Crossovers and SUVs may be lording over sedans in other markets, but certainly not in the Philippines. Here, the sedan--particularly the subcompact variety--is still king. We've got the Toyota Vios, Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Hyundai Accent, as regular bestsellers, with the Vios a permanent fixture in the top spot for more than a decade. Now, British marque MG tries its luck in this lucrative segment with the entry of its latest model, the all-new 2019 MG 5.
The MG 5 may be classified as a subcompact, though it's anything but that. With overall dimensions measuring 4,601 mm long, 1,818 wide, and 1,489 mm tall, the MG 5 is larger than many of its contemporaries. In fact, its length, width and wheelbase (2,680 mm) are the most in its class, and its height is only second to the Mirage G4 (1,515 mm).
Power comes courtesy of a 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve naturally-aspirated engine mated to either a five-speed manual or Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode. This pairing helps the MG 5 deliver 112 hp, 150 Nm of torque, and a top speed of 180 kph. Suspension comes by way of a MacPherson Strut system up front and a torsion beam at the back.
Owing to its European roots, the MG 5 isn't big on head-turning flashiness, but its confident character lines make it an attractive car to own nonetheless. The prominent chrome grille takes up a lot of real estate at the front--a signature of many brands hailing from the world's second smallest continent. Automatic dusk-sensing headlights, stylish daytime running lamps, power-adjusted mirrors, demisting rear window, and electric sunroof adds to the MG 5's smart allure. Buyers get to choose from six paint finishes: White, Black, Grey, Red, Gold, and Blue.
Thanks to its class-leading dimensions, the MG 5's cabin enjoys enviable spaciousness. Leg-, head-, and even elbow room is generous, even for full-sized adults. Aside from class-leading size, the MG 5 also looks to be vying for best-in-class features, starting with its 10.1-inch touchscreen color display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. This infotainment system is controlled via steering-wheel buttons and links to six high-fidelity speakers. Comfort is enhanced with the use of plush interior materials, and a choice between black or beige is an especially nice touch. A push-button start feature ensures hassle-free starting.
The MG 5 gives its contemporaries-slash-competitors are run for their money in the safety department. It's got all the basics covered--surround airbags (front, side, curtain), anti-lock braking system (with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and cornering brake control), electronic stability program (with emergency brake assist), ISOFIX, and three-point seatbelts front and back. And MG throws in a lot of the good stuff as well. Check out these advanced safety features: hill start assist, auto brake hold, cruise control, tire pressure monitoring, rear parking sensor, and even a 360-degree view camera.
With four trims available, the MG 5 has a price range of PHP658,888 to PHP938,888 depending on trim level, of which there are four in all. Without breaking the PHP1-million-barrier, it's easy to see that the 2019 MG 5 is competitively priced and well-equipped. If you're waiting for this 2019 MG 5 Buyer’s Guide to tell you whether the car is worth buying or not, we say, troop to your nearest MG dealer and snap it up for yourself.
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