MG is going back to its enthusiast roots with its first new two-seat convertible in almost 30 years. You’ve probably read about the electric powertrain and scissor doors, but looking good on paper is only half the battle. The one thing we all want to know is whether it’s any fun to drive.
Now, thanks to a review from the YouTube channel of China-based Wheelsboy, we have our first independent take on the car that will be pitched against next year’s Porsche Boxster EV. And the big takeaway is that while the Cyberster has plenty going for it, it’s not exactly the B-road weapon some were hoping for – and which the Porsche probably will be.
Tester Ethan Robertson heaps praise on the ride comfort provided by the double wishbone suspension and says the Cyberster turns smartly into bends, but he claims it feels slightly numb and never gives the impression of being light on its feet. Which isn’t too surprising given it weighs 4,080-4,375 lbs (1,850-1,985 kg) depending on whether you’re talking about the single-motor or dual-motor version.
The single-motor, 310 hp (314 PS) RWD car comes with a choice of 64 kWh or 77 kWh batteries in China giving a range of 311 miles (501 km) or 360 miles (580 km), while the AWD duallie is only available with the bigger pack and can manage 323 miles (520 km) on a charge.
Related: MG Cyberster Getting Ready For Prime Time As Production Starts In China
Robertson is impressed by the 536 hp (543 PS) bi-motor car’s 3.2-second zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) performance, but hates the fake engine sounds, so opts to switch them off, and isn’t a fan of the doors either. He also notes that the triple-screen dash setup is badly obscured by the steering wheel, and was clearly designed for a yoke-style wheel like the one on the original concept. We understand a yoke has now been relegated to the options list, and might not be available at all in some markets.
The review also highlight MG’s clever use of contrast black on the upper and lower bodywork, which has been added to make the car look slimmer than it really is, and the long, but shallow trunk.
So it’s a mixed bag, overall, but Robertson suggests you’ll find the Cyberster an appealing package if you think of it more as a refined GT convertible that doesn’t fall on its face in corners than the kind of sports car you’ll want to take to a track or your favorite winding road at the weekend.