The Unexpected Champion in the 'Best Affordable Small EV' Showdown
The landscape of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) is slowly evolving, especially in regions where choices have been limited. Here in the United States, consumers have few small electric options, but that seems set to change with the anticipated launches of revamped models such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and the Kia EV3. Meanwhile, across the pond in Europe and the United Kingdom, the market is thriving with a plethora of options that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.
The burning question remains: which of these small, affordable EVs stands out in a burgeoning field? The team at What Car? recently put three candidates through a rigorous evaluation, highlighting their merits for budget-conscious buyers looking to trade gas for electric power without breaking the bank. This comparison also illustrates a broader trend, reflecting how European automakers are strategizing against the tidal wave of competition from Chinese manufacturers.
Meet the Contenders
The cars featured in the showdown include the MG MG4, a lively entrant from a brand steeped in British automotive history but currently owned by China's SAIC; the BYD Dolphin, a budget-friendly EV making waves on account of BYD's innovative success; and the Citroën e-C3, a compelling offering worth digging into.
Here's where it gets intriguing: while the first two are equipped with cutting-edge Chinese EV technology, the Citroën is produced within Europe (in Slovakia) and boasts a price tag that undercuts its competitors. This position raises eyebrows about Stellantis's capability to challenge the established giants from China.
Specifications That Matter
Understanding these vehicles starts with their specifications. The entry-level MG4 SE model is priced at approximately £26,995 ($35,000), offering a 50.8 kWh battery and a respectable range of up to 218 miles. The similarly impressive BYD Dolphin is slightly cheaper at £26,195 and uses a smaller 44.9 kWh battery to achieve a range of about 211 miles. The dark horse in this comparison, the Citroën e-C3, brings an appealing price to the table at £21,990 ($28,000), garnering a slightly lower range of 199 miles from a 47.3 kWh battery.
While the range numbers aren’t particularly eye-popping for American road trip enthusiasts, they are well-tailored for the average European lifestyle, characterized by city commuting and shorter journeys. One presenter aptly summarized this goal by stating that most of these cars are poised more for local use than cross-country treks.
A Climactic Road Test
The crux of the evaluation came down to an intensive 200-mile road test that placed each vehicle under identical conditions—air conditioning on, settings automatic. This real-world trial revealed each car's strengths and weaknesses. In a comparison of the dedicated EV platforms of the MG and BYD versus the versatile approach of the Citroën, the architectural differences showed in cargo space and maneuverability.
The BYD Dolphin showcased superior software and infotainment with a strikingly bright, rotating display, although it was limited to landscape mode for its connection with smartphones. Meanwhile, the Citroën took on a more old-school vibe but offered an upright driving position praised by testers. With some downsides in software and a bit more cramped space, it was labeled as the underdog going up against stronger contenders.
During driving tests, it became clear that the Citroën was the first to run out of charge compared to the sturdier MG and BYD, demonstrating its lower efficiency. As testing continued on the road, both the MG and BYD proved to have longer endurance before needing to plug in for a charge.
Charging Dynamics Make an Impact
The charging speeds of these vehicles also played a vital role in the comparison. The Citroën went from 17% to 80% in about 38 minutes, whereas the MG4 showed its prowess by jumping from 4% to 80% in the same timeframe. However, the BYD Dolphin, while the most economical to charge, took a disappointing 52 minutes to reach the same threshold.
Conclusion: The MG4 Takes the Crown
So, who emerged victorious from this nail-biting contest? Ultimately, the MG4 earned a strong endorsement from the What Car? team for its impressive balance of price, range, and running costs, solidifying its status as a standout option among affordable EVs. In this neck-and-neck race, it became evident that European manufacturers are beginning to reclaim some territory in a fiercely competitive sector.
While the MG4 secured the spotlight as the clear choice, the tightly contested nature of the evaluation suggests it’s a new dawn for European automakers striving to outpace aggressive rivals from China. As we look forward to the evolving market in 2025 and beyond, the landscape of affordable electric vehicles may prove to be more dynamic than we've ever imagined.
If you're eager to catch all the details and nuances, don’t forget to check out What Car?'s full assessment above for rich insights and thorough evaluations.