A Chinese rival to the Toyota Corolla is on course for an early 2023 launch in Australia – from a different production line than was originally planned.
China will launch a fresh assault on the small-car class dominated by the Toyota Corolla with a new model due early next year.
The 2023 MG 5 sedan is due in Australia in the first half of 2023, marking Chinese brand MG’s return to the small-car segment locally after the MG 6 was axed in 2017.
Revealed in late 2020, and confirmed for Australia last year, the MG 5 was previously expected to be built in Thailand for our market, and was on track to become MG Australia’s first model built outside of China.
However, production for Australia has since switched to China, from the same factory currently home to the MG 3 city car.
How this affects pricing remains to be seen, though MG models have typically undercut their closest competitors – which will include the Toyota Corolla sedan, Hyundai i30 Sedan, and the more expensive Skoda Octavia and Honda Civic liftbacks.
In China, entry-level versions are priced in line with lower-spec MG ZS small SUV variants – at the equivalent of around $22,000 drive-away – while flagship models cost on part with mid-spec ZST small SUVs, at about $27,000 drive-away.
Australian details are yet to be confirmed, however two engines are available in Chinese models: an 88kW/150Nm 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the MG 3 city car, or a 127kW/275Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the HS medium SUV.
Five-speed manual and continuously-variable automatic (CVT) transmissions can be had with the non-turbo engine, while the turbo option is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only.
Available features overseas include LED headlights, a 10-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, synthetic leather upholstery, power driver’s seat, six-speaker Yamaha sound system, and a sunroof.
However, there’s no mention of a fully-digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, digital radio, a branded premium sound system, or telescopic (reach) adjustment for the steering wheel – all available on other small cars in Australia.
Available safety features overseas include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, and a 360-degree camera.
The Australia-bound MG 5 sedan is not to be confused with the MG 5 sold in Europe, an all-electric wagon which MG Australia has ruled out for the local market.
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