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Known for probably all the wrong reasons when it was introduced to the Australian market in 2023, the MG5 made headlines as just the third car to receive the unenviable 0-star ANCAP safety rating. The Chinese-owned British brand’s maker claimed the low safety rating was at the cost of keeping the vehicle affordable to Australian consumers, which it very much is. Entering the market at the low-low price of just $25,990 (MRLP), the MG5 provides a stack of luxury, comfort and tech features for peanuts, but the lack of safety has proven to be a major drawback.
The line-up currently starts at $24,990 for the MG5 Vibe and ranges through to $28,990 for the range-topping MG5 Essence.
The MG5 Vibe comes as standard with auto LED headlights, a large (in the segment) 10.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability with four speakers for the sound system, as well as a push-button start, synthetic leather seats.
Stepping up to the Essence adds a sunroof, a six-speaker sound system, electric seat adjustment for the driver, and steering wheel shift paddles.
The MG5's interior is about on par with rivals at its price point, though the inclusion of synthetic leather and a minimalistic design approach is a welcome semi-premium touch,
Closer inspeaction reveals hard and scratchy plastics, but that's forgiveable at this price point.
Both versions of the MG5 have a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that drives the front wheels, though the Vibe has a naturally aspirated version that makes 84kW and 150Nm. It transfers power via a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The Essence variant is turbocharged and makes 119kW and 250Nm, which drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
Year | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance |
---|---|---|---|
2025
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1473x1842x4675 mm |
Ground Clearance:
117 mm
|
2024
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1473x1842x4675 mm |
Ground Clearance:
117 mm
|
2023
|
Body Type: Sedan | Height x Width x Length: 1473x1842x4675 mm |
Ground Clearance:
117 mm
|
Year | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Rim |
---|---|---|---|---|
2025
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 215x50 R17 9 | Front Rim: 7x17 in |
Rear Rim:
7x17 in
|
2024
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 215x50 R17 9 | Front Rim: 7x17 in |
Rear Rim:
7x17 in
|
2023
|
Body Type: Sedan | Front Tyre Size: 215x50 R17 9 | Front Rim: 7x17 in |
Rear Rim:
7x17 in
|
Year | Body Type | Braked Capacity from | Braked Capacity to |
---|---|---|---|
2025
|
Body Type: Sedan | Braked Capacity from: 0kg |
Braked Capacity to:
0kg
|
2024
|
Body Type: Sedan | Braked Capacity from: 0kg |
Braked Capacity to:
0kg
|
2023
|
Body Type: Sedan | Braked Capacity from: 0kg |
Braked Capacity to:
0kg
|
The MG5 sedan has a five-seat configuration, though the rear seats aren't split-fold. This means longer luggage can't fit in the boot at the same time as any rear passengers.
In both grades, seats are trimmed in synthetic leather instead of cloth. The Essence variant adds electric adjustment for the driver's seat.
Year | Body Type | Fuel Consumption* | Engine | Fuel Type | Transmission |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025
|
Body Type: Sedan | Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km | Engine: 1.5L | Fuel Type: ULP |
Transmission:
7 SP AUTO
|
2024
|
Body Type: Sedan | Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km | Engine: 1.5L | Fuel Type: ULP |
Transmission:
7 SP AUTO
|
2023
|
Body Type: Sedan | Fuel Consumption: 5.9L/100km | Engine: 1.5L | Fuel Type: ULP |
Transmission:
7 SP AUTO
|
MG claims the boot capacity in the MG5 is 401 litres, with the rear seats able to fold down to create space for longer luggage.
MG claims a fuel economy figure of 5.7 litres per 100km for the Vibe, while the turbocharged Essence is at 5.9L/100km.
With its 50-litre fuel tank, the Vibe has a theoretical range of 877km, while the Essence could travel 847km, though these require averaging the claimed figures and a perfectly full tank.
The Vibe can run on 91RON, while the Essence requires at least 85RON.