This is the 2021 MG 5, and it looks like an Italian sedan

Updated Oct 26, 2020 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

MG’s compact sedan offering gets a more premium-looking design. 

Apart from the ZS subcompact crossover, the MG 5 compact sedan is another bankable model for the Chinese-owned British marque, offering a combination of functionality and elegance that’s hard to match in its class. If we had to nitpick just one aspect, the exterior styling looks a little too sedate for a brand that wants to upend the prevailing status quo. 

MG 5 side 2

The MG 5 subcompact sedan comes out with an all-new face for 2021

MG has remedied this with the all-new 2021 version, swinging to the other end of the scale in providing a more visually-exciting exterior. The model was recently launched in China, ahead of its scheduled debut at this year’s Beijing Auto Show.

Whereas the current edition was merely a rebadged Roewe i5 (Roewe being part of the same SAIC automotive family as MG), it looks like MG asserted its influence more on the new model in terms of aesthetics.

Up front lies a restyled fascia, with a nose that dips more noticeably towards the ground. Sleeker new LED headlamps flank the revised grille, which does away with the horizontal chromed slats in lieu of more vertically-oriented dividers. The redesign echoes models made by Italian luxury automaker Maserati, exuding a considerably more premium feel. 

MG 5 side 3

It's apparent that there's a little bit of the MG 6 in there

The profile of the new MG 5 more closely follows the silhouette of the MG 6, complete with a roofline that slopes practically all the way to the rear edge where a new pair of LED tail lamps awaits. Even the twin tail exhaust outlets mirror those on the sportier fastback, although those on the new MG 5 are merely vestigial.

MG has likely gone for a sportier treatment of the cabin as well, with the driver’s seat facing a new digital gauge cluster just beyond the hefty leather-clad steering wheel. A new infotainment system is also offered as standard, which is expected to retain the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionalities found on the current model.

MG 5 steering wheel

Beyond the leather steering wheel lies a new digital gauge cluster

>>> Related: MG teases new model, previews latest design language

As with the Chinese-market Roewe i5, the new MG 5 is available with either a 1.5L naturally-aspirated gasoline motor that makes 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque, or a turbocharged version that puts out 173 hp. Transmission options include a five-speed manual gearbox and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

After its public debut at the Beijing Auto Show, the 2021 MG 5 will be available to Chinese customers before yearend. If MG Philippines plays its cards right and brings the refreshed MG 5 over to our shores, it could have another winner on its hands.

More industry updates come your way at Philkotse.com.

Know more about MG 5 2024

MG 5

The MG 5 2025 is a five-seater, front-wheel-drive sedan. Locally, this model from MG Philippines has four different variants. These include the MG 5 Core 1.5 MT, MG 5 Core 1.5 CVT, the MG 5 Style 1.5 CVT, and the MG 5 Alpha 1.5 CVT. The prices for these range from Php 698,888 to Php 878,888. 

All trims of the MG 5 use a 1.5-liter inline-4 gasoline engine, which is rated to make up to 112 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque. Depending on the variant, it either uses a five-speed manual gearbox, or a continuously variable transmission. Power is then sent to its front wheels. 

Size-wise, the MG 5 comes with a length of 4,601mm, a width of 1,818mm, and a height of 1,489mm. It also has a ground clearance of 118mm, and a wheelbase length of 2,680mm. 

Locally, the subcompact MG 5 sedan competes against the likes of the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Changan Alsvin, Nissan Almera, Suzuki Dzire, Hyundai Reina, Kia Soluto, Volkswagen Santana, Hyundai Accent, Honda City, Suzuki Ciaz, among others. 

MG 5 Core MT Review: Are sedans going out of style?

>>> New and used MG 5 2025 for sale in the Philippines

MG 5 Launch

The Covenant Car Company, the official distributor of MG automobiles in the Philippines, launched the all-new MG 5 in September 2019. Worldwide, this acclaimed vehicle has been serving the roads since 2012 catering to Chinese and European enthusiasts.

MG 5 Exterior

The MG 5 measures 1,818mm wide, 4,601mm long, and a wheelbase of 2,680mm. It is considered to be one of the largest subcompact sedans in the local market today.

MG 5 exterior

At the front, the MG 5 shares the same slatted chrome grille as the MG RX5. Air intake slots and vents are also placed which adds an attractive appeal to its face. Top variants are fitted with LED projector lamps, while standard ones come with halogen projectors.

Character lines highlight its sleek, athletic body. At the back, the trunk is shortened but it has the capability to accommodate a load of 512 liters. Adding to the MG 5’s modern appeal are the pleasing LED taillights that are made of bars. It's efficient and very good-looking.

MG 5 Interior

Buyers get to decide its interior as it is offered in black and beige or monotone black. Top variants of the MG 5 are fitted with two-color interiors with leather-covered seats. Standard variants come with upholstered fabric seats.

The vibe inside the MG 5’s roomy cabin borders between modern and European-style design elements. High-quality plastic dominates its ergonomic dashboard and well-designed panels.

MG 5 interior

MG 5 trunk

Technology & Safety Features

Depending on the variant, the MG 5 comes with an eight- or ten-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Four speakers are placed inside the cabin to provide entertainment.  Higher variants are affixed with a 360-degree camera, keyless entry, and a push start button.

Safety is assured as it is built with up to six airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control, ISOFIX attachment for child seats, and speed-sensing door locks.

MG 5 parking sensors

MG 5 airbags

Platform & Chassis

The MG 5 is built with Macpherson Strut suspension on its front and a torsion beam on the rear. Five disc brakes are efficiently distributed all around. Supporting its body are a set of 16-inch alloy wheels offered in mono or dual-tone.

Engine & Drivetrain

The MG 5 runs using a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated motor engine with Dual Variable Valve Timing. It produces 118 hp and a torque of 150 Nm.

>>> Read more: MG 5: How fuel efficient is this sedan?

There are six available color options for the Philippine-spec MG 5. These include Laser Blue, Moon White, Meteorite Black, Morning Gold, Extreme Speed Red, and Carbon Gray. 

The MG 5 sedan has one of the most affordable entry-level variants in the Philippine subcompact sedan market segment. Despite that, it still has a lot going for it in terms of safety features and amenities. It also beats a good number of other subcompact sedans in the market when it comes to horsepower and torque output. 

MG 5 2025 Price List

Let's check out the MG 5 2025 price in the Philippines.

 Variants Price
MG 5 1.5 Core MT ₱698,888
MG 5 1.5 Core CVT ₱738,888
MG 5 1.5 Style CVT ₱878,888

MG 5 Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Great power output for its size and price 
  • Decent set of features 

Cons

  • Many might find its styling “too quiet” 

MG 5 2025 FAQs

1. Is MG 5 fuel efficient?

Yes, it is. The MG 5 2025 has a fuel consumption of 21.81 km/l on the highway.

2. How many seats does an MG 5 have?

The MG 5 has five seats.

3. How much is the MG 5 Philippines?

The price of the MG 5 in the Philippines ranges from 698,888 Php for the entry-level model to 878,888 Php for the top-of-the-line model.

4. What are the dimensions of the MG 5 2025?

The new MG 5 dimensions are 4,601mm long, 1,818mm wide, and 1,489mm in height.

5. Does the new MG 5  have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, with wireless Apple CarPaly, you can connect and control every drive.

₱ 698,888 - ₱ 938,888

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Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kapatilya

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