About this episode
The episode dives into the launch of the new MG4 and MG4 Urban, highlighting significant interior upgrades and practicality features. The hosts discuss their driving experiences, comparing the two models and their battery options. They also touch on the competitive pricing and features like heat pumps and warranties. Additionally, there's a light-hearted banter about their current vehicles, including a Tesla Model Y and a BMW X3 M50, while addressing the state of UK roads and common issues with EVs. The episode balances technical insights with personal anecdotes, making it engaging for listeners.
Alex and Jim are back together in person to talk about the new MG4 and the MG4 Urban, with the latter starting at a very competitive price. They also discuss the Tesla Model Y Performance that Alex has been driving and the new ultra-cute Renault Twingo.
MG4 Urban
"...we were at the launch of the MG4. And the MG4 Urban, which is a completely new car..."
The MG4 Urban is a new electric car from the brand MG. It's designed to be efficient and has modern features for drivers.
The MG4 Urban is a new electric vehicle from MG, designed to offer a modern driving experience with advanced technology and efficiency.
rear-wheel-drive
"...the rear-wheel-drive version of that car, rather than the X-Power, was such a cool thing to drive..."
Rear-wheel-drive means that the back wheels of the car are the ones that get the power from the engine. This can make the car handle better, especially when driving fast.
Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is sent to the rear wheels. This configuration often provides better handling and balance, especially in performance cars.
Audi S5
"...mash, mismatch. Mitchmash, I've got MGS6 and the S5 with the MG4 now, so it's a combination of the tw..."
The Audi S5 is a stylish car that goes fast and feels luxurious inside. It's a sportier version of the regular Audi A5, and people like it for its good looks and smooth drive.
The Audi S5 is a performance-oriented version of the Audi A5, featuring a powerful engine and sporty design. It is known for its luxurious interior, advanced technology, and all-wheel-drive system, making it a popular choice among luxury sports coupe enthusiasts.
heat pump
"Has that got a heat pump now or not? Not sure, because the Urban has a heat pump."
A heat pump helps keep the car warm in winter and cool in summer. It uses less energy than regular heaters, which is good for electric cars.
A heat pump is a device that can both heat and cool a vehicle by transferring heat from one place to another. In electric vehicles, it is often used to improve efficiency by using less energy for heating compared to traditional resistive heaters.
MG4 Urban
"But every one of the Urban's has got front-wheel-drive, which has got a heat pump, which I think is amazing..."
The MG Urban is a small electric car that's easy to drive in the city. It has features like a heat pump to help keep the car comfortable without using too much energy.
The MG Urban is a compact electric vehicle known for its front-wheel-drive layout and efficiency features, including a heat pump for climate control. It is designed for urban environments and offers a practical solution for city driving.
front-wheel-drive
"So the Urban's front-wheel-drive, really, it's a completely different car, really, isn't it?"
Front-wheel-drive means the car's front wheels get the power from the engine. This helps with handling and can be better in bad weather.
Front-wheel-drive (FWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This layout typically offers better traction in slippery conditions and is more space-efficient than rear-wheel-drive designs.
Renault 5
"...similar price to Renault 5, similar price to the Insta, that's a much bigger car."
The Renault 5 is a small car made by Renault. It was popular in Europe for being easy to drive and park, and it has a lot of space inside for passengers and luggage.
The Renault 5 is a supermini car produced by the French automaker Renault from 1972 to 1985. It is known for its compact size and practicality, making it a popular choice in Europe during its production years.
Dodge Challenger
"established in the UK. But now the Challenger brands are coming from China, which they were a C..."
The Dodge Challenger is a big, sporty car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's famous for its strong engines and classic design, which many people love.
The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car known for its powerful performance and retro styling. It has gained a significant following for its V8 engine options and aggressive design, making it a symbol of American automotive culture.
range
"They have given it a bit more range as well."
Range is how far an electric car can go before it needs to be charged again. It's important because it tells you how practical the car is for driving long distances.
In the context of electric vehicles, 'range' refers to the distance a vehicle can travel on a single charge. It is an important factor for potential buyers, as it affects the vehicle's usability and convenience.
Puma Gen E
"...the most natural rival for that Urban would be the full Puma Gen E, wouldn't it?"
The Puma Gen E is a small SUV from Ford that is designed to be sporty and practical. It's great for city driving and has modern features to make it user-friendly.
The Ford Puma Gen E is a compact SUV that emphasizes sporty design and practicality. It features a range of efficient engines and modern technology, appealing to urban drivers.
MG Cyberster
"...y who was telling us they've modelled it off the Cyberster, which... Yeah, I thought the design was really g..."
The MG Cyberster is a new electric sports car that looks really cool and is designed to be fun to drive. It's part of MG's effort to make exciting cars for the future.
