Verdict
At RM100,888, the MG 4 undercuts the Volvo V40 by RM69,799 and cuts annual road tax from RM365 to RM160. For that, Malaysian buyers get a 64 kWh battery, 435 km EV range, 150 kW DC charging and a 2,705 mm wheelbase. The Volvo counters with 245 hp, a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 240 km/h top speed, versus the MG’s 200 hp, 7.7 seconds and 160 km/h. It is quicker, but the MG is the more rational everyday hatchback if home or workplace charging is available.
The V40 T4 R Design (RM180,888) sits above every 4 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the MG 4 if you want the RM69,799 saving, 435 km electric range, 150 kW DC charging and a larger 363-litre boot.
Pick the Volvo V40 if you prioritise its 245 hp petrol performance, 6.3-second sprint and 240 km/h top speed.
Key differences
- Price: MG 4 RM100,888; Volvo V40 RM170,687.
- Power and torque: MG 4 motor 200 hp and 250 Nm; Volvo V40 245 hp and 350 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: MG 4 7.7 seconds and 160 km/h; Volvo V40 6.3 seconds and 240 km/h.
- Energy use: MG 4 has a 64 kWh battery and 435 km range; Volvo V40 uses petrol at 6.1 L/100 km with a 62-litre tank.
- Wheelbase and boot: MG 4 2,705 mm and 363 litres; Volvo V40 2,647 mm and 335 litres.
- Road tax: MG 4 RM160 a year; Volvo V40 RM365 a year.
4
- 64 kWh battery with 435 km range and 150 kW DC charging.
- RM69,799 lower purchase price and RM205 lower annual road tax.
- Longer 2,705 mm wheelbase, 363-litre boot and 360-degree camera.
- Slower than the Volvo V40: 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h and 160 km/h top speed versus 6.3 seconds and 240 km/h.
- Has six airbags to the Volvo V40’s seven, and lacks its driver’s knee airbag.
- Single-zone climate control and no auto wipers, against the V40’s dual-zone CleanZone system and auto wipers.
V40
- 245 hp and 350 Nm deliver a 6.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, plus City Safety pedestrian and cyclist detection.
- Dual-zone CleanZone climate control, driver-seat memory and auto parking.
- Costs RM69,799 more and has RM365 annual road tax versus RM160 for the MG 4.
- Uses petrol at 6.1 L/100 km, while the MG 4 has a 435 km electric range.
- Shorter 2,647 mm wheelbase and smaller 335-litre boot than the MG 4’s 2,705 mm and 363 litres.
What the 4 has over the V40
What the V40 has over the 4
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
The 4's wheelbase is 58 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,888✓ | RM170,687 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM365 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,030/mo✓ | RM1,740/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM2,871✓ | RM4,751 |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | RM1,307✓ | RM3,303 |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM6.54✓ | RM16.52 |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM21,691✓ | RM42,094 |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 5.8 hours | — |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 30 min | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 245 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | — | 350 Nm at 1,500 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 82 mm × 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.8 |
| 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds | 6.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 143 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,287 mm | 4,369 mm |
| Width | 1,836 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,504 mm | 1,439 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,705 mm | 2,647 mm |
| Weight | 1,685 kg | 1,521 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 363 litres✓ | 335 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/45R18 | 225/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Turanza T005 EV | — |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | 24 inch | — |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | 16 inch | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars — With 7 airbags and stability control |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Electric for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on outer rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | City Safety with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | No |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Power Adjustable 8-Way, Memory for Driver |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with CleanZone |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 7" DVD/MP3 Player with 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | — |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used 4 & V40 for sale
Our reviews & guides
MG 4
4 vs V40 FAQ
Is the MG 4 or Volvo V40 better?
The MG 4 is the better buy for an EV-ready Malaysian household: it is far cheaper, has 435 km range and a larger boot. Choose the Volvo V40 only if its quicker 6.3-second acceleration and petrol refuelling suit your use better.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo V40 costs RM69,799 more than the MG 4. Its annual road tax is also RM205 higher, at RM365 versus RM160.
Which car is faster, the MG 4 or Volvo V40?
The Volvo V40 is faster, reaching 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and 240 km/h. The MG 4 takes 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h and tops out at 160 km/h.
How long does charging take?
The 4's 64.0 kWh battery takes about 5.8 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 30 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 150 kW peak.
Which one is locally assembled?
The V40 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the 4 is fully imported (CBU) from China. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.