MG made its Malaysian debut with the MG4 and MG HS BEVs, however the model isn’t stopping there.
Enter the 2024 MG 5 sedan—MG’s first ICE mannequin within the Malaysia—poised to problem stalwarts just like the Honda Metropolis, Toyota Vios, and the newer Proton S70 within the extremely aggressive B-segment sedan market.
Many challengers have entered this section, solely to fade away. Can the MG 5 carve out a spot for itself? To seek out out, we took it on a journey from Kuala Lumpur to Desaru and again. Let’s dive in.
Overview
SAIC Motor Malaysia, the native distributor of MG autos, launched the 2024 MG 5 in October. Absolutely imported (CBU) from Thailand, just one variant is out there, priced from RM 93,900.
Nonetheless, in celebration of MG’s a hundredth anniversary, SAIC Motor Malaysia is providing an introductory value of RM 86,900—a whopping RM 7,000 off the common retail value.
Right here’s a short rundown of its specs:
| 2024 MG 5 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Value | RM 93,900 | |
| Phase | B-Phase sedan | |
| Engine | 1.5-litre N/A 4-cylinder VVTi | |
| Transmission | CVT, 8 digital ratios | |
| Energy | 114 PS | |
| Torque | 150 Nm | |
| Origin | CBU, Thailand | |
Rivals
Priced at RM 93,900, the MG 5 sits near upper-tier opponents just like the Honda Metropolis V (RM 94,900), Toyota Vios G (RM 95,500), and Proton S70 Flagship X (RM 94,800).
Notably, all its rivals supply ADAS options with Adaptive Cruise Management, the MG 5 is restricted to passive cruise management. That stated, the MG 5 has its strengths—eye-catching design, the one mannequin in its section with a sunroof, and a beneficiant guarantee package deal of as much as 7 years for the engine and transmission, including appreciable worth.
Exterior – Sizing it up in type
Within the flesh, the MG 5 is a handsome automotive. Although marketed and priced as a B-segment automotive, the MG 5 is dimensionally nearer to a C-segment saloon. Notably, it boasts the longest wheelbase in its section at 2,680 mm—some 80 mm longer than the Honda Metropolis.
From its putting entrance fascia, well-proportioned silhouette, and superb-looking 17-inch wheels, the MG 5 undoubtedly will enchantment to consumers who recognize a singular and classy experience.
Eager observers might even discover acquainted cues borrowed from different fashions, such because the Civic FC-like C-pillar or the Peugeot 508-like rear fascia. Nonetheless, it’s a cohesive design general.
A small downside is its lengthy and sloping entrance finish, which makes it a bit difficult to gauge the entrance of the car throughout tight manoeuvres.
Inside – Refined and sensible
Inside, MG has nailed the fundamentals. The dashboard contains a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay (AC) and Android Auto (AA) assist, alongside a 7-inch totally digital driver show.
These are comparatively intuitive to make use of, and bonus factors go to the bodily buttons, particularly the one which calls up the local weather management settings. Throughout our journey, each AA and AC labored easily, and the 2 charging ports positioned slightly below the infotainment display made holding units charged a breeze.
Cupboard space for small gadgets is restricted nevertheless. Apart from a small compartment forward of the gear lever, there’s not a lot room for necessities like a SmartTAG or sun shades.
The cabin is outfitted with black leather-based seats completed with pink stitching, lending a sporty contact. The steering wheel can also be properly designed, although a number of the switchgear feels paying homage to older VW components bin gadgets—maybe unsurprising, given SAIC’s partnership with Volkswagen in China.
In the course of the roughly four-hour drive to Desaru, the MG 5’s inside supplied consolation and refinement on par with opponents just like the Toyota Vios and Honda Metropolis. The motive force’s seating place is well-designed, although the foot pedals are barely offset to the left.
Regardless of the MG 5’s bigger wheelbase, rear-seat house doesn’t really feel noticeably extra beneficiant than the Honda Metropolis, which continues to set the benchmark for inside packaging. Boot house is sensible and purposeful, however at 401 litres, it additionally lags behind the Metropolis’s 519 litres.
