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Pros: Strong powertrains, likely to be rare
Cons: Not as affordable as other MGs, multi-screen setup is flawed
MG Cyberster Design
The Cyberster has a look all to itself and isn’t like the other models in MG’s expanding line-up. Nevertheless, the Cyberster is a good-looking take on the classic two-seat roadster, featuring some distinctive design elements. These include arrow-shaped rear lights incorporating the indicators so those behind you will have no mistake in understanding what way you’re turning. Cheesy-looking lights aside, the upright rear end and full-width light bar that juts downwards emphasise the car’s wide rear track, giving it plenty of presence on the road.
A long, low bonnet gives it lovely proportions and the sides are sculpted in a way that wouldn’t look out of place on an Aston Martin. A clean look is partly due to the lack of physical door handles, which is a clue to one of the MG’s party tricks. The A-pillars are gloss black and this colour runs along the tops of the doors and around the rear deck and boot lid. This contrasting colour helps hide the buttons to open the doors, which are electrically operated and rise upwards. The fabric roof is also electrically operated and takes less than 15 seconds to go up or retract.
MG Cyberster Interior
There’s little that’s retro about the Cyberster’s interior. Once you slide in over the sills into its sports seats, you face a futuristic cockpit. The flat-bottomed steering wheel has multifunction control panels on each side and two rotary controllers jutting out below, which allow for adjustment of the steering assistance and performance.
A three-panel digital dashboard presents the driver with an array of information, with navigation available on the left screen and a detailed onboard computer on the right, while the primary driving information appears on the centre display. One further touchscreen is oriented in the portrait position on the centre console, next to physical buttons for drive selection. At the centre console’s base are buttons to operate the doors, though there are also controls on the doors themselves.
The layout is quite driver-centric, and a central grab rail creates more separation between the passenger compartments. Material quality inside is good, with only a few carry-over switches from other MG models. The driver position and seats have a good degree of adjustability as well.
MG Cyberster Performance & Drive
The MG Cyberster isn’t the car for those expecting a light and nimble driving experience. Weighing 1,885kg, largely due to its hefty 74.4kWh battery, it doesn’t compare to the likes of a Mazda MX-5. That said, the Cyberster’s real strength lies in its ability as a GT car, offering an official range of 507 kilometres. However, you’ll need to pack light for longer trips as luggage space is limited.
The Trophy version tested here has a single motor delivering 340hp to the rear wheels, which still provides a strong level of performance for such a car. There is a launch mode for maximising standing start getaways, but it is fiddly to engage. Once activated, the Cyberster will sprint from 0-100km/h in just five seconds, and with 475Nm of instantaneous torque on hand, it feels quicker than the stopwatch indicates. The dual-motor Cyberster GT will crack 0-100km/h in 3.2 seconds thanks to its 503hp output. The Cyberster excels in straight-line speed and roll-on acceleration, but its weight becomes more noticeable in the corners, making it better suited to relaxed, long-distance cruising rather than outright performance driving.
It handles undulating roads with ease, feeling well-built and composed. The flat-bottomed steering wheel isn’t particularly stylish, though, and your hands can obstruct the outer dashboard screens if you hold it at 10 and 2, which can be inconvenient, especially if you’re relying on the navigation display. On the plus side, the steering has a nice weight to it, and both it and the energy recuperation settings are adjustable.
Despite a few drawbacks, the Cyberster is enjoyable to drive overall. The electric motor provides plenty of torque whenever needed, allowing for effortless acceleration. It also settles comfortably into a steady pace when you’re simply cruising. With the roof up, outside noise is kept to a reasonable level, though it’s not as quiet as a hardtop would be.
However, without the noise of an engine, road noise and the occasional rattle become more noticeable, especially on rougher surfaces. These might not stand out as much in a petrol-powered car. On the upside, with the roof down, wind buffeting is minimal, and a small mesh panel between the roll hoops helps keep things comfortable, even at higher speeds.
MG Cyberster Pricing
MG Ireland hasn’t confirmed the Cyberster's price, but if it follows a similar approach to MG UK, the two-seater could be priced under €60,000.
The version we tested here is the entry-level Cyberster Trophy, featuring a single, rear-mounted electric motor. The only other option is the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Cyberster GT. Both models come with a generous list of standard equipment, with the main visual difference being the wheels—the GT comes with 20-inch alloys, while the Trophy sits on 19-inch rims.
Carzone Verdict
The MG Cyberster is a car with few rivals, regardless of its electric powertrain. It fulfils the role of a halo model for the brand and it’s surprisingly sweet to drive, so long as you view it as a GT car rather than an outright sports car.