Big on Size, Big On Features. Longer. Wider. Equipped with rich content found in more premium car segments.
The MG 5 is the latest MG saloon displaying a smooth, sleek design and obviously top build and finish quality. The colours and paint quality are enhanced by the chrome accents which adds a look of luxury to what is in fact a very cost-effective solution for, say a family looking for an affordable mid-sized saloon car,
the MG 5 offers a value proposition that its rivals simply cannot match.
Exterior
The MG designers have given the MG5 a premium look with design features normally found in luxury brands, the sporty front grille, LED projector headlamps, power strakes on the bonnet (hood), and bold character lines along the side which gives it a very ‘sporty European’ look to the 5. Then you have the very large and legendary “MG” badge, the upmarket chrome accents around the windows and it’s very easy to mistake this for a premium-brand offering. Every time you reach for the doors, you are reminded of the quality; they are obviously well-made and then close with a solid and satisfying “thunk”.
Interior
All MG’s I’ve driven, (ZS, MG 6 and the RX5) have had fabulous leather interiors- really well done, double stitching, high quality and is up there with some of the known luxury brands. The top option contrasting trim is amazing, but even the standard model is excellent. Like all MG cars and SUV’s for an absolutely amazing price, you get a great quality car and the MG 5 is no exception.
So far, I have mentioned the exterior, but of course you have more contact with the car the inside. Here again, the MG5 does not disappoint; in fact you will likely be pleased. The dashboard is packed with in-car technology. Front and center is a large touchscreen infotainment system that comes with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A 360 degree whole vehicle camera view makes it so easy to park in tight spaces as well as see any obstructions in low speed traffic. Add the push start/stop button, cruise control, sporty digital dials, tyre pressure monitoring system and rear parking camera are all offered as standard and heated seats in the top spec variant.
Stepping inside unveils a cabin space carefully and intelligently crafted to provide a relaxing, even entertaining driving environment. From 29 smart storage solutions located throughout the cabin and a huge 512 litre boot space (trunk), MG has crafted the 5 to deliver utmost quality. A six-way power adjusted driver seat ensure exceptional comfort, while the abundant head and legroom provides more than enough space for up to five adults or 7 large dogs. The sporty dials and colour touchscreen are somewhat complicated to use the first time but are very intuitive.
Power and Performance:
Performance in the MG 5 is as impressive and refined as we have come to expect from all the new MG models. The 1.5L four-cylinder engine puts out 112hp and 150 Nm of torque along with a top speed of 180 kph (claimed). Combined with the electronic or speed sensing power systems, it’s a joy to drive, specially with it’s agile and sensitive handling. At this price, driving never felt so good!
The steering modes (Urban, Normal, Dynamic) progressively add weight to the steering, for a more engaging drive, while the drive modes (Normal and Eco) alter the responsiveness of the accelerator pedal. What was also instantly noticeable was that the digital and analogue speedometer readings weren’t calibrated. It took me awhile to notice but there was always a 5km/h difference in the two readings. Which one was actually correct? We’re not sure.
Safety and Security:
The technology in the MG 5 doesn’t end at entertainment. In fact, with an abundance if safety systems throughout the vehicle- which earned it a 5-star C-NCAP rating- there is plenty of engineering excellence to admire. C-NCAP is the official Chinese safety rating and is primarily modelled on safety standards established by Euro-NCAP. Expect to see it more often as Chinese influence grows in the motoring world.
For example, a total of 13 active safety features is available, ranging from Hill-Start Assist to Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Curve Brake Control to the TPMS. Passive measures include high strength steal cage and laser brazing technology for extra strength and insulation control. Front, side and curtain airbags and ISOFIX child seat tethers. As such, you can take to the roads with complete confidence.
Verdict:
Base on the looks alone, the classy styling of the MG 5 makes it a winner. The plush interior and the array of features prove this to be true. The handling and performance make it ideal for daily use. It’s easy to mistake this for a premium brand offering. In fact, more than once, friends asked me if it was a luxury car, and then just to completely confuse them, you have to see the look on their faces when they hear the price. The 1.5 Style comes in at just Php 848,888 and the top-spec variant Alpha at Php 938,888. Now that’s a winning number in my book.
Photos by: Ellison Marquez
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