MG prices new Civic-sized ‘5’

MG Australia has priced its latest entrant to the local small car segment, the Honda Civic-sized MG5 fastback (five-door sedan) available from $24,990 drive-away.

Backed by a seven-year warranty – and sporting a roomy 401-litre boot – the five-seat model measures 4675mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1480mm in height, all set upon a 2680mm wheelbase.

Those measurements place the MG5 at just slightly larger than the similarly-styled Honda Civic, which measures 4560mm long by 1802mm wide and 1407mm tall with a 2733mm wheelbase.

MG says the ‘5’ arrives with fastback styling and a shark-styled nose that blends with flowing lines.

“(The MG5 presents) a symphony of striking design language that blends elegance with sporty flair,” said MG Australia in its press release.

“Some design cues, like the front grille with its cascading polygons arranged in a symmetrical order, ensure a bold new design for the discerning buyer looking for an affordable sedan.”

MG Australia says the ‘5’ will offer “the sharp handling of an entry-level sports sedan”, a bold claim considering the entry model Vibe’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine makes just 85kW at 6000rpm and 150Nm from 4500rpm.

Fortunately, the flagship Essence ($28,990 drive-away) adds a turbocharger to the combination to provide 119kW at 5600rpm and 250Nm from 3000-4000rpm. Again, using the Civic as a guide, we find the 1.5-litre turbocharged Honda mill developing 131kW at 6000rpm and 240Nm at 1700rpm.

Both variants drive the front wheels only with the Vibe utilising a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the Essence a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. Fuel economy for the duo is listed at 5.7 litres per 100km and 5.9L/100km respectively.

Seventeen-inch ‘Tomahawk inspired’ alloy wheels feature on both MG5 grades.

While MG Australia has yet to provide comprehensive specifications or equipment details for its small sedan duo, it says that the cabin will make passengers feel like they have “instantly stepped into sports luxury” with an “immersive atmosphere” boasting technologies such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 360-degree camera system, and “foldback sunroof” on the Essence variant.

The “futuristic cockpit” of the MG5 is upholstered in synthetic leather – with matching steering wheel trim – while the “ergonomically designed dashboard” offers a 10.0-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, and four-speaker sound (six-speaker on Essence models) for “an immersive audio-visual music experience”.

MG Australia did not advise an on-sale date for the ‘5’ but said it will be offered in six paint colours: Dover White, Royal Yellow, Diamond Red, Misty Grey, Black Pearl and Brixton Blue.

Locally, the MG5 will compete directly against “Small Car under $40K” contenders including the Hyundai i30 Active (from $28,000 with automatic plus on-road costs), Kia Cerato S (from $26,290 +ORC), Mazda 3 G20 Pure (from $28,160 +ORC) and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport (from $28,630 +ORC).

2023 MG 5 pricing*:

*National drive-away price.