MG 5 2024 Comparison: Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sunny, and Honda City

If you are in the market for an affordable B-segment sedan for individual or family use, you have many options. However, almost none of them can compete with the MG 5 when it comes to their pricing. That’s because the MG 5 is perhaps the cheapest compact sedan on sale in Saudi Arabia that is yet to be facelifted.

The Chinese SAIC Motor-owned British brand launched the MG 5 sedan in the Middle East in 2019. However, the automaker seems to have left the entry-level sedan in limbo ever since. Despite the setback, the MG 5 has seemingly held onto its ground against far more accomplished and newer-generation rivals.

At a glance, the exterior styling of the MG 5 doesn’t come across as particularly exciting. Given that it has been around for more than half a decade, you might even miss the MG 5 if you are not looking for it. That is not to say that there aren’t any good design details to be found – because there are.

The front fascia hosts a wide grille finished in chrome and flanked by LED headlights with C-shaped LED DRLs. There are C-shaped chrome trimmings lower down in the bumper as well, while the 16-inch two-tone alloy rims look the part. The tail lights feature C-shaped elements along with a chrome strip connecting the two units. The boot lid also looks good, courtesy of its sporty ducktail shape.

The minimalist interior layout is clean and the two-tone color plus large windows add a sense of space. The scratchy plastic is mixed with splashes of soft-touch inserts, leather upholstery, and fake stitching. Storage solutions are easy to access, whilst boot space is a respectable 512 liters. There is wireless charging and a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

The MG 5 can also be had with powered & heated front seats, powered sunroof, six airbags, TPMS, ESP, and 360-degree cameras. It is powered by a 1.5-liter four-cylinder making 118 hp and 150 Nm, and has a top speed of 180 kmph. The MG 5 gets a CVT gearbox and claims 18.1 kmpl (5.5 L/100 km). Prices range between SAR 43,000 and SAR 61,000.

1. Toyota Yaris (SAR 63,135–75,670)

Design and interior

Unlike the MG 5, the Toyota Yaris 2024 represents the latest iteration of the model. Its exterior styling is bold and confident, with a coupe-like roofline and sharp LED lights. The Yaris is the shortest car on this list, a full 176 mm shorter than the MG 5. However, the large front grille and sharp bodylines make themselves felt.

The cabin of the Yaris has a simple but modern layout, featuring contrast stitching, a digital driver’s display, and dash-integrated front cupholders. The Toyota sedan also flaunts automatic climate control, dual USB chargers at the back, and a sleek dashboard design with thin AC vents. Its build quality is superior to the MG 5’s, and so is its NVH management.

Features and equipment

The Toyota Yaris gets powered & auto-folding ORVMs, keyless entry & go, a 7-inch digital MID & speedometer, and a wireless charger. Other provisions include a 6-speaker audio system, a height-adjustable steering column, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, and dual rear USB chargers.

Covering the safety angle is equipment like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, electronic stability control, tire-pressure monitoring, and six airbags. Providing further assistance is ABS with EBD, brake assist, front & rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.

There are some shortcomings with the Toyota Yaris, though. It has a smaller boot and infotainment screen than the MG 5, and it feels more snug at the back for three. Here are other things the Yaris lacks: Full-leather seats, Android Auto, powered & heated front seats, surround-view cameras, and an electric sunroof.

Engine and performance

The Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 97 hp and 122 Nm of torque. It is slower than the MG 5 but more fuel efficient. The Yaris would need over 11 seconds to go from 0 to 100 kmph, though it redeems itself with a claimed 22.4 kmpl (4.4 L/100 km).

2. Nissan Sunny (SAR 66,000–83,500)

Design and interior

The 2024 Nissan Sunny was launched in the Middle East in October 2023 – it is also newer than the MG 5. The styling is reminiscent of other newer Nissan cars such as the Sentra. This becomes more evident upon closer inspection as the Sunny sports the Japanese brand’s familiar V-Motion front grille.

The 17-inch machined alloy wheels of the new Sunny are bigger and thus look nicer & sportier. The sleek design of the LED headlights combined with front fog lights makes this front fascia seem more premium than the MG 5’s. The swooping roofline and large tail lights add to the exterior appeal of the Sunny as well.

