Last updated on October 19th, 2023 at 10:36 pm
MG has modernized the cockpit experience of the MG4 but this is still a conventional set of controls. There are two joystick-like contraptions on the steering wheel, with the right-hand one for media controls, although you can also use it adjust the menu. The left-hand one is mostly for the adaptive cruise control. However, there are two favourite buttons that you can assign different functions to. By default, the left-hand button lets you use the right-hand joystick to adjust the air conditioning, and the right-hand favourite button turns the same joystick into a control over regeneration level. But other options are available through the menu, such as motor power. You get stalks for indicators on the left and windscreen wipers on the right.
You turn on the system by pushing the brake pedal, like a Tesla, although startup takes longer. Drive, reverse and neutral are selected with a rotating knob, and you press the centre to go back to park. There is a separate electric parking brake, although you don't need to use it most of the time. There's auto hold on by default, although you do need to give the brake pedal an extra press to engage it. But you can also turn on single-pedal driving and the car will come to a complete halt and engage auto hold without the need to press the brakes, if you get the timing right.
There is no semblance of analog dials on the 7in instrument panel – not even digital simulations. You get ADAS information on the left, speed and remining range in the middle, and a trip meter by default on the right, although you can change this to music controls, navigation, or tyre pressure.
The central area offers some buttons for important climate control functions like window demisting, but otherwise the air conditioning is operated through the LCD panel, as are the heated seats and steering wheel. With the joystick available for simple fan speed and temperature adjustment, it’s an acceptable compromise.
Infotainment was one area where MG has showed its budget nature in the past. But this has been steadily improving with each new car, and the MG4 feels quite contemporary in this respect, although the 10.25in touchscreen is a little sluggish. The satnav offers search by postcode and keyword, plus points of interest for chargers and parking.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, although not wirelessly. With the Trophy trim, you also get some connected services, including weather forecasts, live traffic in the satnav, and Amazon Music streaming built in, although you will need to supply your own account for the latter.
The general interface is much better laid out than earlier MG infotainment systems, making it easier to configure the settings, including the improved MG Pilot, which we will discuss in further detail in the safety section of this review.
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