The MG Cyberster is an upcoming electric sports car that combines classic MG styling with modern electric performance. It aims to attract a new generation of drivers with its innovative design and technology.
WLTP
"...to get to the bigger battery version, with that EV Grant, 24 grand, which is mad. And it'll do 258 miles WLTP and it's got a heat pump."
WLTP is a way to test how far a car can go on a charge or a tank of gas. It gives you a better idea of what to expect in real-life driving conditions.
WLTP stands for Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure. It's a standardized method for measuring the fuel consumption and emissions of vehicles, providing more realistic figures compared to older testing methods.
MG
"...And a seven year warranty. Yeah. No, MG warranty."
MG is a car brand that makes budget-friendly vehicles, including electric ones. They have been around for a long time and are now focusing on making cars that are good value for money.
MG is a British automotive brand known for producing affordable cars, including electric vehicles. The brand has a history dating back to the 1920s and has been revitalized in recent years with a focus on modern technology and value.
Tesla Model Y
"What'd you drive down here in? Got the Model Y performance at the moment. Yeah. The new one. Yeah. Spoilers."
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a fast and efficient electric SUV. It's designed for better performance compared to regular models, making it fun to drive.
The Tesla Model Y Performance is a high-performance variant of Tesla's compact SUV, known for its impressive acceleration, range, and advanced technology features.
Tesla Model 3
"It doesn't handle quite as well as the Model 3 performance. Yeah. It's a bigger car, but the range is good."
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a faster version of the Model 3 sedan. It's designed for those who want a sportier driving experience with quick acceleration.
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is a sportier version of Tesla's compact sedan, offering enhanced acceleration and handling compared to standard models.
Ford It Model
"...d the names again. How have they? They just call it Model Y now. Oh, is that it? Yeah. Right. Okay. So Mode..."
The Ford Model T is one of the first cars that many people could actually buy. It helped change how cars were made and made driving more common.
The Ford Model T is an iconic vehicle that revolutionized the automotive industry by making cars affordable for the average person. Produced from 1908 to 1927, it is often credited with popularizing assembly line manufacturing.
Tesla So Model
"...t Model Y now. Oh, is that it? Yeah. Right. Okay. So Model Y or Model Y performance? You've got Model Y and..."
The Tesla Model S is a high-tech electric car that can go really fast and doesn't need gas. It's known for its long battery life and cool features that help with driving.
The Tesla Model S is a fully electric luxury sedan that has set benchmarks for electric vehicle performance and technology. It features impressive acceleration, long-range capabilities, and advanced autopilot features, making it a leader in the EV market.
Bmw X3
"...I drove for two and a half hours to get here yesterday. And for all of those two and a half..."
The BMW X3 M50 is a sportier version of the BMW X3, which is a luxury SUV. It has a more powerful engine and is designed for better performance.
The BMW X3 M50 is a performance-oriented variant of the X3, a luxury compact SUV. It features a powerful engine and sporty handling, making it suitable for those seeking a blend of utility and performance.
MG4
"...although MG4. Oh, yeah. Oh, I won't bring that up again. That was your first press car, wasn't it? Three years ago."
The MG4 is an electric car made by the MG brand. It's designed to be affordable and practical for everyday use.
The MG4 is an electric hatchback from MG, a brand that has been revitalized in recent years to offer affordable electric vehicles with modern features.
MOT
"...actually wrote a little article afterwards about cars that are most likely to fail their first MOTs..."
MOT is a yearly test in the UK that checks if cars are safe to drive and meet environmental rules. Cars older than three years need to pass this test to be allowed on the road.
MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test, which is a mandatory annual test in the UK to ensure that vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards. Vehicles over three years old must pass this test to be legally driven on public roads.
Audi Etron
"I had the A6 e-tron last week. Oh, yeah. I loved that, actually. Yeah."
The Audi A6 e-tron is a luxury electric car from Audi. It's designed to be comfortable and high-tech, making it a popular choice for those looking for an electric vehicle with style.
The Audi A6 e-tron is an electric vehicle that represents Audi's push into the EV market, combining luxury with advanced technology. It features a spacious interior and modern design elements.
800-volt architecture
"And it's on 800-volt architecture. So you can charge it ultra rapidly. So it's utterly, utterly fine."
800-volt architecture means the car uses a higher voltage to power its electric system, which helps it charge faster and run more efficiently.
800-volt architecture refers to a high-voltage electrical system used in electric vehicles, allowing for faster charging and improved efficiency compared to traditional 400-volt systems.
charging
"But no one needs to do 400 miles in a stretch. And yes, you can plug it in for 10 minutes and it'll probably put 80 miles, 100 miles into it."
Charging is how you fill up the battery of an electric car by plugging it into a power source.
