The MG Cyberster is not just another electric car—it’s a bold, roofless statement. Positioned as a high-tech roadster that brings together electrification and heritage, the Cyberster aims to reshape how we perceive performance, style, and open-top motoring. But can this all-electric future-ready machine truly rival the charm, thrill, and spirit of traditional roadsters?
Let’s explore in depth how the MG Cyberster stacks up against its traditional counterparts.
1. A Glimpse at the MG Cyberster
The MG Cyberster, developed by SAIC Motor under the MG brand, is MG’s ambitious return to the two-door, open-top segment. This electric roadster is visually striking with its low-slung body, scissor doors, and futuristic aesthetics that clearly target the younger, tech-forward generation.
Key Highlights:
- Electric Powertrain
- Scissor Doors
- Convertible Roof
- Digital Cockpit
- Up to 530 HP (dual motor AWD version)
2. Traditional Roadsters: Legacy with a Roar
From the Mazda MX-5 Miata to the BMW Z4 and Porsche 718 Boxster, traditional roadsters have long represented the purest form of driving pleasure. With internal combustion engines, rear-wheel drive, manual gearboxes, and a raw mechanical connection to the road, these cars have built a loyal fanbase that swears by “analog fun.”
What defines a traditional roadster?
- Lightweight and compact dimensions
- Front or mid-mounted petrol engines
- Rear-wheel-drive layout
- Manual transmission (often optional now)
- An emphasis on “driving feel” over outright speed
3. Powertrain Comparison: Electric vs Internal Combustion
MG Cyberster:
- Dual motor setup in top trims
- 0–100 km/h in under 4 seconds
- Instant torque delivery
- Regenerative braking
- Zero emissions
Traditional Roadsters:
- Engine variety (naturally aspirated, turbocharged)
- Slower 0–100 km/h times in base trims
- Mechanical noise and tactile engagement
- No regenerative braking, more traditional handling feel
👉 Verdict: Cyberster wins on straight-line speed and futuristic tech. But for those who love the sound and gradual buildup of revs, traditional roadsters still hold the emotional edge.
4. Design Language: Futuristic vs Timeless
The Cyberster is nothing short of dramatic—it looks like it belongs in a video game or science fiction movie. On the other hand, traditional roadsters embrace elegance, simplicity, and proportions that harken back to classic motoring.
Cyberster’s USP:
- Scissor doors
- Aggressive LED lighting
- Wide rear stance
Traditional Roadster USP:
- Sleek curves
- Iconic designs (e.g., Miata’s round headlights or the Z4’s shark nose)
👉 Verdict: If you want to turn heads on the road, Cyberster is your choice. But for timeless beauty, traditional roadsters hold the crown.
5. Interior and Tech Features
The Cyberster is a tech powerhouse. Expect features like:
- A triple-screen digital dashboard
- Over-the-air updates
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- AI voice commands
In contrast, traditional roadsters often emphasize driver-focused cabins with fewer distractions. Minimal touchscreens, analog dials, and tactile buttons create a cockpit-like feel.
👉 Verdict: Cyberster wins for gadget lovers, but traditional roadsters are ideal for driving purists.
6. Driving Experience: Instant vs Engaged
Cyberster’s EV platform offers:
- Near-instant acceleration
- Stability and AWD grip
- Whisper-quiet rides
But here’s the catch: the lack of engine sound, gear shifts, and vibration can feel emotionally sterile for some enthusiasts.
Traditional roadsters:
- Deliver a raw, visceral experience
- Offer lightweight handling and manual control
- Provide feedback that makes each drive memorable
👉 Verdict: Cyberster is great for daily, fast commutes; traditional roadsters are better for weekend getaways and canyon carving.
7. Price and Market Position
The MG Cyberster is expected to be priced around ₹50–₹60 lakh when launched in India, aligning with luxury entry-level sports cars. Traditional roadsters have a wide price range—from ₹30 lakh (MX-5) to ₹90 lakh+ (Porsche Boxster).
👉 Verdict: Cyberster offers value for cutting-edge tech and performance in the EV segment. Traditional roadsters offer price options for varying budgets.
8. Practicality & Usability
The Cyberster is being marketed as a roadster with usable range (estimated 500+ km on a full charge). It may also feature limited storage space and modular driving modes for daily use.
Traditional roadsters are notoriously impractical:
- Small boots
- Low ground clearance
- Minimal tech for comfort
👉 Verdict: The Cyberster wins on daily usability and comfort.
9. Emotional Factor: New-Age Cool vs Nostalgic Fun
Here’s where it gets subjective.
- Cyberster appeals to Gen Z and younger millennials who want EV performance, connectivity, and bold aesthetics.
- Traditional roadsters appeal to enthusiasts who value gear changes, petrol fumes, and road feel.
Both offer emotional satisfaction—just in very different flavors.
🔚 Conclusion: A Clash of Eras
The MG Cyberster is not here to replace traditional roadsters—it’s here to rewrite the rules. It presents a future where electric cars are not just sensible but exhilarating, stylish, and emotional.
Traditional roadsters, meanwhile, remain symbols of driving purity. They might not have the Cyberster’s tech, but they have decades of charm.
🚗 If you want a tech-savvy, future-ready thrill, the MG Cyberster is your machine.
🚙 If you want a soulful, hands-on driving experience, stick with a traditional roadster.
