The MG4 EV has been crowned UK Car of the Year 2023 in a close-fought contest between a wide variety of new cars.
The UKCOTY Awards are judged by 27 experienced automotive journalists, including Tim Pitt of Motoring Research.
The MG4 took top honours ahead of the Dacia Jogger (voted Best Large Family Car) and the Toyota GR86 (Best Coupe).
As in 2022, when the Hyundai Ioniq 5 claimed the title, this year’s UK Car of the Year is fully electric. The MG4 is available with 51kWh (170hp) or 64kWh (204hp) batteries, offering 150kW charging capability and a maximum range of 281 miles.
The future is orange
Starting from £26,995 (or £269 a month on a four-year PCP finance deal), the MG won particular plaudits for its affordability. “In a world where practical electric cars are priced to the sky, the MG4 offers genuine value for money,” said Tom Ford of Top Gear magazine.
“MG has done a great job of bringing EVs to more people, thanks to its pricing,” added Andrew Clews, co-host of The Motoring Podcast.
Presenting the trophy, John Challen, director of the UK Car of the Year Awards, said: “The MG4 proves that electric cars can be affordable, practical and appeal to all areas of the automotive market.
“Fully charged, it offers more than enough miles for most journeys, while the design and driving dynamics tick two other important boxes for consumers. A deserved winner for the electric future.”
The cars in front
A full list of UK Car of the Year Awards 2023 category winners is below:
- Best City Car – Toyota Aygo X
- Best Family Car – MG4
- Best Large Family Car – Dacia Jogger
- Best Crossover – Kia Niro
- Best Large Crossover – Range Rover
- Best Coupe – Toyota GR86
- Best Performance Car – Lotus Emira
We recently reviewed the Toyota GR86, declaring: ‘The GR86 is brilliant. Its DNA is closely related to the outgoing GT86, but this new car is altogether more focused… [It’s] also more engaging and exciting than a Mazda MX-5, albeit without the option to lower the roof and drive al fresco.’
We also loved the Lotus Emira V6, saying: ‘This is the most complete Lotus ever and a reassuring reminder that, even with the electric revolution already underway, Hethel hasn’t forgotten its past. The Porsche Cayman GTS is a more rounded sports car and, for now, still the default choice at this price, but the Emira seems more special.’
The clock is now ticking towards the World Car Awards 2023, with Richard Aucock of Motoring Research among the judges. The overall winner will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show on 5 April.
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