Looks like another winner for MG Cars Philippines
When The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) launched the new MG 5 a few weeks ago, some media members (including this author) were a little bit confused. Gauging from the initial impression on the vehicle, it seems that the overall package of the MG 5 is closer to a compact sized car, than the official sub compact classification. Look can be deceiving, so it seems.
The Cabin
Immediately assessing the interior, the MG 5 is admittedly, generous in the rear seat legroom. A 6ft tall person wouldn’t have to struggle to maneuver his legs to avoid touching the back of the drivers seat. Multiple points there! Three passengers would fit snugly, thank you.
The front seats are equally comfortable, with rounded off edges instead of squarish ones. However, long drive comfort is yet to be determined as we have to test the vehicle, regardless, the seats offer enough leg and back support.
As expected, the whole dash is made of plastic, but ergonomics is simple, no curvy mound on top, except for the gauge cover, for minimum glare. The center is dominated by an impressive 10-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, one of the largest in its class, below it is the climate control – both easy to reach. Making things easy is the button controls on the steering wheel.
The top of the line MG 5 1.5 Alpha CVT, features a sunroof, and rear console charging ports. Nice touches.
Exterior
The fascia features a big triangular grille (an MG trademark) mixes nicely with large projector headlights, as well as a hidden camera below the center emblem (Alpha model). The profile is minimalist in nature, just a combination of semi curves and straight beltline, a big plus right there. The roofline exudes a European influence, with the back more angled approaching the boot cover, giving it a sporty, almost hatchback appearance. The wheels are 16in already, but looks smallish versus the profile. Bigger diameter tires would give this sedan an aggressive look.
Powertrain
The MG 5 is powered by the standard 1.5 Liter g 4 cylinder gasoline engine that has 112 hp and 150 Nm of torque, mated either to a 5-speed manual transmission (Base) or continuously variable transmission (CVT). No performance figures yet, but we are hoping for a test drive soon; we’re excited to try this one.
So far, the new MG 5 is looking good, both literally and on paper. You get more value for your money. If the performance is at par with the wildly popular MG ZS, well, we have a winner right here. With a starting price of PHP658K, well, that makes it all sweeter.
Prices:
- MG 5 1.5 Core MT PHP658,888
- MG 5 1.5 Core CVT PHP718,888
- MG 5 1.5 Style CVT PHP848,888
- MG 5 1.5 Alpha CVT PHP938,888
Safety features
- Driver’s Airbag
- Front Passenger’s Airbag
- Side Airbag
- Curtain Airbag (Alpha)
- Electronic Brake Distribution
- ABS with Electric Brake-force Distribution
- Immobilizer
- Security Alarm
- Electronic Door Locks
- ISOFIX
For more information, visit the nearest MG dealer
or visit www.mgmotor.com.ph/
Text?Images by Earl Manalansan
