New MG5 2021 detailed: Toyota Corolla sedan rival unveiled ahead of Beijing motor show

The latest addition to reborn British marque MG Motor’s line-up will be the MG5 small sedan revealed ahead of the Beijing motor show.

The MG5’s new styling language was leaked several months ago, and the car is now confirmed to wear the brand’s new design traits that it will share with the upcoming ‘Pilot’ mid-size SUV.

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SAIC MG, the brand’s Chinese domestic division, also confirmed dimensions at 4675mm long, 1842mm wide, and 1480mm tall, making it slightly longer and wider than a Toyota Corolla sedan.

The Chinese-market MG5 sedan is slightly larger than a Corolla.

In terms of powertrains, the MG5 will receive either a 1.5-litre petrol four-cylinder producing 88kW or a turbocharged version producing 127kW in its home market.

Other features not before seen include a digital dashboard, leather-lined steering wheel, large multimedia touchscreen, push start ignition and a sunroof.

In terms of the MG5’s chances for the Australian market, the brand’s local product director, Danny Lenartic, told CarsGuide at the launch of the ZST small SUV that “nothing was off the table” from its SAIC parent company, and that the platform was currently under evaluation for Australia. He said it was “absolutely possible” that the brand could replicate the success its MG3 hatch has found in our market with a small sedan.

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A slew of higher-tech features appear in the cabin.

Interestingly, this MG5 just revealed in China appears to be a completely separate product from the MG5 wagon just launched in the United Kingdom. That car is a re-branded version of a Chinese domestic Roewe model, and has launched with either a full electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The electric UK-market MG5 EV has a WLTP-rated combined range of 344km from its 52.5kWh battery, and produces 115kW/260Nm from its electric motor. It costs from the equivalent of $A44,217 in the UK.

The MG5 wagon has launched in the UK with both fully electric and PHEV variants.

It is unclear which version of the MG5 is more likely for the Australian market, but given the brand’s previous comments on its hybridisation plans and the existing right-hand drive availability of the UK model, our money would be on that car having the best chances for a local launch.

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