2023 MG 5 price and specs: Sharp sticker for Chinese i30 rival

MG is coming for the Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla sedans in Australia.

UPDATE, 07/08/23 –MG has published more detailed specifications for the new MG 5, which is now in showrooms. It has also released local imagery. We’ve updated this article accordingly.

The MG 5, now in local showrooms, sits alongside the MG ZS and ZST in the range, and gives the strong-selling (but ageing) MG 3 city hatch some company in the MG passenger car range.

Two engines and two trim levels are on offer locally, starting below $25,000 drive-away. It undercuts the Kia Cerato S by just shy of $3000 based on drive-away pricing, making the MG 5 the cheapest car in its class.

Not only that, it’s now Australia’s cheapest sedan as even the base Mazda 2 sedan costs more when you account for drive-away costs. However, the MG 5 lacks many of the active safety and driver assist features found in the 2 and other sedans.

Pricing

• 2023 MG 5 Vibe: $24,990
• 2023 MG 5 Essence: $28,990

All prices are drive-away.

Powertrains

Power in the MG 5 comes from a choice of two 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, one of which is turbocharged.

The base engine makes 84kW of power at 6000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4500rpm, and is mated to a CVT.

The more powerful turbocharged engine makes 119kW of power at 5600rpm and 250Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm. It’s mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

All models have front-wheel drive and MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear.

Efficiency

Claimed fuel economy in the base 1.5-litre engine is 5.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle. Opting for the turbocharged engine ups that to 5.9L/100km.

Both models have a 50L fuel tank.

Dimensions

The MG 5 measures 4675mm long, 1842mm wide and 1480mm tall, on a 2680mm wheelbase.

The boot in the MG 5 measures 401 litres with all seats in place. Under the boot floor is a space-saver spare.

The MG 5 measures 1260kg (kerb) in Vibe guise and 1318kg in the Essence.

Servicing and Warranty

The MG 5 is backed by the same seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty offered elsewhere in the MG range.

Service pricing has yet to be announced.

Safety

The MG 5 hasn’t been crash-tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

The base Vibe comes standard with the following safety equipment:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Reversing camera
• Rear parking sensors
• Front, front-side and curtain airbags

The Essence adds:

• Surround-view camera

Unusually, only the top-spec Essence comes with rear seatbelt reminders.

Standard Equipment

There are two trim levels in the MG 5 range.

The Vibe comes standard with the following equipment:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• Keyless entry and start
• 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
• Four-speaker sound system
• Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
• Electric parking brake
• Leatherette upholstery
• Cruise control
• Air-conditioning with rear air vents
• Folding rear seats
• Three selectable steering modes

Moving to the Essence brings:

• Single-pane sunroof
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Six-way power driver’s seat with manually adjustable lumbar
• Six-speaker sound system
• Power-folding exterior mirrors
• Grey front-end accents

Colours

Both MG 5 variants are available with a choice of six exterior finishes.

• Dover White
• Royal Yellow
• Diamond Red
• Misty Grey
• Black Pearl
• Brixton Blue

Dover White and Royal Yellow are no-cost options, with the others costing $700.

MORE: Everything MG 5