Five electro-compacts - all-purpose weapons from MG to VW
Compact Models Enjoy Great Popularity Among German Car Enthusiasts for Decades. To Keep This Trend Going in the Electric Era, There Are Now Several Electric Vehicles in This Format. Five Examples.
A regular car without SUV pretensions, compact in size, versatile, affordable, and powered solely by electricity? Yes, even the electric car faction offers such all-purpose vehicles that make German drivers mobile in a solid, functional, and often enjoyable way through rightsizing. Here are five of them.
MG 4 EV
MG, a well-established Chinese newcomer in Germany, has made a name for itself with affordable electric cars. The MG 4, introduced in 2022, offers a classic compact car body measuring over 4.30 meters with a slightly progressive design. The MG 4 aims to embody the sporty tradition of the MG brand, as demonstrated by the 4 XPower version with a powerful dual motor producing 320 kW/435 PS, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. The single-motor MG 4 models offer between 125 kW/170 PS and 180 kW/245 PS. Battery capacity increases with power: 51, 64, or 77 kWh, providing a range of 350 to 520 kilometers. A DC fast-charging capability of up to 144 kW ensures quick battery charging. Starting at 35,000 euros for the base model with a smaller battery, the fully equipped XPower version starts at 47,000 euros.
VW ID.3
The VW ID.3 breathes the spirit of the most popular compact car of the past few decades: the VW Golf. As an electric car, it offers balanced features. Comfortable, agile, practical, and visually appealing, it's a safe choice. Space and ergonomics are top-notch.
Since its market introduction in 2019, VW has modified and expanded the ID.3's powertrain options, battery formats, and trim levels in response to criticism of the materials used. Now, customers can choose between a powerful and a less powerful motor. The entry-level Pure offers 125 kW/170 PS, while VW now offers the sporty GTX Performance with 240 kW/326 PS for GTI fans. The ID.3's range varies between 388 and 604 kilometers depending on battery size. It supports up to 170 kW charging. Prices start at around 37,000 euros, with the GTX starting at 50,800 euros. Tip for saving: VW currently offers a mobility bonus of around 3,500 euros.
Opel Astra Electric
Opel's compact classic, the Astra, can also drive electric and does so unassumingly well, even as a practical station wagon with over 1,550 liters of cargo space in the rear.
Externally, the Astra Electric subtly reveals itself as an electric car. Inside, it's equipped like a modern compact car. With 115 kW/156 PS, a 54 kWh battery, a range of 418 kilometers, and a 100 kW charging capability, it's slightly below the average for a compact electric vehicle but more than sufficient for daily use. The Astra with an electric powertrain is essentially normal in every way. Prices start at 42,000 euros, with the station wagon starting at 43,500 euros.
Peugeot e-308
Stellantis Offers Peugeot e-308 as Expressive Alternative to Astra
The Stellantis group presents the Peugeot e-308 as an expressive alternative to the Astra. Especially the GT version with black accents, exhaust trims, and 18-inch wheels, it seems like a bold, roaring hot hatch, yet the 4.37-meter long five-seater is a compact car in the classic and best sense. Inside, the French car offers plenty of visual and tactile pleasures, much like the Astra. The 115 kW/156 PS front motor provides lively acceleration. The compact version's trunk holds 361 to 1271 liters, while the almost 4.70-meter long station wagon offers up to 1574 liters. Like the Astra, it comes with 54 kWh, around 400 kilometers of range, and 100 kW DC charging. Despite the well-equipped base, the prices are confident: the five-seater starts at 44,800 euros, and the SW costs 1,000 euros more.
Renault Mégane E-Tech
While Peugeot also offers the 308 with an internal combustion engine, the Renault Mégane E-Tech, launched in 2022, is a "born electric" compact. At 4.20 meters long, it's very compact, but this also means slightly limited legroom in the back. The French car is also modest in terms of powertrain and battery: the base produces 96 kW/131 PS and has a small 40 kWh battery for only 300 kilometers. That's fine for a city car, but those who want more can choose the EV60 with the entry-level motor or the top powertrain with 160 kW/218 PS. Here, 60 kWh is on board, providing 450 to 470 kilometers. It can be charged at up to 130 kW.
The Mégane E-Tech's strengths include a beautifully designed digital cockpit with versatile infotainment technology. For cash buyers, Renault offers the base version from 33,000 euros. The powerful drive variant with a large battery starts at 43,000 euros.
The MG 4 EV, with its compact size and various power options, is an attractive choice for those looking for an affordable electric vehicle with a range of up to 520 kilometers. Motor vehicles alike, the VW ID.3 and Opel Astra Electric, offer comfort, practicality, and decent performance, appealing to German drivers seeking an electric alternative to their beloved compact models.