Charging refers to the process of replenishing an electric vehicle's battery by connecting it to a power source, which can vary in speed and efficiency based on the charger used.
price
"But the price was just off 80,000 pounds. Yeah. Too much."
Price is how much money you need to pay to buy a car. It can change depending on what kind of car it is and what features it has.
The price of a vehicle is the amount of money required to purchase it, which can vary based on factors such as model, features, and market demand.
Volkswagen Id7
"...ff 80,000 pounds. Yeah. Too much. Yeah. But even ID7, if you go for a nicely specced ID7, you're 60-is..."
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a new electric car that has a lot of room inside and is easy to drive. It's part of Volkswagen's plan to make more electric cars for everyone.
The Volkswagen ID.7 is a fully electric sedan that represents VW's commitment to electric mobility. It offers a spacious interior, advanced technology, and a range suitable for everyday driving, making it a competitive option in the EV market.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
"He said Hyundai. No. And I think I've booked out the Ioniq 5, the standard one."
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a new electric car that looks cool and has a lot of tech features. It's designed to be eco-friendly and has a roomy inside for passengers and cargo.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is an all-electric compact crossover SUV that features a modern design and advanced technology, including fast charging capabilities and a spacious interior.
Hyundai Tucson
"And then I think I've booked the latest Tucson. Nice."
The Hyundai Tucson is a small SUV that is popular for its good looks and useful features. It's a great choice for families or anyone needing extra space.
The Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV known for its stylish design, practicality, and a range of efficient powertrains, including hybrid options.
Renault Modus
"...e plug-in hybrids, but I can't quite remember, or modus. Oh, you mean the event we've got? Yeah. It's a ..."
The Renault Modus is a small family car that is easy to drive around town. It's designed to be comfortable and has a lot of space for passengers and their stuff.
The Renault Modus is a compact MPV known for its practicality and efficient use of space. It offers a comfortable ride and is designed for urban driving, making it a popular choice for families and city dwellers.
Genesis G80
"...I've got the Genesis G80, the new one. Oh. Yeah. Oh. The one where you can close the doors from a button..."
The Genesis G80 is a fancy car that has cool features like being able to close the doors automatically with a button. It's a luxury sedan made by the Genesis brand.
The Genesis G80 is a luxury sedan that offers advanced technology and comfort features, including the ability to close its doors with a button. It's part of Genesis's lineup, which focuses on premium vehicles.
BMW M3
"...a few weeks' time. And then I've got the Genesis G80, the new one. Oh. Yeah. Oh. The one where you can..."
The BMW M3 is a fancy car that is built for speed and fun driving. It's a more powerful version of a regular BMW, and people who love cars often talk about it because it's exciting to drive.
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, designed for enthusiasts who seek a thrilling driving experience. It combines luxury with powerful engines and precise handling, making it a benchmark in the sports sedan segment.
Genesis GV70
"...and then you've got the GV70 after that as well. Right. So back-to-back..."
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury SUV that offers a lot of nice features and a stylish design. It's made by the Genesis brand and is meant to compete with other high-end SUVs.
The Genesis GV70 is a luxury compact SUV that combines performance with upscale features. It is designed to compete with other premium SUVs in the market, offering a blend of style and technology.
BMW i7
"...I had to close doors on the button in that BMW i7 I had. Oh, yeah. And absolutely no reason to ever use it..."
The BMW i7 is a high-end electric car from BMW, known for its luxury features and advanced technology.
The BMW i7 is a luxury electric sedan that represents BMW's flagship model in their electric vehicle lineup, offering advanced technology and comfort features.
Renault Twingo
"...I also saw the new Twingo in person. Yeah. It's really cool, isn't it?..."
The Renault Twingo is a small car designed for city driving, easy to park and navigate in tight spaces.
The Renault Twingo is a compact city car known for its small size and maneuverability, making it ideal for urban driving.
Renault Zoe
"...the interior has got a Renault Zoe steering wheel and bits and pieces from that, which makes sense..."
The Renault Zoe is a small electric car that's easy to drive and park. It's great for city driving and has a good amount of space inside for passengers and luggage.
The Renault Zoe is a compact electric car known for its practicality and efficiency, making it a popular choice in urban environments. It features a spacious interior and is designed for everyday use with a focus on sustainability.
163 miles
"...But with this today at 22, it needs to not be $19,995. No, it needs to be, I reckon it'll be $17. Yeah. Because you'll get 163 miles out of it."
'163 miles' means that the car can drive that distance on one full charge of its battery. It's important for electric cars because it tells you how far you can go before needing to plug it in again.
The mention of '163 miles' likely refers to the estimated range an electric vehicle can travel on a single charge. This is an important factor for potential buyers, as it determines how far they can drive before needing to recharge.
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