Details of the MG MG5 for Australia have been revealed, with expressions of interest now being taken via the MG Australia website.
The MG5 will come in as the flagship non-SUV model in the local showroom, taking on the trendy four-door fastback body style. As far as we know the new model is being offered in two main variants, including the Vibe and Essence.
Powering the Vibe is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT auto, generating around 84kW and 150Nm. The Essence features a 1.5-litre turbo producing around 119kW and 250Nm, connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. Both are front-wheel drive.
Fuel economy figures stand at 5.7L/100km for the Vibe and 5.9L/100km for the turbo Essence, while performance figures for the 0-100km/h sprint are yet to be discovered.
Standard features are impressive for what is likely to be a pretty good value package. Highlights include LED headlights and taillights, push-button start, a 10-inch touch-screen multimedia system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a digital instrument cluster.
The MG MG5 enters a risky market segment in Australia, with small and mid-size sedans losing the battle against more popular crossovers and SUVs. For example, the mid-size SUV class (below $60K) is reporting a 14.6 per cent increase in deliveries in Australia, according to April VFACTS figures.
Compared with the mid-size car class (below $60K), new registrations are down an alarming 37.7 per cent. In saying that, the MG5 will slot into the small car class with the likes of the Toyota Corolla sedan and Mazda3 sedan. That class is reporting a 31.7 per cent decline.
MG, however, has been charging ahead in Australia, often scoring in the top 10 best-selling car brands list. So far this year (to the end of April), MG has shifted 15,848 vehicles. Thatβs down only 1.2 per cent on the same period in 2022. And itβs good enough for 7th place overall.
Prices are yet to be confirmed for the MG5, but weβd anticipate such details this coming week.
Update: Prices start from $24,990 for the Vibe and $28,990 for the Essence (drive-away).