MG 5

MG has followed the same philosophy while designing the interior cabin of the MG 5, as it did while crafting the exterior design. The cabin looks quite plain and understated, which though is pleasant to the eyes.

The flat bottomed multifunctional steering wheel as well as simply styled instrument console with a small MID in between looks decent. The large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, however, does manage to catch one’s fancy in the otherwise mundane looking centre console.

The long-wheelbase again plays smart in giving a great sense of space on the inside, with the MG 5 having class-leading legroom and knee room levels. For an entry-level sedan, the big boot capacity of 512-litre too work in its advantage. The presence of comfort and convenience features like tilt and telescopic steering, push-button start with keyless entry, electric sunroof, electrically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors, reverse camera, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, rear AC vents, automatic climate control and cruise control, give an appeal premium enough for a car of this class.

For an entry-level sedan which the MG 5 is, the car boasts of an excellent road presence. The bigger dimensions as compared to the rest of its competitors definitely make it feel as if it belongs to one segment above. However, to keep costs in check, MG has chosen not to make the sedan too flashy, making it look a bit understated.

The wide fascia of the MG 5 has a large trapezoidal chrome grille as the centre of attraction, which comes with multiple chrome slats and surrounds on the outer boundaries. The headlamps are angular, but have slight curves towards its outer edges. Going by the current trend, they do incorporate projector bulbs and LED daytime running lamps.

The long wheelbase of the MG5 does play a major role in giving it an elongated and low slung stance. There is a nice curve which flows from the upper tip of the front headlamp and ends up at the edge of the tail lamp. MG has gone the conventional path by giving the rear a rather safer design with a thick chrome bar joining the curvy and longitudinally stretched tail lamps. 

Armed with Macpherson struts at the front and torsion beam axle at the rear, the overall suspension of the MG 5 is pretty much sorted finely, with the softer setup making the overall ride quality cushy and plush enough for urban conditions. However, at the same time, the steering setup is too on the softer side, which feels not so involving at higher speeds.

Apart from the design, the MG 5 shares its 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine too with the Roewe i5 in the same state of tune. The engine, coupled to a CVT gearbox as standard, pumps out a maximum power output of 113 PS and a peak torque output of 150 Nm. 

MG has equipped the 5 with sufficient safety kit like four airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors, curve brake control, electronic stability control, hill start assist and tire pressure monitoring system, all of which have helped it gain a five-star rating in C-NCAP.

Like many conventional entry-level sedans, the MG5 showcases a safely designed package with not much visual drama in and out. However, with sorted mechanicals and a spacious cabin filled with features, it puts up its case as a tremendous value for money vehicle. It is not as involving to drive, but then, for a family-oriented sedan, the MG 5 offers much more than expected from it.