Read this in The Manila Times digital edition.
MG Philippines, now under SAIC Motor Philippines, has made a significant move by introducing its first two electric vehicles (EVs) to the Philippine market. Hybrid Cars
The MG4, a BEV hatchback, and the Marvel R, an EV SUV, were unveiled at the BGC activity grounds on Bonifacio High Street in Taguig City. During the event, SAIC President Felix Jiang announced the launch of eight new MG vehicles for 2024, comprising four EVs and four models with internal combustion engines (ICEs). The company also plans to expand its dealership network to a total of 60 in the same year, with a focus on making all dealerships BEV-ready while still catering to ICE vehicle customers.
The all-new Subaru Crosstrek iS Eyesight compact crossover. The 19.4-inch infotainment screen encased in Gorilla Glass gives a futuristic feel inside the Marvel R. The Marvel R’s aggressive yet neatly designed front quarter fascia. PHOTOS BY ALFRED MENDOZA
Let's take a closer look at MG's Marvel R EV SUV, a refined and energizing vehicle. The Marvel R boasts a polished exterior with striking LED daytime running lights, headlights, and taillights, complemented by flowing body lines. Inside, the Marvel R provides comfort with Nappa leather seats that feature heating and ventilating functions, soft-touch materials for the dashboard and door panels, exceptional cabin acoustics, an intelligent and adaptive air-conditioning system, an 8-speaker sound system for concert-quality audio, and a customizable 64-color ambient lighting system that can sync with your music.
The Marvel R also offers a fully digital cockpit with a large 19.4-inch touch screen infotainment system equipped with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, surrounded by Corning Gorilla Glass. It provides a 360-degree vehicle view and a 12.3-inch customizable digital cluster. Other features include a wireless smartphone charging pad and voice command activation for various functions, allowing for a safer driving experience.
In terms of safety, the Marvel R comes loaded with passive and active safety systems, including blind spot detection, lane keeping assist, tire pressure monitoring, intelligent speed alert, pedestrian warning system, traction control, hill hold control, cornering brake control, and autonomous emergency braking, ensuring the safety of all passengers and drivers.
Performance-wise, the Marvel R EV SUV is impressive, featuring a two-gear electric drive system with 186 PS and 410 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 7.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 200 kph. Range anxiety is alleviated by its 70-kilowatt-hour (kwH) battery, offering 402 kilometers of range and 5-percent to 80-percent charging in just 43 minutes using a Type-2 direct current (DC) charger. Notably, the Marvel R received the Best Large SUV 2023 award from La Tercera, a prominent South American newspaper.
The MG Marvel R EV SUV is priced at P2.589 million and comes with an 8-year/160,000-kilometer (km) EV battery warranty and a 5-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty.
On the other hand, the MG4 EV Hatchback now serves as an entry-level full-sized EV. MG describes it as playful, functional, spacious, and a joy to drive, packed with modern technology. The MG4 features an eye-catching front fascia, an aerodynamic roof with a dual-wing spoiler, and a stylish rear light set with full LED taillights and Cygnus cross-shaped accent lights. Inside, it offers a minimalist cabin layout with a simple yet sophisticated instrument panel and ergonomic floating center console. The dashboard hosts a 7-inch full LCD screen displaying driving stats, and a 10.25-inch floating touch screen with Apple Carplay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. A wireless charging pad for mobile phones is also included.
The MG4 offers an impressive driving experience with sharp steering, a tight turning radius, and a rigid, aluminum alloy subframe contributing to exceptional handling and comfort. Powered by 203 PS and 250 Nm of torque driving the rear wheels, the MG4 can accelerate from 0-100 kph in 7.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 161 kph. Range-wise, MG claims a 435 km range on a single full charge, and it can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 26 minutes using a Type-2 DC charger at a maximum rate of 14 kW.
The MG4 EV Hatchback has earned several prestigious awards, including the 2023 Car of the Year and 2023 Best Family Car from the UK Car of the Year Awards, Bargain of the Year 2023 from Top Gear, EV of the Year from Automotive Management Awards, Car of the Year 2023 from the Irish Times, and the 2023 Car of the Year from Which EV.
In the Philippines, the MG4 EV Hatchback is available in two variants: the MG4 EV Standard with a 51 kWh battery and a range of 350 km, priced at P1.468 million, and the MG4 EV Lux with a 64 kWh battery and a range of 435 km, available at P1.738 million. The Lux variant includes a 360-degree camera, rear spoiler, rear lighting system, and a wireless charging pad for mobile phones. Both models come with an 8-year/160,000-km EV battery warranty and a 5-year/100,000-km vehicle warranty.
Super Trucks MG has built a strong reputation locally and internationally for its well-constructed cars, and the introduction of affordable BEVs may well be a tipping point in encouraging more eco-friendly and economical choices for first-time car buyers and those looking to make their next vehicle purchase.