MG5 Previewed Locally As An Upcoming City & Vios Challenger

This upcoming MG5 has been touted to arrive over here with a price tag that is less than RM 100,000. 

Following the local launch of its all-electric MG4 and ZS, MG Motor Malaysia has recently announced that it will soon be further expanding its lineup over here with a brace of ICE models. And two of which that will be coming within the next is the MG5 compact sedan, as well as the MG HS mid-sized SUV. 

The HS is currently envisioned by MG as its answer to the Proton X50, with further information on it being detailed in the story linked here. This article meanwhile will be focused on the MG5, which will serve as the Chinese automaker’s take on the B-segment sedan class currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota Vios and Honda City. 

Just before delving further into the details regarding this compact sedan too, it is perhaps worth highlighting that the particular second iteration of the MG5 was first launched in China all the way back in 2020. A new facelifted version was incidentally also unveiled just last week in its home market, but there is thus far no official news yet regarding a timeline on when this recently refreshed iteration will be making its way out into the wider world. 

Now starting with the basics and discussing dimensions first, this Chinese B-segment sedan is currently touting itself to be the longest and widest in its class. So below is a table that illustrates how it literally measures up against its local rivals (and yes, the boot capacities are correct): 

As for how it looks on the outside here, the MG5’s frontal visage 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 silhouette is in turn accented by a set of 17-inch Tomahawk alloy wheels, while a subtle ducktail spoiler and chromed quadrilateral exhaust pipe trim rounds off a distinctively W205-era Mercedes-Benz C-Class-looking rear. 

Moving onto what lies within the red-accented black leather cabin of the MG5, among the more notable tech toys are a 7-inch digital driver’s display and 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 3 USB ports. 

In terms of the available safety kit on the other hand, the MG5 is touted to pack six airbags, and the usual brace of passive safety aids (ABS, EBD, Traction Control). Its included MG PILOT driver assist safety system does also come with Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but unfortunately lacks adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking. 

Powering the sole variant of MG5 to land locally is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder, which is mated to an 8-speed iCVT that drives solely its front wheels. Total power output for this sole engine option currently stands 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. 

Five colours will be available come its eventual launch: Nuclear Yellow, Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Camden Grey. Incidentally, Nuclear Yellow was the launch colour for the MGB all the way back in 1962!

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. What is however still unknown however is to be the price of this upcoming sedan, with the Chinese automaker teasing thus far that this Thai-import will (somehow) land locally for less than RM 100,000. 

And just for comparison’s sake here, the local Honda City lineup starts from RM 84,900 to RM 99,900 for petrol-powered trims, while the Toyota Vios ranges from RM 89,600 to RM 95,500. The Nissan Almera meanwhile costs between RM 83,888 to RM 95,888, while the Proton S70 is priced between RM 73,800 to RM 94,800.