The MG5 facelift might be what’s needed to push the model over the edge in Malaysia.
The MG5 is, if anything, unique in the Malaysian market. It’s the only Chinese B-segment sedan that’s ‘brave’ enough to compete against the tried and true Japanese options and the budget oriented local models. While sales numbers haven’t been great, the Malaysian public hasn’t been completely averse to trying it out and we personally know of a few buyers. In China, the MG5 has now been given a relatively minor update, which was revealed at the end of June and priced between RMB59,900 and 69,900. This translates to RM35,000 and RM41,000 before excise duties, import taxes and SST.
We noted in our review that the MG5’s biggest issue in Malaysia was that it was introduced at too high of a price – RM95,000. This was partially due to it being a fully-imported model. However, we’re also sure that there are ways that SAIC can maneuver around the problem to make the car much more competitive. It may not have the chops to compete against the likes of the Toyota Vios, Honda City or Nissan Almera, but if it was priced just a hair over the Proton Persona and Perodua Myvi, it would undoubtedly do much better in sales.
The other alternative is a complete upgrade in spec, which is what this facelift might allow SAIC Motor Malaysia to do. Design-wise it still has that same attractive fastback body shape. The front has been upgraded with a ‘polygonal waterfall’ grille flanked by slender headlights and a ribbed engine cover. Around back you still get an integrated ducktail spoiler and dual exhaust outlets. However, the taillights have been redesigned and now are intergrated into the bootlid. The bumper too has been redesigned.
Engine options remain the same – there’s the familiar 127hp 1.5L naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder that we get in Malaysia and the 178hp turbocharged version of the same. They are still matched to the same CVT and DCT respectively. The fuel tank still displaces 50L but we’ve heard that an ongoing ‘quiet’ recall swaps out the fuel tank float in current models to improve the accuracy of the fuel gauge.
Inside we get the most drastic improvements. Both the instrument cluster and the infotainment unit are now 12.3″ across but there is a smaller 10.25″ version of the infotainment unit on the lower tier model. MG has retained physical buttons here, which is a plus. The interior has a new fun looking orange and black combination. Finally the steering wheel has three spokes and a flat bottom.
The sound system has 8-speakers and a 256-colour ambient lighting system pulses the lights to the rhythm of the music. The MG5 facelift comes with Level 2 ADAS.
What do you think of the facelifted MG5? Are these improvements enough to make it appealing as a City alternative or should pricing be the main focus.
