MG 5 2019 Quick Review

The Chinese brand with a rich British history, MG, is known for developing affordable products and following the flair. They are out with their cheapest offering in the UAE which is underpinned by the same platform as the 360 sedan. It will most likely replace the 360 and offer buyers a more posh looking cabin and performance. Say hello to the MG 5.

EXTERIOR

Viewed from the front, the MG 5 looks flashy with the curved projector headlamps, an aggressive grille with slits embellished on it and the flowing lines on the hood meeting the logo, and will remind you of older Alfa Romeos. The bumper shows a honeycomb grille with DRLs on the side. The car stands on 16” alloy wheels which amplifies its stature on the road.

On the side, you will find the coupe like roofline as seen on the MG 6 which meets elegantly in the trunk giving it an illusion of being a tad smaller in length than it is on paper. The rear is where the car witnesses a huge change from the 360 and looks flamboyant. The chiseled tail lamps draw your attention towards it and there is a red strip running all across the cargo area connecting the taillamps.

INTERIOR

As per images, the interior of the MG 5 has been designed taking a conventional approach. The instrument cluster looks majestic having analog dials for the speedometer and the tachometer and in between is a TFT display showing the fuel consumption, the temperature display and driving modes.

On the center console, is a 7” touchscreen infotainment system providing Bluetooth, AUX, USB capability and also navigation. Other features we can expect include leather seats, storage compartment under the driver’s seat, dual airbags, and 12 V charging sockets, electric seats, keyless Go, ABS, EBD, Traction control, Hill Assist and a sunroof.

ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE

If we follow what is currently being sold in other markets, it is safe to say that the MG 5 could be sold with just a single engine option to choose from which is available in two states of tune. The basic and the mid option variants are likely to get a 1.5 liter petrol engine putting out 106 hp and 135 Nm of torque complemented by a 4 speed automatic unit while the top spec turbo trim offers peak output up to 129 hp and a whopping 210 Nm of torque mated to a six speed automatic transmission. We expect the latter to be the prominent choice as the car would feel much sportier to drive and being a turbocharged mill, we can expect good fuel economy too.

VERDICT

The MG 5 can be seen as a formidable rival to the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Honda City and Toyota Yaris. In typical MG fashion, we expect it to be priced much lower than all its rivals which would seize the deal for many potential buyers. If brought to the UAE at the right time, it would sell like hot cakes considerably swelling up the brand’s sales and transforming its reputation from an underrated brand to one of the most sought after brands in the UAE.