Say hello to the new-generation MG5 that recently made its global debut at the 2020 Beijing Auto Show in China. The all-new mid-size sedan is a Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia rival, but don’t be surprised if it looks more like a Hyundai Elantra to you. On the contrary, we think the 2021 MG5 is more of a hybrid between the Elantra and the Mercedes-Benz CLA with its four-door coupe-themed design language. The new-gen MG5 is on sale in China now and will be introduced in other markets as well next year.
The 2021 MG5 is a good-looking sedan with the bold and aggressive front that sports a massive single-frame grille. The MG badge is equally huge and the grille integrates into the Sharply-styled bumper. The swooping hood looks nice and so do the sweptback LED headlamps with daytime running lights. The profile offers one of the best angles on the sedan with the beltline flowing into the rear with a curve around the C-pillar before meeting the taillights. The fastback roofline also blends seamlessly in the boot of the car. There are a number of lines running across the sides that add more character to the design of the car.
At the rear, the Mercedes-inspiration is more evident with the leaf-shaped LED taillights and look similar but get their own three-light signature treatment. The boot-lid also integrates a lip spoiler for a sporty touch. Finishing off the changes are the dual exhaust tips with a blacked-out diffuser in the centre. Overall, the new MG5 adopts the third-generation design language of the MG brand, which makes it strikingly different from the older car.
Inside, the 2021 MG5 is pretty loaded and comes with dual-tone interiors with leather upholstery. A touchscreen infotainment system offers connected technology with OTA updates, voice command, and more. The car also gets a digital console, electric sunroof, and a Yamaha sound system. The car is loaded on the safety front and gets eight airbags, EPS-Pro, TCS, and PDC. It also comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking, 360-degree sensors, SAS and ACC under the MG Pilot safety package.
The 2021 MG is a fairly large car and measures 4,675mm in length, 1,842mm in width, 1,480mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,680mm. In China, the car is sold with two engine options – the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol. The former produces 120PS of power and peak torque of 150Nm, while the latter will offer more punch with 173PS and 275Nm of peak torque on offer. Transmission choices include a CVT and a DCT.
Do remember that the MG5 Wagon sold in the UK is very different from this example of the MG5 for China. In fact, the UK-spec MG5 Wagon is rebadged as the Roewe Ei5 and sold in China under the brand’s parent company SAIC. MG Motor India has no immediate plans to bring the MG5 to the country. The company’s focus has been on SUVs that are doing fairly well for the brand and it is likely that a new entry-level SUV will join the brand’s line-up next. The company has been planning to introduce the petrol version of MG ZS for India for a while, and we expect the compact SUV to be one of the launches in 2021.
