerships later this summer. Nissan says the new LEAF is one of the best value electric cars on the market, offering excellent range-per-pound in both 52kWh and 75kWh configurations. The 75kWh version offers up to 387 miles on a charge.
The model is available in four grades: Engage, Engage+, Advance, and Evolve, offering features such as infotainment with Google Built-in, a dimming panoramic roof with LEAF detailing, and innovative 3D taillights.
Since its debut in 2010 as the world's first mass-market EV, the Nissan LEAF has sold nearly 700,000 units worldwide, with owners driving over 18 billion electric miles. It is the first EV in the UK to reach its third generation, fully redesigned and re-engineered to meet modern EV customer needs while remaining true to its innovative roots.
