MG4 vs Volkswagen Golf: Running Costs UK 2026
Last updated: June 2026 · Based on current UK fuel prices
At 10,000 miles/yr · 80% home charging
+£627/yr
The MG4 saves you approximately £627 per year in fuel costs.
Break-even on the higher purchase price: ~2.4 years
Volkswagen Golf fuel cost
14.9p/mile
44 MPG · 143.9p/litre
MG4 (home tariff)
7.0p/mile
4 mi/kWh · 28p/kWh
Annual fuel cost comparison
The table below uses real-world efficiency figures for both vehicles and current UK fuel prices. EV costs assume 80% home charging (28p/kWh) and 20% public rapid charging (60p/kWh).
| Miles/yr | Volkswagen Golf | MG4 | EV saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8,000 | £1,189 | £688 | +£501 |
| 10,000(avg) | £1,487 | £860 | +£627 |
| 12,000 | £1,784 | £1,032 | +£752 |
| 15,000 | £2,230 | £1,290 | +£940 |
| 20,000 | £2,974 | £1,720 | +£1,254 |
Petrol: 143.9p/litre · Home electricity: 28p/kWh · Public rapid: 60p/kWh
MG4 cost by charging scenario
Charging behaviour has more impact on EV running costs than almost any other variable. Here's how the MG4 compares at 10,000 miles per year across four scenarios:
Overnight EV tariff
£175/yr · 1.8p/mile
Standard home (80% home)
£860/yr · 8.6p/mile
Mixed (50% home)
£1,100/yr · 11.0p/mile
Public charging only
£1,500/yr · 15.0p/mile
Saving vs Volkswagen Golf at 10,000 mi/yr and 143.9p/litre.
Key specs
MG4
Standard Range
Volkswagen Golf
1.5 eTSI Life
Get a personalised result for your actual mileage
The figures above use national average fuel prices. Enter your postcode to get live local prices, or adjust the MPG and efficiency for your specific trim level.
Open calculator pre-filled for this comparisonFrequently asked questions
How much does a MG4 cost to run per mile in the UK?
At a standard UK home electricity rate of 28p/kWh and a real-world efficiency of 4 miles/kWh, the MG4 costs approximately 7.0p per mile when charging at home. On a dedicated overnight EV tariff (around 7p/kWh) this falls to just 1.8p per mile. Relying entirely on public rapid charging at 60p/kWh raises the cost to 15.0p per mile.
Is the MG4 cheaper to run than the Volkswagen Golf?
Yes, for most UK drivers who can charge at home. The Volkswagen Golf costs approximately 14.9p per mile in petrol at current UK prices. At home on a standard tariff, the MG4 costs 7.0p per mile — a saving of 7.9p per mile. At 10,000 miles per year with 80% home charging, the MG4 saves around £627 per year in fuel costs.
How long to break even switching from a Volkswagen Golf to a MG4?
Based on an estimated price premium of £1,500 for the MG4 over the Volkswagen Golf, and annual fuel savings of approximately £627 at 10,000 miles per year (80% home charging), the break-even point is around 2.4 years. Drivers covering more miles will reach break-even sooner — at 15,000 miles per year the saving is proportionally larger.
What if I can't charge the MG4 at home?
Without home charging, the economics change significantly. Relying on public rapid charging at 60p/kWh puts the MG4 at 15.0p per mile — higher than the Volkswagen Golf at 14.9p per mile. EV running cost savings are almost entirely dependent on home charging access. Drivers without off-street parking should factor this in carefully.