The 2023 MG 5 has arrived as Australia's most affordable sedan, priced from $24,990 drive-away.
Snapshot
- Two-model range with ultra-sharp pricing
- Cut-price Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Kia Cerato rival
- No local plans for electric MG 5 wagon sold in Europe
MG's small-medium four-door will be offered in two trim levels, each with different equipment levels and drivetrains.
Straddling the small and medium-size segments at just under 4.7 metres, the MG 5 will compete directly with four-door versions of popular small cars, including the Hyundai i30, Toyota Corolla, Kia Cerato and Mazda 3.
UPDATE, August 2023: This story, first published on June 16, has been updated and pulled forward to reflect additional details and local imagery released by MG Australia.
Starting prices for those models range between $26,000 and $30,320 before on-road costs, emphasising the sharp value of the Chinese-built MG.
It even undercuts the Mazda 2 light sedan, which costs $24,410 before on-road costs, or about $28,200 drive-away in base form.
However, while those vehicles include a more comprehensive suite of active safety equipment, leading to higher prices, the MG 5 is limited to low-speed autonomous emergency braking – a requirement for all newly-introduced vehicles sold in Australia since March 1, 2023.
MG Australia has continued to rule out the MG 5 all-electric wagon that shares the petrol sedan's nameplate and is sold in markets including the UK.
The MG range will expand further this month with the arrival of the MG 4 electric hatchback.
JUMP AHEAD
- 2023 MG 5 pricing
- 2023 MG 5 features
- Colours
- Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy
- Safety
- Dimensions
- Warranty and servicing
- Availability
2023 MG 5 pricing
All prices are drive-away.
Model | Pricing |
---|---|
Vibe 1.5 | $24,990 |
Essence 1.5T | $28,990 |
2023 MG 5 features
Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, faux-leather seats, and a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2023 MG 5 Vibe features | |
---|---|
16-inch alloy wheels | Single-zone air conditioning |
10-inch infotainment system | Rear air vents |
Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Heated side mirrors |
Four-speaker audio system | Keyless entry and push-button start |
Semi-digital instrument cluster | Rear-view camera |
LED headlights and daytime running lamps | Rear parking sensors |
Leather-accented upholstery | Manual cruise control |
Six-way manual driver’s seat | Front seatbelt reminder |
Four-way manual passenger seat | Tyre pressure monitoring. |
2023 MG 5 Essence features
The Essence adds a 360-degree camera, a retractable sunroof, six rather than four speakers for the audio system, and a steering wheel wrapped in artificial leather.
In addition to Vibe | |
---|---|
Turbocharged engine | Eco drive mode |
17-inch alloy wheels | Leather-accented steering wheel |
Six-speaker audio system with 3D effect | Six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with manual lumbar support |
Power-folding side mirrors | ‘Sport-tuned’ electronic stability control |
Glass sunroof | 360-degree camera system. |
Front and rear seatbelt reminders |
Colours
Dover white | Royal yellow |
Diamond red* | Misty grey* |
Black pearl* | Brixton blue* |
* Metallic paint, $700 |
Engine, drivetrain, and fuel economy
The entry-level MG 5 Vibe features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with outputs of 84kW and 150Nm, powering the front wheels via a CVT auto.
The range-topping MG 5 Essence, priced at $28,990 drive-away, steps up performance with a turbocharged version of the 1.5L engine producing 119kW and 250Nm.
While also a front-drive model, the transmission changes to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that characteristically provides faster gearchanges than a CVT or conventional torque converter auto.
Both variants have a torsion-beam rear suspension.
Fuel consumption is rated at 5.7 litres per 100km for the Vibe and 5.9L/100km for the Essence.
2023 MG 5 fuel economy | |
---|---|
1.5-litre petrol | 5.7L/100km |
1.5-litre turbo-petrol | 5.9L/100km |
Safety
The 2023 MG 5 sedan has yet to be tested by ANCAP.
While it is equipped with low-speed autonomous emergency braking, the MG 5 lacks lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, and speed recognition or driver monitoring systems, and the entry-level Vibe is not fitted with rear seatbelt reminders.
ANCAP assesses active safety equipment in its ‘safety assist’ and ‘vulnerable road user’ categories – with minimum scores of 70 per cent required to achieve a five-star rating, or 60 per cent for a four-star rating.
It is fitted with six airbags (front, side and curtain). However, a front-centre airbag to protect the driver and front passenger from clashing heads in a side-impact collision is not fitted, which could impact its ability to score top safety marks.
Dimensions
Measuring 4675mm long, 1842mm wide and 1480mm tall with a 2680mm wheelbase, the MG 5 is similar in size to a Toyota Corolla sedan, but with a similar width to a one-size-up Camry.
2023 MG 5 boot space
Boot space for the five-seater sedan is quoted at 401 litres.
Warranty and servicing
As per the wider MG range, the MG 5 is covered by the brand's seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Maintenance details for the MG 5 have yet to be confirmed, but other MG vehicles require servicing every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres, whichever occurs first.
COMMENTS