When Brits think of MG cars, the classic MG B roadster likely springs to mind. While the brand's modern identity leans towards practical crossovers and hatchbacks, the arrival of the new Cyberster marks a return to the company's sporting heritage.
However, the MG Cyberster is far from a mere homage. It's a futuristic, battery-powered drop-top available in two guises, including a top-of-the-line 510hp dual-motor version. Here, we test the single-motor Cyberster Trophy on some of Northern Scotland's finest roads.
Dimensions and Design
Measuring 4,535mm in length, the MG Cyberster is larger than anticipated for a two-seater convertible sports car. For comparison, the current Mazda MX-5 is 3,915mm long, while the BMW Z4 stretches to 4,324mm. At 1,913mm wide (or 2,110mm with mirrors), the Cyberster is also wider than many competitors. While a far cry from the original MG Midget, the Cyberster's proportions are well-suited, and apart from the unusual arrow-shaped rear indicators, its overall design is unlikely to divide opinions.
Despite its length, the boot offers a modest 249 litres of space. While not massive or deep, it's reasonably long and, according to MG, large enough for a set of golf clubs. It can also comfortably accommodate soft luggage bags. Surprisingly, despite the substantial front bonnet, there's no storage space underneath in the form of a "frunk."
A Glimpse Inside
Accessing the Cyberster's cabin requires a less-conventional approach. The absence of exterior door handles is immediately noticeable. Closer inspection reveals a small raised section within the glossy black band surrounding the tops of the doors (connecting the windscreen pillars and the rear deck behind the silver roll hoops) with a haptic button. Pressing this, or using the corresponding button on the key fob, electrically raises the doors upwards. While a theatrical touch, it's a fitting addition to a car already designed to turn heads.
The doors are equipped with several sensors (using the same technology as the parking sensors) to detect any potential risks of collision with objects or people when opening and closing. This elaborate mechanism conveniently makes entering and exiting the car easy, even when parked beside other vehicles.
One of the first things you'll notice is the surprisingly comfortable seating, further highlighting the Cyberster's status as more of a GT car than a dedicated sports car. Material quality is good, and the driver-centric layout is enhanced by the grab handle on the centre console, which doesn't isolate the passenger. The modern look is dominated by digital displays, which we'll examine in more detail later. Importantly, neither the driver nor passenger will feel cramped inside. The Cyberster offers a comfortable, cosy feeling without being excessively low-slung.
The Driving Experience
Those expecting a nimble and lithe driving experience might find the Cyberster underwhelming. Mistaking it for a Mazda MX-5 is a mistake. Tipping the scales at 1,885kg, the car is not exactly lightweight, mainly due to its substantial 74.4kWh battery, providing a combined range of 507 kilometres from a charge. This figure further underscores the Cyberster's suitability as a genuine GT car, even if luggage options are limited. You can always travel light.
The single-motor Trophy version tested here still packs a punch, delivering 340hp to the rear wheels. Engaging launch mode is a bit fiddly but necessary if you want to experience the five-second sprint from 0-100km/h. The MG feels faster than the stopwatch suggests, and its strength lies in straight-line acceleration. However, when encountering bends, the weight becomes noticeable, subtly reminding you that a GT driving style is preferable to chasing outright performance and speed.
Adopting a more relaxed approach rewards you with an enjoyable and easy-to-drive car. Over the undulating roads of our test route, the Cyberster remained composed and felt solid and well-made. While the angular steering wheel isn't the most aesthetically pleasing, it feels comfortable in your hands. However, gripping the wheel in a traditional "10 and 2" position obscures both of the dashboard's outer display screens. This is particularly frustrating when relying on the map information on the left screen. Nevertheless, the steering offers a pleasing weight, adjustable via the menu system. The driver can also fine-tune the strength of energy recuperation.
Despite these minor niggles, the Cyberster proves enjoyable to drive, which is ultimately the most crucial aspect. Being electric means a significant amount of torque is readily available the moment you press the accelerator pedal. You don't need to push hard to extract performance, yet it settles into a sedate pace effortlessly when you simply want to get from A to B. With the roof up, the outside world is somewhat blocked out, although the experience isn't as quiet as in a fixed-roof coupe.
In the absence of a noisy engine, other, less desirable sounds become more noticeable, such as road noise and, in our experience, a few rattles and shakes when the car encounters rough surfaces. These would likely be less perceptible with an engine running. However, with the roof down, wind buffeting is minimal. A small mesh panel between the roll hoops behind your head effectively shields you from the wind even at higher speeds.
Pricing and Features
The big question, of course, is price. At the time of writing, MG Ireland hasn't confirmed the Cyberster's cost. However, if they follow a similar strategy to MG UK and we extrapolate pricing from there, the two-seater could be sold for under â¬60,000 in the Irish market.
The entry-level variant tested here is the Cyberster Trophy, powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor. The only other option is the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Cyberster GT. Both models are generously equipped with the same extensive list of features, with the only distinction being the GT's larger alloy wheels - 20-inch in diameter compared to the Trophy's 19-inch rims.
LED external lighting, an electric-folding fabric roof, auto-folding door mirrors, electric windows, front and rear parking sensors, fancy electric-opening scissor doors, heated and electrically adjusted sports seats, a wind deflector, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, a heated steering wheel, auto wipers and lights, the three-screen dashboard, central touchscreen, Bluetooth, navigation, USB ports, a 360-degree camera system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control are all included as standard.
Despite its sporty image, the Cyberster benefits from the full "MG Pilot" suite of safety equipment, including blind-spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist, and much more.
Onboard Technology
The Cyberster's cabin boasts four screens in total, seamlessly integrated to avoid a cluttered look. In fact, the three-screen dashboard layout creates a sense of envelopment, placing all the information you could possibly need - and a lot you won't - within easy view. Behind the wheel is a 10.25-inch display for the main instruments, flanked by two 7.0-inch screens.
The driver can customise the appearance of these screens, which also change depending on the selected driving mode. While some might find the video-game-like aesthetic appealing, others may not. We, for the record, find it enjoyable.
A fleeting glance at the interior might make you miss the touchscreen on the centre console. Angled towards the driver, it's primarily for climate control and blends seamlessly into its surroundings.
Reasons to Buy
The electric powertrain isn't the only reason to consider the MG Cyberster. The market for new convertible sports cars, whether electric or combustion-engined, is limited. The Cyberster's looks aren't overly polarising, and the interior is more spacious than some competitors. Its battery capacity is among the highest available in any current electric car, and unless you drive it exceptionally hard, the range should suffice for most people's typical use. It's also a departure from anything else currently offered by MG.
Ask Us Anything
If there's anything about the MG Cyberster that we haven't covered, or if you'd like advice on choosing between it and other vehicles, feel free to use our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