Cabin quality is decent with soft padding provided where your elbows would naturally rest and on the dashboard. This interior has several types of trim: Leatherette with stitching, leatherette with contrast stitching, fake carbon fiber, and metallic finish. The Sunny’s cabin provides adequate room for storing knickknacks while being more spacious for rear-seat occupants.

Features and equipment

Conveniences in the Nissan Sunny include split-folding rear seats, a wireless charger, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is also a configurable 7-inch monitor integrated into the instrument cluster, though the speedometer is a simple analog unit. The D-shaped steering wheel is home to many buttons and wrapped in leather.

The new Sunny also gets automatic climate control, a 6-speaker audio system, and keyless entry with push-button start & remote boot release. Its basic safety features include a tire-pressure monitor, hill-start assist, 360-degree cameras, driver alert, and electronic stability control. There’s also blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and automatic headlights.

However, the Nissan Sunny is 105 mm shorter than the MG 5 and its boot is smaller by 87 liters. Its touchscreen is smaller as well, whilst the front seats miss out on cooling/heating functions.

Engine and performance

Powering the Nissan Sunny 2024 is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Its output is similar to that of the MG 5, producing 118 hp and 149 Nm of torque. The transmission of choice is an X-Tronic CVT and the top speed is 180 kmph, whilst 0-100 kmph takes less than 11 seconds. The Sunny is also more fuel-efficient – claiming 19.1 kmpl (5.2 L/100 km).

3. Honda City (SAR 75,785–91,885)

Design and interior

Taking notes from the design of the new Civic, the exterior of the Honda City wears a sporty yet debonair suit. It is slightly smaller than the MG 5, but it's suave styling is more contemporary and edgy. Some of its best design features include multi-element LED headlights, Z-shaped LED tail lights, and suave 16-inch alloy wheels.

The well-built and quality interior features knurled HVAC knobs, select soft-touch materials, and comfortable seats with good cushioning and support. Adding to the comfort are rear AC vents, a center armrest with cupholders, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control. Moreover, the steering is adjustable for both reach and rake.

Therefore, finding a comfortable driving position in the Honda City is not going to be a bother. Paddle shifters are present, just in case you want a little more engagement with the CVT gearbox. Similarly, the City’s 510-liter boot is more than adequate for weekend grocery shopping or the occasional outing with the family.

Features and equipment

The Honda City can be had with many modern features befitting its urban purposefulness. These can be seen in the form of cruise control, LED fog lights, and an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. You also get keyless entry & go, remote engine start, an 8-speaker audio system, and a 7-inch color MID.

Apart from these, the Honda City comes with six airbags, a wide-view rear camera, ISOFIX anchor points, and hill-start assist. The compact sedan also gets ABS with EBD, traction control, electronic stability control, vehicle stability assist, and emergency call (E-Call). The City gets Honda’s LaneWatch camera that helps alleviate blind spots on the non-driver side.

The Honda City scores adaptive cruise control, frontal collision alert with braking, lane-departure alert & assist, and automatic high-beam assist. However, the City is slightly smaller & less roomy on the inside than the MG 5. Its touchscreen is more compact, the front seats are manually operated, plus there’s no wireless charging, ventilated seats, or rear disc brakes.

Engine and performance

The Honda City is offered with a 1.5-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine that produces 119 hp with 145 Nm. Despite being straddled with a CVT, this rev-happy motor is a delight for those who love driving. With a top speed of 190 kmph and returning a claimed 21.1 kmpl (4.7 L/100 km), the City is almost perfect.

Conclusion

The Honda City is a good-looking and fun family car with good fuel economy and a well-built and comfortable cabin. However, it is rather expensive and is still lacking in some handy features. The Nissan Sunny is priced better and its roomy cabin is both practical and comfortable.

The Sunny isn’t as fun to drive as the Honda, but it's equipment list is quite impressive. The Toyota Yaris, on the other hand, is fuel-efficient and well-packaged – all the while boasting a less intimidating price tag.