MG5 (automobile)

The MG5 is a series of compact cars that has been produced by SAIC Motor under the MG marque since 2012. The first generation MG 5 was launched on 28 March 2012 in China, and shares the same automotive platform as the Roewe 350 saloon car.

In China, the first generation hatchback was sold as the MG5, while the sedan was sold as the MG GT. The first-generation MG GT was also sold as the MG 5 in several markets.

The second-generation model is marketed as the MG5 in China and Thailand, and either the MG5 GT or MG GT elsewhere. For most markets outside China and Thailand, the MG5 nameplate is used for a different model, which is the export version of the Roewe i5. Its battery electric version, the Roewe Ei5 is exported to Europe as the MG5 EV.

First generation (AP12; 2012)
The first generation MG5 debuted in concept car form at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show as the MG Concept 5.

Outside of China, this first generation was exported to various emerging markets such as Egypt, Chile and Algeria.

Technical details
The production MG5 is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder "VTi-Tech" engine, producing 80 kW and 135 Nm. There is a choice of five speed manual or four speed automatic transmissions.

A 1.5 litre turbo "Hyperboost" version was launched in November 2013, producing 95 kW and 210 Nm mated to a six speed automatic transmission with a claimed top speed of 200 km/h. All models are equipped with 16 inch wheels, fitted with 205/55 tyres.

Second generation (2020)
The second generation MG5 debuted in September 2020 right before the 2020 Beijing Auto Show.

According to SAIC, the second generation MG5 features the third generation MG family design language, including a front fascia similar to the 2020 MG HS facelift, with engine options include a 1.5 litre turbo petrol four cylinder engine developed by SAIC, producing 173 PS and a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder engine producing 120 PS.

In China, the MG5 comes in two trims, 180DVVT and 300TGI. Combined fuel consumption for the MG 5 is rated at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 5.7 litres per kilometres depending on trim level (42 US MPG and 41.2 US MPG respectively).

Thailand
The MG5 was revealed in July 2021 in Thailand, in four trim levels: C, D, D+, and X; powered by the 1.5-litre SAIC 15S4C engine.

Middle East
The MG 5 was launched in the Middle Eastern markets in October 2021 as the MG GT. It is offered in three trim levels; STD, COM and LUX. It is available in three variants with two engine options; a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with 8-speed CVT transmission and a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 7-speed DCT transmission.

Mexico
The MG5 was launched in Mexico in March 2022 as the MG GT, with three trim levels: Style, Excite, and Alpha. All variants are powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 7-speed DCT.

Vietnam
The MG5 was launched in Vietnam on 3 March 2022, with two trim levels: Std+, Com+ and Lux+. All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre SAIC 15S4C engine and comes only with a CVT.

Indonesia
The MG 5 was launched in Indonesia at the 29th Indonesia International Motor Show on 31 March 2022. Imported from Thailand, three trim levels are available: Activate, Ignite, and Magnify. All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre SAIC 15S4C engine and comes only with a CVT.

Philippines
The MG 5 was launched in the Philippines in February 2023 as the MG GT, with two trim levels: Magnify and Sport. All variants are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 7-speed DCT.

Australia
The MG 5 was launched in Australia in June 2023. Imported from China, two trim levels known as Vibe and Essence are offered with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission option available as standard on the Vibe trim and the 1.5-litre turbo and 7 speed dual clutch transmission on the Essence trim.

The Chinese-imported MG 5 was one of only two vehicles introduced to Australia in 2023 to get the lowest possible Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP, aligned with Euro NCAP) safety rating of Zero stars in its Australasian market configuration.

Brunei
The MG 5 sedan was launched in Brunei in August 2023. Imported from China, it is offered in Deluxe variant, with two engine options in one variant are in 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired with CVT, and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 7-speed DCT.

Bangladesh
The MG 5 sedan was launched in Bangladesh in October 2023. It is available in two variants with two engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine paired with CVT, and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with 7-speed DCT.

ANCAP
ANCAP (aligned with Euro NCAP) rated the Australasian-market MG5 zero stars in 2023 due to the lack of seatbelt pre-tensioners and its autonomous emergency braking being limited only to car-to-car and vulnerable road user. It is one of three vehicles that ever receive such score from the Australasian safety programme. ANCAP has accused MG of "a lack of design effort to prevent rear-seat occupant injury in frontal impact and side impact scenarios". In response, MG announced a $4 million worth of investment to introduce safety changes to the MG5 to improve its crash-test performance for occupants by adding new collision avoidance features, which will be launched sometime in 2024 for the Australian market.

MG5 Scorpio (2022)
The MG 5 received a performance variant called the MG5 Scorpio for the 2022 model year with the front fascia completely redesigned and an additional performance-inspired body kit and additional colour options. The MG 5 Scorpio is powered by the same 1.5-litre turbo engine that powers the regular MG 5 but tuned up to 181 hp, 8 hp more than the standard model. The top speed is 200 km/h which is the same as the standard MG 5. Gearbox remains to be the same 7-speed DCT.

Exterior colour choices for the MG5 Scorpio include: Passion Lemon, Nuclear Yellow, Flame Red, Cyber Gray, Obsidian Black, Snow Mountain White, and Brighton Blue. Interior colour choices are known as: Trophy exclusive Gray and Yellow, Extreme Black and Gray, Trophy exclusive Night Rider, and Extreme cool Black. The car is available in 3 trims: Deluxe, Trophy Sports Deluxe, and Ultimate. Pricing ranges from 102,900 yuan to 117,900 yuan.

In comparison to the regular MG 5, the Scorpio Edition is 20 millimetres longer, 7 millimetres higher, and has the same width and wheelbase. The Scorpio Edition is 125 kilograms heavier than its regular counterpart. Combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres (38.5 US MPG).

Other versions
Since 2019, the MG5 nameplate is also used for a rebadged Roewe i5 for markets outside China due to the absence of the Roewe brand outside China. In markets outside Europe, the MG5 nameplate is used for the petrol-powered Roewe i5 saloon, while the original MG5 is marketed as the MG GT or MG5 GT.

In Europe, electric Roewe Ei5 estate was introduced in 2020 as the MG5 EV or MG5 SW EV. The MG5 EV was marketed as the first ever electric estate car in the UK market and was launched alongside the plug-in hybrid version of the HS crossover.