Set to compete against other subcompact sedans in the country, the all-new MG 5 promises to deliver British design and engineering under the umbrella of SAIC Motors. It's the fourth model that MG brings in the Philippines under the distributorship of The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI). The MG 5 sedan sports an aggressive front end and a clean side profile that follows the modern interpretation of MG’s sporty heritage.
Apart from the athletic exterior, the MG 5 sedan also boasts a quality interior. The ergonomic dashboard is filled with stylish design elements that are made of sturdy plastic, which encloses the electronic air-conditioning and a 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The MG 5 is available with a 1.5L gasoline engine delivering 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT). When it comes to protection, the MG 5 offers dual airbags, ABS + EBD, Brake Assist, and ISOFIX child restraint system as standard equipment. The MG5 sedan offers a sporty, modern, and versatile image that characterizes the MG brand.
Launch
On September 13, 2019, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), introduced the Philippines to its subcompact sedan, the MG 5. With a well-endowed spec-list and looks that could stack up to the rest of the industry, MG Motor's entry into the segment offers high-end features that best even the more established players in the industry.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
The MG 5 features a unibody chassis with a Macpherson strut on the front and a torsion beam in the rear. The vehicle rolls on either a set of 16-inch alloys that can come in two styles, monotone or two-tone. In these wheels sit the brakes, and the 5 features 4-disc brakes all around, with a vented pair up front and a solid pair outback. Ground clearance for the MG 5 is rated at 118 mm with a wheelbase of 2,680 mm. The added size allows the subcompact to have a truck capacity of 512 liters on top of the space it has inside the cabin.
For power, the MG 5 relies on a 1.5 L naturally aspirated motor that has Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT) which produces 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque. This motor is paired to either a 5-speed manual transmission on the Core variant or a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The driven wheels are at the front, making this subcompact a front-engined-front-wheel-drive vehicle.
The MG 5 handles well, with its electronic power steering making maneuvering through tight corners effortless. The engine delivers enough power to get it up and going, while the CVT keeps the engine in its optimal powerband for maximum efficiency and acceleration. Ride comfort is acceptable, with NVH insulation being one of the model's stronger suits.
Technology Features
For the infotainment system, the MG 5 comes with either an 8-inch or 10-inch display. Both models are capable of smartphone pairing through USB and is capable of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The sound system found in the MG 5 is comprised of 4 speakers. The top-end variant gets a 360-degree camera, which allows the driver to get a bird's eye view of everything happening around the car. A keyless system is also employed and a push-start button is also available.
Exterior
Over on the front end of the MG 5, save for the top of the line variant with the LED projector lamps, every other variant gets halogen projectors with leveling. The grille is similar to the MG RX5's with slats running horizontally. Over to the side of the sedan, and the roofline is pushed back further to give the side profile a fastback appeal. The rear features a trunk that is shortened yet deep to achieve the over 500 L worth of boot space. The rear taillights are composed of bars with LED lights giving more character and appeal.
Interior
The interior of the MG 5 can be had with a monotone black, or two-tone black and beige color scheme. Upper variants will feature the two-tone colorway with leather seats as compliments. Lower variants will sport cloth upholstery. The dashboard will prominently feature the head unit which will either come in an 8-inch or 10-inch display size, while the gauge cluster features a two-dial setup with a center screen that serves as the multifunction display for other bits of information that the driver would be needing. Seating capacity for the MG 5 is at 5, like a normal sedan in its segment.
Safety
In the realm of safety, the MG 5 comes equipped with up to 6 airbags, which comprise of a dual-front and side pair. Anti-lock brakes and electronic brakeforce distribution come standard, as well as traction control. ISOFIX anchors are also standard across the range as well as speed-sensing door locks.
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