2023 MG4 spied testing in Melbourne! Launch for what could be Australia's cheapest EV approaches

The much-anticipated MG4 hatchback, which is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2023, has been spotted testing in camouflage in Melbourne’s CBD.

Sent in by a CarsGuide reader, the images show a blue car with a white roof underneath the camouflage patterns. It also has chunky steel wheels in place of the MG4’s expected standard aerodynamic alloy wheels, as it has been seen wearing in overseas markets.

The blue colour underneath the stickers appears to be ‘Holborn Blue’ available in the UK market, suggesting the specification our cars ship with will match that of other right-hand-drive markets, as opposed to the colour and spec options available on Chinese domestic market left-hand-drive models.

Interestingly, the car wears pricey Continental-branded tyres in keeping with the ZS EV SUV, a stark contrast to the cheap Chinese rubber worn by its primary BYD Atto 3 rival. The vehicle is in right-hand-drive configuration, and according to a NSW registration check, its 1720kg Tare weight is closest to the 64kWh long-range version of the car, according to data available overseas.

Its light profile appears to show improved LED headlights available only on the top-spec UK market Trophy, as well as additional DRL strips and a higher level of window tinting than on the base SE variant.

The MG4 will compete in size with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, and Kia Cerato. (image credit: Jacqui Trash)

MG has not yet announced pricing for the MG4, but there is a chance the hatch could be the most affordable new EV in Australia. Right now that title is closely contested by the MG ZS EV (from $44,990 drive-away) and the BYD Atto 3 (from $48,011).

In the UK, the base standard-range SE wears a price-tag equivalent to $AU47,400, although our MG ZS EV is nearly $10,000 more affordable than its starting price in the UK, so it’s a safe bet the prices won’t be like-for-like.

What we do know is the MG4 is a small hatch, size-wise competing with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, and Kia Cerato. Along with the combustion MG5 sedan which is also set to arrive later this year, MG will plug a gap in its lineup between the MG3 hatch and ZS small SUV.

The standard-range battery is 51kWh, granting a WLTP driving range of 350km between charges, while the long-range version is capable of travelling 452km on the same standard.

The MG4 can charge at a rate of 135kW on a fast DC charger, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge in just 35 minutes. The same charge takes 52 minutes on a more common 50kW charger.

Overseas, standard equipment also includes a 10.25-inch multimedia screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, 17-inch aerodynamic wheels, and fabric seat trim.

The much-anticipated MG4 hatchback is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2023.

Higher grades score synthetic leather seats with heated front seats, a wireless phone charger, and connected services, including an app-based key.

Like current MGs offered in Australia, standard safety items for base grades include front-facing auto emergency braking and lane-keep features, while higher grades score the rear-facing blind-spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

MG Australia has confirmed the MG4 hatch will arrive in the first half of 2023, so stay tuned for accurate pricing and specs as soon as we get them.