A special campaign celebrating 100 years of MG however sees for this MG5 net a RM 7,000 discount at launch.
Following its local preview two months back, MG Motor Malaysia has since recently officially launched the MG5 sedan over here. This challenger to the Honda City and Toyota Vios is currently said to cost RM 93,900, but a special RM 7,000 discount that the Sino-British automaker is offering in conjunction with its centenary brings the list price down to RM 86,900.
And just to provide some frame of reference, the Toyota Vios E and G variants retail for RM 89,900 and RM 95,500 respectively. The Honda City meanwhile currently costs from between RM 84,900 for the base-spec 1.5L S, before rising to RM 99,900 for the top-spec petrol RS and RM 111,900 for its hybrid equivalent.
As for the oft-overlooked Nissan Almera Turbo, that starts from RM 83,888 and creeps up to RM 76,888 for the flagship VLT. Though for something similarly Chinese on the other hand, prices for the Geely Emgrand-based Proton S70 range starts at RM 73,800 and ends at RM 94,800.
Oh, and while on the subject of the Proton S70 as well, it is perhaps worth highlighting that it isn’t just the roaring lion marque that has been stuck with giving Malaysians an older Chinese model. Such is as this version of MG5 that was recently launched locally has already been kicking around in China since 2020, with there technically been a facelifted iteration that debuted back in its home market some two months ago now.
In any case, the MG5 that made its way here is still quite the striking looking car (particularly in the hero Nuclear Yellow hue). The frontal visage of this B-segment sedan is to be dominated by a distinctive(ly large) MG octagon on an equally sizeable grille, flanked on either side a pair of LED headlights. Its fastback profile is in turn accented by a set of 17-inch two-tone Tomahawk alloy wheels, while a subtle ducktail spoiler and chromed trapezoidal exhaust pipe trim rounds off a distinctively W205-era Mercedes-Benz C-Class-looking rump.
Powering the sole variant of MG5 available locally is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated DVVT four cylinder, which is mated to an 8-speed iCVT that drives solely its front wheels. Total output for this powertrain combination currently is quoted by its maker at 114 PS @ 6,000 rpm and 150 Nm of torque @ 4,500 rpm, which is supposedly good enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 11.5 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 17.5 km/l.
Moving onto what lies within the red-accented black leather cabin of the MG5, this car of Chinese origin (but Thai birth for the Malaysian models) is expectedly packed to the rafters with kit. Among the more notable tech toys within are a 7-inch digital driver’s display a 10.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
This B-segment sedan further features a pair of electrically-adjustable front seats (6-way for driver, 4-way for passenger), single zone climate control with PM 2.5 air filter and rear air vents, a 360º camera, a six-speaker sound system and 4 USB ports (1 dash cam port, 2 front, 1 rear. All USB Type-A). The MG5 also comes standard locally with a sunroof too, which is a feature only shared with the flagship Proton S70 in this class.
In terms of the available safety kit, the MG5 is touted to pack six airbags and the usual brace of passive safety aids (ABS, EBD, Traction Control). The MG PILOT active safety suite meanwhile brings to this B-segment sedan Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but unfortunately misses out on adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
Five colours will be available come its eventual launch: Nuclear Yellow, Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Camden Grey. MG is also currently set to offer the MG5 with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a 5 year unlimited milage vehicle warranty, as well as a 7-year unlimited milage warranty on the engine and transmission.
Now speaking frankly at the end here, the MG5 does tick the box here for those looking at a decently-stylish and more-than-decently-equipped B-segment sedan. Though it really remains to be seen on whether this Chinese car can do enough to persuade the typically more cost-conscious buyers out of the stalwart Honda and Toyota, for something whose resale value is still an unknown quantity at this point.
