MG5 priced to knock off i30

by Alistair Kennedy Chinese manufacturer MG Motors has continued to expand its vehicle range in Australia with the launch of the MG5, a sm...

by Alistair Kennedy

Chinese manufacturer MG Motors has continued to expand its vehicle range in Australia with the launch of the MG5, a small-medium four-door sedan.

Although new to Australia the MG5 has been on sale overseas since 2012, often badged as the MG GT. We’re getting the second-generation model released in 2020.

MG5 comes with the choice of two variants, Vibe and Essence with driveaway prices of $24,990 and $28,990 respectively. 

Not surprisingly this will make MG5 the cheapest model in our large and highly-competitive small sedan segment, undercutting the Hyundai i30 Active sedan ($26,000 + ORC), Kia Cerato S ($26,200 + ORC) and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport sedan ($28,630 + ORC).

It does come with the same seven-year/unlimited distance warranty as the Cerato while Hyundai and Toyota offer five years and unlimited kilometres.

MG5 Vibe is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine generating 84kW and 150Nm with a CVT automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Essence steps up to a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four with outputs of 110kW and 250Nm, but with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and front wheel drive.

Claimed fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 5.7L/100km (Vibe) and 5.9L/100km (Essence).

Full details of safety equipment are yet to be provided. All that we’ve been told so far is that there are six airbags, with Essence adding a 360-degree overhead camera. 

Likewise, infotainment features are sketchy but will include a 10.0-inch multi-function colour touchscreen with pairing to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Vibe gets a four-speaker audio system and Essence two extra speakers.

Six colours are available: Dover White, Royal Yellow, Diamond Red, Misty Grey, Black Pearl, and Brixton Blue.

Orders for the MG5 can be placed now with stock expected to arrive in dealerships by early July.

 

CHECKOUT: MG4 — here’s the price (finally)

CHECKOUT: MG’s best-selling EV goes longer, further