One other level of competition is the MG 5’s air-conditioning vents. With the small central vents positioned slightly low, the A/C blower needs to be set on excessive practically always to flow into a superb quantity of air all through the cabin.
Driving Expertise – Good however not with out its flaws
Maybe the query on everybody’s thoughts, is: Does it have sufficient energy?
The reply is sure. After masking over 650 km within the MG 5 on highways and backroads, the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine proved itself succesful.
With 114 PS and 150 Nm of torque, it’s responsive sufficient for metropolis driving and maintains a gentle cruise on highways. Throughout overtakes, the engine feels keen and supplies ample torque to get the job finished.
Beneath exhausting acceleration, the engine can get a bit loud, but it surely stays quiet and vibration-free at cruising speeds. Due to this fact, for many consumers, this degree of refinement ought to be greater than enough.
Experience high quality is slightly good too, the MG 5’s lengthy wheelbase contributes to added composure over bigger bumps, making freeway journeys comfy. Nonetheless, it does exhibit a slight jitteriness over smaller, high-frequency undulations like growth joints on highways, however its no deal breaker.
The steering additionally fares nicely, providing respectable quickness for manoeuvring in tight streets or making U-turns. Nonetheless, it lacks vital suggestions from the entrance tyres. The brakes are just about the identical, down on suggestions and modulation however forceful sufficient when you might want to cease shortly.
The transmission, nevertheless, leaves loads of room for enchancment. The CVT doesn’t really feel as well-matched to the engine because it may very well be, which impacts the general driving expertise.
Not like the responsive CVT transmissions within the Honda Metropolis or Toyota Vios, the MG 5’s CVT feels sluggish and hesitant, particularly when beginning off. This may very well be designed to increase its service life, but it surely finally ends up making the driving force push the accelerator more durable than anticipated.
Because of this, some may really feel that the MG 5 is underpowered. Put merely, it’s virtually as if the transmission begins in 4th gear and shifts down because the automotive positive aspects velocity. Nonetheless, when you get previous 35 km/h, the transmission settles right into a smoother rhythm and works nicely sufficient for many different driving conditions.
At freeway speeds, the MG 5 cruises comfortably, with the engine ticking over at simply 2,200 rpm at 110 km/h—ultimate for longer drives. The MG 5 can attain a prime velocity of round 180 km/h with enough encouragement, but it surely feels strong and composed till about 140 km/h.
Gasoline effectivity is commendable too, averaging 7.7 litres/100 km (in line with the onboard show) throughout blended driving over our 650 km check route. That is on par with opponents within the section.
After the stint from Kuala Lumpur to Desaru, the MG 5 nonetheless had over 1 / 4 tank left, with roughly 200 km of vary remaining—a good consequence. With extra smart driving on the way in which again, it used a lower than half its tank, which was slightly spectacular.
Conclusion
So, is the MG 5 value your cash? Briefly, it will get most of the fundamentals proper—one thing simpler stated than finished. The MG 5 seems good, presents a snug and refined cabin, delivers an array of creature comforts, and is priced competitively.
Nonetheless, maybe the greater query is: Who’s the MG 5 for?
It’s unlikely to hassle the mainstream consumers who prioritize the confirmed reliability, ease of upkeep, and strong resale worth supplied by stalwarts just like the Honda Metropolis and Toyota Vios. Even the Proton S70, whereas comparatively untested, is probably the most inexpensive and highly effective possibility within the section and is padded with options too.
In essence, the MG 5 sedan’s greatest problem is the Proton S70 for my part—however the MG 5 might nonetheless enchantment to consumers that do not thoughts making an attempt an unconventional selection, if there’s worth and the worth is correct.
In the end, the MG 5 does deserve consideration, particularly in case you’re looking for one thing that stands aside from the same old suspects within the B-segment sedan market.
And if not for the rest, its very presence in Malaysia indicators MG’s intent to make an announcement—not simply to experience on tax incentives and dabble with BEVs for the close to time period, however to ascertain itself right here for the years to come back.
Maybe this might even be the beginning of a brand new romance with the MG model in Malaysia.
Additionally learn: Priced from RM 87k, MG 5 launched in Malaysia – 1.5L NA, 119 PS/150 Nm, CVT automated
