There is now a credible alternative to the BYD Dolphin. SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (MG Motor Malaysia) has launched the MG 4, priced from RM 103,999.

The price puts the China-made MG 4 in the firing range of the BYD Dolphin, which starts from RM 100,530 for the Dynamic Standard variant, and RM 125,530 for the Premium Extended variant.

We also don’t want to forget the Ora Good Cat, which has since slashed its price down to RM 113,800.

Like the Dolphin, the MG 4 is a small hatchback about the size of a B-segment Honda City Hatchback, but with C-segment Corolla Altis-matching wheelbase.

It measures 4,287 mm long, 1,836 mm wide, 1,516 mm tall, with a 2,705 mm wheelbase. In comparison, the BYD Dolphin’s measures 4,290 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,570 mm tall, with a 2,700 mm wheelbase.

Ground clearance is a rather low 117 mm, so despite the tall body, it’s not an SUV / crossover.

Four variants are available, priced as follows:

• MG4 Standard (51.5 kWh, 170 PS, 350 km WLTP): – RM 103,999
• MG4 Lux (64.6 kWh, 203 PS, 430 km WLTP): RM 128,999
• MG4 Extended Lux (77.7 kWh, 245 PS, 520 km WLTP): RM 148,999
• MG4 XPower all-wheel drive (64.6 kWh, 435 PS, 384 km WLTP): RM 158,999

Note that the prices are manufacturer's recommended selling price (MSRP), excluding Puspakom inspection fee, registration fee, hire purchase endorsement fee, number plate fee, and other miscellaneous charges.

For comparison, the BYD Dolphin offers between 95 PS to 204 PS of power, depending on variant, with a claimed driving range between 410 km to 490 km. However, BYD’s driving range figures are based on the laxer NEDC testing method, while MG’s figures are based on the newer, stricter, more realistic WLTP method.

The Standard variant only accepts up to 7 kW of AC charging (single phase only), while DC fast charging can be up to 150 kW. The upper 3 variants, Lux, Extended Lux and XPower variants can all accept up to 11 kW of AC charging (three-phase), with the same 150 kW DC fast charging.

The car comes with a 7-year / 150,000 km warranty, while the high voltage battery is covered by an 8-year / 180,000 km warranty.

The MG 4 is Europe’s best-selling Chinese model in 2023. It’s also the fourth best-selling battery EV (BEV) model there last year, after Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model 3, and VW ID.4.

Below is a summary of the differences between the four variants of MG 4.

MG 4 Standard, RM 103,999

• RWD, 170 PS / 250 Nm
• 350 km range (WLTP)
• 51-kWh battery
• 0-100 km/h: 7.5 seconds
• 363-litre boot space
• Single tone full black fabric upholstery
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights
• LED taillights
• Tilt/telescopic leather steering wheel
• Automatic air-conditioning
• 7-inch digital instrument panel
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment unit
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 4 speakers
• Fabric seats
• 6 airbags
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• MG Pilot ADAS
  • AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
  • Lane keep assist (LKA)
  • Lane departure warning (LDWS)
  • High beam assist (HBA)
  • Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with traffic jam assist (TJA)

The MG 4 Lux (RM 128,999) adds the following features:

• RWD, 203 PS / 250 Nm
• 430 km range (WLTP)
• 64-kWh battery
• 0-100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
• Rear centre light bar
• Twin aero spoiler
• Black roof
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Power folding side mirrors
• Dual-tone light grey-orange leather upholstery
• 360-degree parking camera
• Wireless phone charger
• 6-way powered driver seat
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• 6 speakers
• Blind-spot warning (BSW) with RCTA
• Lane change assist (LCA)
• Door opening warning

MG4 Extended Lux (RM 148,999) adds:

• RWD, 245 PS / 350 Nm
• 520 km range (WLTP)
• 77-kWh battery
• 0-100 km/h: 6.1 seconds

MG4 XPower (RM 158,999) adds

• AWD, 435 PS / 600 Nm
• 384 km range (WLTP)
• 64-kWh battery
• 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
• 18-inch alloy wheels with orange brake calipers
• Launch control
• Metal sport pedals
• Black Alcantara upholstery

Bookings made before 30-April 2024 will the following freebies:

• 7 kW wallbox charger, worth RM 4,600 (only for MG 4 Standard variant)
• 11 kW wallbox charger, worth RM 5,200 (only for MG 4 Lux variant)
• Free 1,000 charging credits with DC Handal and JomCharge (only for MG 4 Lux Extended Range and XPower variants)