The EV Hatchback’s simple yet sophisticated instrument panel and ergonomic floating center console
AFTER taking over the distributorship of MG vehicles, SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP) recently joined the country’s EV race with the launch of the Marvel R EV SUV and MG4 EV Hatchback. According to SMP, the arrival of these new EV models aligns with a rising interest among Filipino motorists for modern, sustainable, fully electric mobility solutions that are both user-friendly and suited for everyday use.
“With the launch of the Marvel R and MG4, our goal is for MG Philippines to truly kickstart the everyday electric revolution for Filipino motorists by providing safe, modern, and truly attainable EVs that can be owned and maintained with ease,” said Felix Jiang, president of SAIC Motor Philippines (SMP.) “The addition of these new generation, sustainable, pure electric vehicles to MG Philippines’ stable of exciting, British heritage vehicles shall open the door to even bigger things to come, as we approach our 100th anniversary for the MG brand in 2024. During our brand centennial and into 2025, MG Philippines is set to release no less than eight all-new MG models while bringing MG Philippines’ dealership network to 60 nationwide. We thank everyone who has played a significant part in the MG Philippines story thus far. We are truly excited to continue growing the MG brand in the Philippines as we provide Filipinos with the latest, extraordinary MG products and services nationwide.”
MG Marvel R EV SUV
MG calls it refined, well-poised, and sophisticated, providing energized driving behind the wheel. Exterior-wise, the vehicle’s polished design highlights the striking LED daytime running lights, headlights, taillights, and flowing body lines, providing a smooth contour from tip to tail. Inside, it is all about refined comfort with Nappa leather seats equipped with heating and ventilating functions. The dashboard and door panels have soft-touch materials. Impressively, the cabin acoustics are excellent thanks to the over 95 percent covered interior by NVH soundproof materials.
Other features include an intelligent and adaptive air conditioning system, an eight-speaker sound system, and a 64-color ambient lighting system. As for tech, the center dash highlights a large and responsive 19.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. More so, it has a Corning Gorilla Glass surface plate. Of course, the 360-degree vehicle view provides complete visibility around the car. Meanwhile, the 12.3-inch customizable digital cluster displays all necessary driving information in real time. Other tech features include a wireless smartphone charging pad and a voice-activated command system to operate the air conditioning, sunroof, windows, and radio.
Motivation comes from a Two-Gear Electric Drive System fitted to the vehicle’s rear axle, generating 183 hp (137 Kw) and 410N-m of torque. Zero to 100km/h is achieved in just 7.9 seconds with a 200km/h top speed. The total drive range is 402 kilometers thanks to the 70kWh battery pack. Charging the battery from 5-80 percent is achievable in just 43 minutes via a Type-2 DC charger. As for safety, the list of passive and active safety systems includes Blind Spot Detection (BSD,) Lane Keeping Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Intelligent Speed Alert, Pedestrian Warning System, Traction Control, Hill Hold Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Autonomous Emergency Braking, to name a few.
The lone variant MG Marvel R EV SUV retails for P2,588,888 and is complemented by an 8-year/160,000km EV battery warranty and a 5-year/100,000 vehicle warranty.
MG4 EV Hatchback
Regarded as playful, functional, spacious, a joy to drive, and bursting with modern technology, SMP claims that the EV Hatchback channels the youthful energy of MG in a purely electric package. Its standout looker highlights the eye-catching front fascia with a sloping and aerodynamic roof that ends with a dual-wing spoiler. Cygnus cross-shaped accent lights with a full LED assembly underscore the tail lights.
Inside is a simple yet sophisticated instrument panel and ergonomic floating center console. The dashboard has a seven-inch full LCD screen displaying the vehicle’s driving stats and a 10.25-inch floating touch screen (with reduced reflective rate) equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto. There is also a wireless charging pad for mobile phones.
Motivation comes from a front-mounted electric motor generating 200 hp (150 Kw) and 250N-m of torque driven from the rear wheels. 7.1 seconds is what it takes to achieve a zero to 100km/h sprint with a top speed of 161km/h. The total drive range is up to 435km on a single full charge. Charging-wise, the MG4’s battery can fill from 10-80% in as low as 26 minutes via a Type-2 DC charger at a maximum rate of 14kW. Moreover, the vehicle offers exceptional handling and comfort thanks to the sharp steering, a tight turning radius, and a rigid aluminum alloy subframe with a 50:50 front and rear load split and a low center of gravity.
The MG4 EV Hatchback is available in two variants. The MG4 EV Standard retails at P1,468,888, while the top-spec MG4 EV Lux is at P1,738,888. These are complemented by an 8-year/160,000km EV battery warranty and a 5-year/100,000 vehicle warranty.
Image credits: Randy S. Peregrino