By now, most Filipinos are already familiar with MG’s lineup of cars, particularly how they look. The current MG 5 specifically looks elegant, while exhibiting a bit of sportiness.
For the model year 2021 however, the all-new MG 5 is already out in its home country of China. And suffice to say, it has taken it up a notch in terms of design.
The 2021 MG 5
Of note, this is the China-spec MG 5, which is different from the MG 5 we currently have in the local market. The MG 5 currently sold in the Philippines right now is called the Roewe i5 in China. It’s a totally different model, but it is related to the MG 5 model we’re talking about.
Here’s a walkaround video courtesy of Auto China:
2021 The all-new MG 5 is very luxurious and upscale - Detailed reviews | Auto China
As seen on the video, the all-new MG 5 is a great mix of elegance and aggression. The headlamps are particularly sharp, and the large grille adds to the car’s visual impact. On either side of the lower bumper are two large, angular vents, which add a lot of sportiness to the model.
Towards the sides, one can see that the MG-made sedan’s roof slopes further towards the rear end. This results in an unbroken roofline starting from the A-pillar to the trunk. With this, it gives the compact car a fastback-like design that’s similar to that of the MG 6.
Viewed from the rear, one can also see that the car also has a wide rear track-width in relation to the width in-between its rear-most opposing pillars. This makes it so that the car looks planted, and it adds a great deal of style as well.
>>> Related: 2021 MG 5 interior looks as premium as the exterior
The all-new MG 5 from the rear
Inside, the MG 5 looks very upmarket. It features leather seats, a lot of soft-touch surfaces, a large touchscreen headunit, a digital gauge cluster, paddle shifters, a push-to-start button, etc.
Another thing to note about this MG model is its engine. It uses a 1.5-liter capable of making up to 120 horsepower. There is however a turbocharged version, which can churn out 173 horsepower.
With that power, combined with the car’s interior and exterior design, it might shape up to compete against the Toyota Corolla Altis and the Honda Civic.
Just like the local MG 5, this China-spec MG 5 is a front-wheel-drive vehicle. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a continuously variable transmission.
>>> Related: In an era of 7-seaters, the MG 5 proves affordable sedans make sense
A peek into the MG 5's cockpit
Note that if SAIC-MG decides to release this new model here, it's likely that we’ll be getting the naturally aspirated version. Then again, the local sedan market is competitive, and turbocharged compact sedans like the Honda Civic RS have been doing relatively well for some time now.
Do you like how the MG 5 looks? Would you MG Philippines to bring it in? For more car news, car reviews, and helpful car maintenance tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.