MG 5 2024: Variants Explanation

The outgoing avatar of the MG 5 sold in Saudi Arabia made its Middle East debut back in September 2019. This makes it the oldest sedan offering in the brand’s line-up in the country. The MG 5 is a compact sedan based on a General Motors-SAIC-developed GM-PATAC K platform.

The MG 5 2024 is aimed at cost-conscious buyers who want a decent set of features and a spacious cabin. Among several other cars, the most competent rivals of the MG 5 in KSA would be the Hyundai Accent, Nissan Sunny, and Toyota Yaris.

The MG 5 has Chinese roots and is a more appealing successor in the new MG GT. However, it continues to be an excellent value proposition for very little money – that alone makes it hard to ignore. Now, it is time to find out what all variants of the MG 5 2024 have in common.

A quick summary of the 2024 MG 5

Considering its age and the lack of any facelift since 2019, the MG 5 still looks fairly modern and well-proportioned. At the front is what MG calls its ‘Wingspan’ grille, which is suitably wide and garnished in chrome. The headlight design is simple but effective, featuring either projector halogens or bright LEDs with ‘lightning blade’ daytime running lights.

The fake air intakes in the front bumper get black plastic designer elements and chrome-garnished C-shaped trim. The smooth-flowing shape of the MG 5 is rather pleasing to the eye and is contrasted by sharp creases along the shoulders and doors. The 16-inch alloys, chrome boot lid garnish, and chunky taillights are also well executed.

The cabin of the MG 5 looks cozy and welcoming, while the upper dash is angled slightly towards the driver. The interior can be had with beige leatherette for a premium feel, aided further by the minimalistic design and faux stitching on the dashboard and doors. Storage options are aplenty and the seats offer decent comfort.

The rear seats are mostly nice with plenty of legroom and headroom. However, their low height coupled with the seat-bottom angle means taller folks will not be as comfortable. The boot space of the MG 5 is 512 liters, making it easily usable for the occasional airport run. All variants of the MG 5 share the same powertrain.

Under the hood sits a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 118 hp and 150 Nm of torque. It is paired with a CVT gearbox and helps the MG 5 attain a top speed of 180 kmph. While not exhilarating in any way, the MG 5 sedan offers a hassle-free driving experience.

Variants of the MG 5 2024

MG 5 STD

The entry-level variant of the MG 5, the STD (or Standard) is priced at around SAR 49,000. This makes it a lot cheaper than even the base variant of the Toyota Yaris. Of course, you will have to make do with a few exterior exemptions like no LED headlights, no alloy wheels, and no power-folding ORVMs.

Instead, the base variant of the MG 5 gets projector halogen headlights, 15-inch steel rims, and manual-folding wing mirrors. Interestingly enough, a day/night sensor means automatic headlamp activation is available in the MG 5 STD. A demisting rear window is also standard equipment on all MG 5 variants.

The MG 5 STD’s interior gets fabric seat upholstery, four-way manually adjustable front seats, tilt adjustable steering, and manual AC. There are front & rear power windows, along with cruise control, a simple trip computer, and a 4-speaker audio system. Entertainment options are limited to single USB connectivity, radio, and Bluetooth.

Some of the security features in the Standard variant include central door locks with child-safety lock function. The MG 5’s standard safety tech includes an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. There is also EBA or Emergency Brake Assist and CBC or Curve Brake Control, while all four wheels get disc brakes.

All but the top LUX variant come with a manually operated handbrake and dual front airbags. Thankfully, even the entry-level STD variant comes with ESP (electronic stability program), three-pointed seat belts for rear occupants, TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), and rear ISOFIX anchors. The car will also keep chiming if the front occupants don’t have their seatbelts on.

MG 5 COM

The MG 5 COM (Comfort) is the middle variant and costs around SAR 55,000. Compared to the entry-level variant, this one looks nicer thanks to its 16-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. On the inside, some of the highlights include the leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and dual USB ports.

The basic audio control panel has now been replaced with a more modern 8-inch touch-infotainment screen. While this screen is pretty mediocre, its usability factor comes from the inclusion of MG’s Inkalink media system as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen also integrates the controls for the car’s air-conditioning system.

MG has included an extra USB port, leaving one for media input and one for charging devices. The Comfort variant gets more conveniences such as push-button start and a 3.5-inch digital MID in the instrument cluster. On the safety front, the MG 5 COM adds rear parking sensors and a rearview camera.

The addition of these features makes the car feel a lot nicer and complete, at least as far as the cabin experience is concerned. One final feature that makes the Comfort variant worth the upgrade is its speed-sensitive steering. This type of steering alters its weight depending on the speed of the car, making low-speed maneuvering easy and high-speed handling more predictable.

MG 5 LUX

The MG 5 LUX or Luxury is the top-end variant and costs in the region of around SAR 60,000. The higher price tag of the Luxury variant brings with it LED headlights and power-folding ORVMs on the outside. The LED headlights not only look nice but they also shine brighter and have a longer reach, improving night-time visibility.

Stepping into the cabin is easier as well since the LUX comes with keyless entry. Understandably, the interior of the MG 5 LUX looks and feels the best when compared to the other trims. There is leather upholstery, a 6-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, and a 4-way electric adjustment for the co-driver’s seat.

Both seats incorporate a heating function while the driver’s seat integrates manual lumbar adjustment. The cabin of the top-end variant also gets a rear reading lamp, a nicer sounding 6-speaker audio system, up to five USB ports, a 10.1-inch touch-infotainment system, and an electric sunroof. The quality and graphics of this display are better than that of the 8-inch system.

Wrapping up the equipment list of the MG 5 LUX are six airbags, surround-view cameras, and an electronic parking brake with auto hold. According to MG Motor, the MG 5 scored a five-star safety rating at the Chinese NCAP.

Conclusion

Lacking a thorough facelift even five years after its initial launch, the MG 5 has begun showing its age. It is missing out on some modern features and equipment that are available in its Japanese and Korean competitors. On the other hand, the MG 5 is far cheaper to buy than those cars and its design still looks decent.

Out of the three variants that the MG 5 offered in Saudi Arabia, the middle COM or Comfort variant represents the best value. It comes with good-to-have features like alloy wheels and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. You also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a touch-infotainment system, and parking sensors with a reversing camera.

If you want all the bells & whistles, upgrading to the range-topping LUX variant is a decent deal. It won’t break the bank but will get you more equipment. There is a powered sunroof, keyless entry, better audio & infotainment systems, automatic LED headlights, 360-degree cameras, and six airbags.