Verdict
The MG 4 is the more rounded Malaysian buy: it costs RM36,732 less, delivers 200 hp and 250 Nm for a 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time, and brings five doors, five seats and a 363-litre boot. Its 64 kWh battery is rated for 435 km, with 11 kW AC and 150 kW DC charging. The Beetle counters with a 180 km/h top speed, 5.5 L/100 km rating and lower RM55 annual road tax, but its three-door, four-seat layout and 310-litre boot are less accommodating. MG also gets AEB, lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera.
Pick the MG 4 if you want the lower-priced, quicker five-door EV with 435 km range and substantially more active safety kit.
Pick the Volkswagen Beetle if you prefer petrol power, a 180 km/h top speed and RM55 annual road tax over EV charging.
Key differences
- Price: MG 4 RM100,888; Volkswagen Beetle RM137,620.
- Performance: MG 4 reaches 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds; Volkswagen Beetle takes 10.9 seconds.
- Powertrain: MG 4 has a 200 hp, 250 Nm motor and 64 kWh battery; Volkswagen Beetle has a 103 hp, 175 Nm 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.
- Practicality: MG 4 has five doors, five seats and a 363-litre boot; Volkswagen Beetle has three doors, four seats and a 310-litre boot.
- Wheelbase: MG 4 is 2,705 mm; Volkswagen Beetle is 2,537 mm.
- Road tax: MG 4 is RM160 per year; Volkswagen Beetle is RM55 per year.
4
- RM36,732 cheaper
- 200 hp and 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time
- 435 km EV range, 150 kW DC charging and V2L
- RM160 annual road tax versus RM55
- 160 km/h top speed versus 180 km/h
- 1,685 kg versus 1,297 kg
Beetle
- 180 km/h top speed
- RM55 annual road tax
- Front parking sensors, front foglamps and auto wipers
- RM36,732 more expensive
- 103 hp and 175 Nm trail the MG 4's 200 hp and 250 Nm
- Three doors, four seats and a 310-litre boot
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,888✓ | RM137,620 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160 | RM55✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 8-valve SOHC with direct fuel injection and turbocharger |
| Capacity | — | 1,197 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 103 hp |
| Torque | — | 175 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 71 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 200 hp✓ | — |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm✓ | — |
| Battery Capacity | 64 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 435 km✓ | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 150 kW | — |
| V2L | 2.5 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | — | 7-Speed DSG |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | BorgWarner |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds✓ | 10.9 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 5.5 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 137 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,287 mm | 4,278 mm |
| Width | 1,836 mm | 1,808 mm |
| Height | 1,504 mm | 1,486 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705 mm | 2,537 mm |
| Weight | 1,685 kg | 1,297 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 3 |
| Seats | 5 | 4 |
| Boot Space | 363 litres✓ | 310 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R18 | 215/60R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | Bridgestone Turanza ER300 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Mexico (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 4 three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Normal Bulb |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 50:50 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 5.8" Composition Colour touchscreen radio with CD/MP3/WMA playback and 8 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | Two Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Manual key |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/150,000 km Battery Warranty | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 4 & Beetle for sale
4 vs Beetle FAQ
Is the MG 4 or Volkswagen Beetle better?
The MG 4 is better for most buyers. It is cheaper, faster, has five doors and seats, a larger 363-litre boot, plus a 435 km EV range and active safety systems including autonomous braking and lane-keeping assist.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Beetle costs RM36,732 more than the MG 4: RM137,620 versus RM100,888.
Which is more practical for passengers and luggage?
The MG 4 is more practical, with five doors, five seats and a 363-litre boot. The Volkswagen Beetle has three doors, four seats and a 310-litre boot.