Launched: MG5 Fastback – Just 1 Variant, RM93,900

SAIC Motor Malaysia (MG Motor Malaysia) officially launched the new MG5 fastback sedan earlier today. It stands as the first combustion (ICE)-powered offering after launching two EVs earlier this year.

Previewed back in Aug this year, the new MG5 fastback saloon from the rebooted MG Motor brand was officially launched by brand principals SAIC Motor Malaysia earlier today. Just one variant of the sleek coupe-style four-door is available, and it is priced at RM93,900.

Moreover, in conjunction with the MG Motor marque's 100-year anniversary celebrations, MG Motor Malaysia will offer the MG5 with a rebate of RM7,000 as a special introductory offer. In other words, the MG5 can be yours from as low as RM86,900. Additionally, SAIC Motor Malaysia COO Lee Wen Hsiang also confirmed that the firm seeks to localise (CKD) the MG5 soon, but no timeframe was given yet.

At 4,675 MM long with a 2,680 MM wheelbase, 1,842 MM wide, and 1,480 MM tall, the MG5 is being billed as the longest and widest B-segment saloon on sale in Malaysia.

“With its sporty and stylish design, generous interior space, and cutting edge features like the MG Pilot, the MG5 is the complete package for those seeking a B-segment sedan that delivers uncompromised value and driving enjoyment,” said Emory QiFeng, newly appointed managing director of SAIC Motor Malaysia, during the model’s launch earlier today.

As noted from its Aug preview, the MG5 is positioned as a B-segment alternative, but its sizeable dimensions and claims at being the longest and widest-sized sedan in class effectively puts it more of a B-segment-plus offering instead – much like the Proton S70.

Besides the 'Nuclear Yellow' hue featured at the top of this post, the MG4 also sports four other exterior paintjob options - Artic White, Camden Grey, Black Pearl and Dynamic Red.

Matching its sleek coupe-like fastback looks are several key design touches such as all-LED forward and rear lighting, a distinct and massive front grille, sporty front and rear bumpers, not forgetting snazzy 17-inch 'Tomahawk' alloy wheels.

As for exterior colour choices, buyers can opt from a range of five hues in total – Nuclear Yellow, Artic White, Dynamic Red, Black Pearl, and Camden Grey.

MG Motor Malaysia touts the MG5 in having a driver-oriented dash and cabin design. Here, it also sports both a 7-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Other highlights on board include black leather upholstery, electric sunroof, automatic climate control with rear passenger vent, diamond-pattern dash décor, and more.

On board, the MG Motor touts the MG5 in boasting a driver-oriented dash design primed with a 7-inch LCD digital instrument panel, 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen offering both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and a diamond-pattern dash décor panel.

Elsewhere, the cabin sees black leather wrapping the seats and steering wheel, the former includes red contrast pipe-stitching and inserts – red inserts can also be found in the door cards. As for convenience, you’ll find two USB charging ports (plus one in the rear) and a 12-volt socket up front.

Apart from the displays mentioned, the kit list includes a single-zone automatic climate control paired with a rear passenger vent plus built-in PM2.5 air filter, six-way power-adjustable driver seat, electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, six-speaker audio setup, as well as an electric sunroof.

Under the hood, the MG5 packs a 1.5-litre 4-cyl petrol DVVT naturally aspirated mill offering 114 HP and 150 NM. It's paired with an 8-speed 'iCVT' automatic plus a electronic diff (XDS) to drive the front wheels.

Over on to powertrain and, as reported, the MG5 adopts SAIC’s 1.5-litre 4-cyl DVVT petrol naturally aspirated mill that churns out 114 HP and 150 NM. Drive goes to the front wheels via the MG brand’s proprietary 8-speed ‘iCVT’ automatic box primed with an electronic diff (XDS).

In terms of performance, the figures touted by MG Motor sees the MG5 capable of despatching 0-100 KM/H dashes in 11.5 seconds, as well as a claimed fuel economy average of 17.5 KM/litre (5.7 litres/100 KM).

Moving on to safety and, as noted prior, the basics in the MG5 are covered well through six airbags lining the cabin, followed by the inclusion of ABS, traction (TCS) and electronic stability program, hill start assist (HAS), ISOFIX childseat anchors, and something called Cruise Brake Control.

The MG Pilot ADAS package primed in the MG5 appears to lack an Adaptive Cruise Control but still offers other features including Lane Change Assist and Blind Spot Detection, amongst others.

As for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) package, the MG5 appears to lack an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Instead, the ‘MG Pilot’ suite offers Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Lane Change Assist. Included too is a 360-degree parking camera. 

Lastly, the aforementioned price firstly includes a 5-year, unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, followed secondly by a 7-year, unlimited powertrain (engine and transmission) warranty as well.

Bookings for the new MG5 can now be placed at all authorised MG dealerships nationwide.

Unlike before, the new MG5 is now open for viewing and bookings at all authorised MG dealerships nationwide – it was only opened for orders at selected dealers prior.

Well, what do you folks reckon, then? Would you fancy this Anglo-Chinese left-field alternative against the Honda City, Toyota Vios, Mazda 2 Sedan, or perhaps the Proton X70 even? Share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…