MG fires up UK's first EV hot hatch

Performance version of award-winning MG4 is expected to beat Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to market

- Alastair Crooks

Goodwood unveiling for aggressive EX4 inspired by legendary rally car

MG is planning to use the MG4 XPower's performance as the base for a concept to pay tribute to the iconic Metro 6R4 rally car at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Called EX4, the new creation is said to be underpinned by the new hot hatchback's powertrain. But shadowy teaser images released ahead of the car's debut show a much more extreme body treatment, with an aggressive front splitter, flared wheelarches and a colossal rear spoiler. MG is also likely to incorporate chassis mods including a wider track, revised springs and dampers, and an uprated braking system.

The company says the EX4 will "boldly reimagine the Metro 6R4 rally legend of the eighties", and the XPower's 429bhp, four-wheel-drive technical base bears comparison to the full-blown rally spec of the 6R4, which made its international rally debut in 1985 before going on to be outlawed, along with all of its Group B rivals, at the end of 1986.

Appearing alongside the EX4 at the Festival of Speed will be the company's new Cyberster roadster.