The all-new MG-5 2020: MG's first subcompact model for the Philippines

MG Philippines, which is under The Covenant Car Company or TCCI, without mincing words, pretty much burst into the Philippine car industry this year.

They started out slow like most companies but during the length of the Manila International Auto Show a couple of months ago, the company came out swinging by brandishing their attractive vehicles like the very affordable yet quite capable MG ZS crossover, the luxury MG 6 sedan and the very roomy and robust MG RX5 compact SUV.

MG Philippines pretty much bursts into the Philippine car industry this year

So yeah, things are looking up for the Brit established and now Chinese owned car company.

Recently, MG Philippines has set their sights on another very competitive market segment in the Philippine car scene and this one’s probably one of the largest and most competitive; the subcompact sedan segment.

With what car you might ask? Well, it’s about time you meet the all-new MG-5 with Philkotse.com.

1. MG-5: Sounds familiar right?

If the name sparks something from your memories, the MG-5 has actually been around since 2012. It debuted in its concept stage at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show and since its initial release was made available for the European and Chinese market.

2. MG-5 2020: How about the new one?

Well, with regards to the new 2019 MG-5, it’s quite a departure from the old model. Gone is the very Alfa Romeo looking front fascia which is now replaced by a large slatted grille reminiscent of the one on the MG RX5. Down towards the lower portion of the front bumper, we also see some very interesting designs like the faux vents and the frowning air intake.

In comparison to the old MG-5, the new one is much more in line with the modern MG design language

The sides, of course, are sleeker and the trunk has a decent 512 liters of boot space. Also, the 2019 MG-5 comes with a power sunroof and the headlights are LEDs. The MG-5 rides on a sophisticated looking set of two-tone, spoked, 16-inch wheels.

With regards to the dimensions of the MG-5, it is also one of the largest subcompact sedans available in the Philippine car market today. This, of course, offers a lot of advantages.

Once inside, the 2019 MG-5 cabin offers tons of space. After all, the MG-5’s wheelbase is pretty long. For interior toys, it appears that MG didn’t hold back in this department as their new subcompact comes equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen display supported by a number of connectivity options like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The new MG model also comes with electronic climate control and a push to start button so it isn’t pretty far off when compared with the top of the line variants of the subcompact models currently dominating the segment.

Looks pretty fancy for a subcompact right?

They also gave the MG-5 tons in the way of driver-assist technology. There’s a useful 360-degree monitor, auto brake hold, hill-start assist, auto headlights, and a tire pressure monitoring system. You’ll also be glad to know that the MG-5 has disc brakes all around, something that’s not usually seen on affordable subcompacts available today.

Also, the MG-5 has a lot of airbags for a car of its class and price

3. MG-5 2020: What’s under the hood?

Powering the 2019 MG-5 for sale is a 1.5 liter that can make up to 112 horsepower and 150 nm of torque. For its size and vehicle class, that’s a respectable amount. And when compared to its would-be competitors like the Hyundai Reina, the Kia Soluto, the Honda City, and the Toyota Vios, it appears that the MG-5 simply makes more power.

For its transmission, the all-new MG-5 comes with a five-speed manual or a CVT. Power is sent to the front just like most of the subcompacts we’ve mentioned earlier.

4. MG-5 2020: Price and variants

The 2020 MG-5 also get a power sunroof. Neat!

As you can see from the price table above, MG Philippines has positioned the 2019 MG prices to be competitive as ever. And as of September 13, 2019, the new MG subcompact is already available for purchase.

Do you think the MG-5 will prove successful in the highly competitive Philippine sub-compact sedan market segment? We’ll find out in due time.