MG Motor Australia is considering the launch of a second small electric hatchback, potentially expanding its presence in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) segment. This new model aims to rival other vehicles such as the BYD Dolphin and GWM Ora, and was recently spotted in Canberra, featuring a camouflaged, right-hand drive version of the new MG 4, which was initially previewed in China in March.
A spokesperson for MG Motor Australia stated, “We have taken our evaluation of this new model to the next stage in our process. It is under serious consideration to join alongside our award-winning MG4 range to best match technology to the evolving needs of Australian drivers and lifestyles.” They assured that the current MG4 model remains available, with further testing planned before any final decisions are made regarding the new hatchback’s introduction in Australia.
While the new model has been revealed as the MG 4 in China—where the existing version is no longer sold—it is likely to receive a different name in Australia. In late June, MG’s parent company, SAIC Motor, applied to trademark the name MG 4 EV Urban with IP Australia. Although MG noted that no decision has been finalized concerning this name, history indicates that most of the trademarks filed by SAIC over the past five years have led to actual vehicle releases in local markets.
The official launch of the MG 4 is set for August 5, 2025, in China. The new model was introduced as MG’s first global vehicle for 2025, although further details regarding its interior were revealed later. Promotional materials shared on Chinese social media show a minimalist interior design featuring a large, free-standing touchscreen and a digital instrument cluster. The layout includes a row of buttons below the touchscreen, and the vehicle will incorporate MG’s new ‘cockpit system,’ developed in collaboration with smartphone brand Oppo. This innovative system supports voice commands, gesture-based navigation, and smartphone mirroring for both Huawei and Apple devices.
Details about the vehicle’s specifications remain limited. However, MG Motor Australia confirmed that this new model is based on a different platform than the existing MG 4 and the new MG S5 EV small electric SUV. A submission to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology revealed that the new MG 4 measures 4,395mm in length, 1,842mm in width, and 1,551mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm. This makes it longer by 108mm, wider by 6mm, and taller by up to 47mm than the current MG 4, and it boasts a 45mm longer wheelbase.
The new hatchback will feature a single electric powertrain with a 120kW electric motor, and a kerb weight of 1,485kg. It will be powered by a 70kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Although the design includes elements inspired by MG’s flagship Cyberster electric sports car, such as the front bumper and tail-lights, the overall appearance of the new hatchback is softer than that of the existing MG 4, which is no longer available in China but remains popular in markets like Australia and Europe. New pastel green and purple color options have been showcased, along with a striking red version featuring black stripes.
Despite some challenges in the Chinese market, the current MG 4 has proven to be a strong competitor in Australia. In the first half of 2025, it was the fifth best-selling EV in the country, with 2,268 units delivered, outpacing the Dolphin, which sold 1,337 units, despite an 18.2 percent decrease in sales compared to the previous year.
As MG continues to evaluate the potential of this new small electric hatchback, the automotive landscape in Australia is poised for further developments, contributing to the growing EV market.
