MG is returning to its roadster roots with the all-new Cyberster, an electric two-seater with striking good looks and impressive performance. We recently had the chance to sample a prototype version on the Chinese island of Hainan, and it left us eager for the production model's arrival next year.
A Real Head-Turner
The Cyberster instantly grabs attention with its curvaceous styling and dramatic scissor doors. The long bonnet, high shoulder line, and kicked-up rear end give the roadster undeniable sports car proportions. But the real drama happens when those trick scissor doors pivot upward, allowing easy access to the snug cabin.
While obviously inspired by MG sports cars of old, the Cyberster has a distinctly modern look. The full-width LED light bar at the rear is particularly eye-catching, flanked by cool arrow-shaped indicators. Overall, MG has crafted an absolutely stunning shape that should turn plenty of heads once the production model hits the road.
Plush Interior With A Few Quirks
Slide inside and you're treated to an impressively upscale cabin for an affordable roadster. Nappa leather and microfiber line the interior, with the low-mounted seats providing a properly sporty driving position. Some ergonomic quirks remain, however - the lack of seat base tilt adjustment makes finding an ideal driving position difficult.
MG crams a lot of screens into the Cyberster, with three curved displays behind the steering wheel and another on the center console. While snappy thanks to potent processors, the sheer number of screens feels a bit excessive, and their small size makes them fiddly to operate. Sunny days also bring lots of glare on the center screen.
Still, the Cyberster delivers the intimate, cockpit-like feel you want in a small sports car. Decent storage areas behind the seats add a touch of practicality too. And when the sun comes out, the fabric roof can be lowered in just 10 seconds at speeds up to 32 mph.
Agile Despite Its Weight
Don't let the Cyberster's near-two-ton curb weight fool you - this roadster is properly agile. Credit former Ferrari F1 chassis guru Marco Fainello for the well-sorted dynamics. Despite its heft, the Cyberster turns in crisply and remains beautifully composed even when driving hard.
Thankfully, the ride doesn't seem overly stiff either. Even on the somewhat firm suspension of our pre-production tester, the Cyberster soaked up bumps commendably well for a low-slung sports car. Only the largest potholes upset its rigid structure.
Power comes from either a 335-hp single-motor setup or an all-wheel-drive dual-motor system producing 536 hp. We only sampled the single-motor car, but its potent acceleration - aided by the advantages of electric propulsion - will satisfy most drivers. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 4.6 seconds, feeling every bit as quick as that figure suggests.
Remaining Questions
As impressive as the Cyberster seems initially, many key details remain unanswered for the US-bound production model. Battery size, driving range, pricing, and equipment levels are all still to be determined. MG estimates a starting price around $60,000, positioning it as a rival to the likes of the BMW Z4 and upcoming electric Porsche Boxster.
If MG can nail down the final details, the Cyberster looks poised to be a true return to form for the historic British sports car brand. An affordable roadster with real driving verve and striking looks could be just what MG needs to stake its claim in the electric era. We'll know for sure when the production Cyberster arrives in 2024.
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