Should you buy one?

In a word, yes. While we’re used to plenty of caveats when recommending MGs, the MG4 EV is a genuinely good electric hatchback at a price that’s barely believable. Only the BYD Dolphin comes close in terms of bangs for your bucks, and it’s not as good to drive or comes with a comparable warranty.

Yes, there are a few areas in the MG4 EV where you can see penny-pinching in action, but it’s no more offensive than in an early Volkswagen ID.3.

We suspect most people will opt for a Long Range, although a Standard Range makes a compelling choice compared to similarly priced EVs especially as many have even shorter ranges. Us? We’d be very tempted by a Trophy Extended Range as the price is still far below what Cupra, Renault and VW can manage, although fully accept that the Long Range model is the true sweet spot of the model range.

What we like

This could be a very long list as there’s an awful lot to like. For a start it’s great to drive, balancing handling and comfort skilfully while being satisfying to pilot at sane speeds.

Range and efficiency are both exactly where they need to be for the class and it’s very well equipped. And yes, it’s really, really cheap for what you’re getting. It’ll cost thousands less to buy outright and you’ll save a three-figure sum each month if you’re looking into monthly finance.

What we don’t like

Erm, not much. The boot is smaller than direct rivals’ and the rear seats are adequate at best for taller adults. Other than that, there are cheap materials to be found inside, and we’re beginning to hear worrying tales of unreliability and parts supply issues, but what do you expect for such a bargain price?