2024 MG5 Sedan Preview in Malaysia – Civic Size, City Price; 1.5L NA, CVT; Estimated at Under RM100,000

After launching two MG electric vehicles in Malaysia earlier this year, SAIC Motor Malaysia is now expanding its lineup to include internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. One of these is the MG5, a C-segment-sized sedan that has already been introduced in neighbouring Indonesia (it’s known as the MG5 GT there) and Thailand (they received the facelifted model), and is now being previewed here ahead of an official launch.

At 4,675mm long, 1,842mm wide, 1,480mm high and 2,680mm wheelbase, the MG5 is very comparable in size to C-segment sedans such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3. However, the company markets the MG5 as a B-segment sedan, the “longest and widest” in its class.

The pricing also reflects this targeted approach, as the MG5 is expected to cost less than RM100,000. Only one variant will be offered (Thailand CBU), but the estimate provided is vague, namely RMxx.xxx, so let us know your guesses in the comments below.

Taking B-segment sedans as a comparison, the Honda City ranges from RM84,900 to RM99,900 for petrol variants only, the Toyota Vios from RM89,600 to RM95,500 and the Nissan Almera from RM83,888 to RM95,888, while the Mazda 2 Sedan tops out at RM108,000.

To us, it seems that the MG5 is being pitched as a “C-sized car at a B-segment price”, which sounds pretty familiar, doesn’t it? We’re of course referring to the “debatable” S70, which is priced from RM73,800 to RM94,800 but is smaller in size, albeit with a powerful turbo.

Whatever price you pay, the MG5 is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine producing 114PS (113hp or 84kW) at 6,000rpm and 150Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The powertrain, which also includes a CVT (eight virtual gears) driving the front wheels, is the same as that offered in Indonesia and Thailand.

In terms of standard equipment, the MG5 comes with LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights, an electric sunroof, LED taillights, 17-inch ‘Tomahawk’ alloy wheels, black leather upholstery with red accents, a six-way power driver’s seat, single-zone automatic climate control with PM2.5 air filter and rear air vents, six speakers as well as a seven-inch digital instrument cluster.

Infotainment is presented on a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, with features such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a 360-degree camera. Safety-wise, there are six airbags, passive cruise control and the usual array of passive systems, but advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are limited.

The MG Pilot suite as it’s known includes a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, lane change assist and rear collision warning, but one glaring omission is autonomous emergency braking. This active safety feature is fitted to Australian models and its absence here is a problem, especially considering other B-segment sedans come with AEB on higher variants.

The MG5 will be available in five colours, namely Nuclear Yellow, Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Pearl Black and Camden Grey. A five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty is included with every purchase, while the powertrain (engine and transmission) is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

And there you have it, the MG5 will be the brand’s first saloon to be offered here and it looks to rival established B-segment models on price while still offering the space typical of C-segment cars. Interested?

GALLERY: MG5 GT at the 2024 Gaikindo Indonesia International Motor Show

The post 2024 MG5 Sedan Malaysia Preview – Civic Size, City Price; 1.5L NA, CVT; Estimated at Under RM100,000 appeared first on Paul Tan’s Automotive News.