MG’s first electric roadster is on the way. To be quite frank, he is even already on the road. Those who caught it in China even managed to photograph its impressive interior.
The production version of the Cyberster concept presented by MG at the Shanghai Motor Show in early 2021 is not expected before 2024. However, we already know what it will look like precisely. A few months after a patent leak allowing you to discover it from all angles, it is now a rolling copy that has been surprised in China. Information unearthed by our Spanish colleagues from spycars.
More classic than the concept car
Only one image of the exterior has been shared. This is a profile photo of a copy still heavily camouflaged but unable to hide its fluid lines inspired by the concept car from which it should borrow its name. A little less tortured, however, a little more classic, its overall forms are reminiscent of the roadsters of yesteryear: wheels pushed back at the four corners, reduced height, long hood and short overhangs. We note the traditional canvas hood which should allow him to gain a few precious kilos. Small aesthetic singularity of the Cyberster, the stern is slightly receding, undoubtedly to the benefit of aerodynamics.
A rather spectacular interior
Externally, the Cyberster will want to be aggressive but not too much, unlike for example the loud-mouthed MG4 compact sedan, perhaps a little too much for some. However, the interior of the roadster, a little more naked than its dress, surprises more. The most striking element is its rectangular steering wheel, cut on the upper part, Tesla-inspired. Even if it is gradually starting to become more democratic (thanks to the Californian brand for that!), the effect is still striking. It remains to be seen whether MG will use conventional non-speed-dependent power steering, like the Palo Alto manufacturer, or without a mechanical linkage. by wire“, which Toyota offers for example on its bZ4X.
For the rest, we discover a driving position oriented towards the driver with a large double curved touch screen, and a good-sized grab handle reminiscent of that which could be found in the first Peugeot 3008 of the name. Unlike Tesla, MG didn’t give in to all-touch sirens. Buttons remain present here and there to control some essential functions, ergonomics should benefit from it. In general, the presentation is polished, the colors warm (at least on the livery immortalized here) and the materials seem of quality. To be confirmed, it goes without saying, but MG is clearly no longer there to do simple figuration.
Still many unknowns
There are still many things to discover about this future model. Nothing has filtered on the mechanical part for example. If the technical characteristics of the production Cyberster are close to those of the concept, it could rival the Tesla Roadster with fiery performance (0 to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds on the showcar) and a very comfortable autonomy of 800 km. But nothing says that MG will not aim lower in order to contain the prices of its sound which would thus succeed the MG F or TF that you surely knew in the 1990s and 2000s.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
MG Cyberster Concept: all about the electric roadster
Cheap Chinese electric cars, a danger for European manufacturers according to Carlos Tavares
MG4 vs Renault Mégane E-Tech: China – France, electric match
