New MG5 C-class sedan competes with A-class cars priced under 500 million VND

The first two new MG C-class models distributed under SAIC Motor Vietnam are positioned to compete in the B-class car segment but attract attention when priced much lower than many competitors.

According to the announcement, the New MG5 is distributed in 3 versions: MT, CVT STD and CVT DELUX with prices of 399, 459 and 499 million VND respectively, sold in parallel with the MG5 2023 model. Because this model is not manufactured and sold in Thailand, it will be imported completely from China.

Thus, the New MG5 model has a significantly lower selling price than current B-class sedan models, even the lowest MT version of this model only has a selling price equal to cheap A-class urban cars such as Hyundai Grand i10 or KIA Morning.

The CVT automatic versions will focus on competing with B-class sedans on the market such as Toyota Vios, Hyundai Accent or Honda City.

In terms of design, the New MG5 introduced this time has a classic style, completely different from the sporty, modern MG5 currently on the market, because in reality these are two different models and only share the same name when sold outside the Chinese market.

The New MG5 is a model that uses the design of the Roewe i5 sold in China since 2017, not the latest version that was upgraded earlier this year, while the current MG5 model is using the company's new design language launched in 2020.

The exterior of the New MG5 has a large chrome grille, standard halogen projector headlights, no fog lights, manual folding side mirrors and 15-inch steel wheels for the MT and CVT STD versions. Equipped with LED headlights and taillights, electric mirrors and 16-inch wheels will be available on the CVT DELUX version.

As a model in the C-class sedan segment, the New MG5 has dimensions of 4,601 x 1,818 x 1,489mm, with a wheelbase of 2,680mm, slightly shorter and narrower than the current MG5 model. This will be an advantage when competing with models in the B-class sedan segment.

Inside, the New MG5 MT and CVT STD will have standard fabric seats, mechanically adjustable seats but the driver's seat height cannot be adjusted, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with full function buttons and 3 electric power steering modes, electric mirrors, and keyless entry.

The central control area is an 8-inch touch screen entertainment screen compatible with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, with a manual air conditioning system integrated into the screen.

The CVT DELUX version will have push-button start, cruise control, 10-inch touchscreen, leather upholstery, electric driver's seat, sunroof, electronic handbrake and auto brake hold. But all versions do not have rear air vents.

In terms of power, all versions of the New MG5 use a 1.5L engine with a capacity of 112 horsepower, 150 Nm torque with a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission.

Standard safety features include ABS/EBD brakes, CBC cornering brake control, rear sensors, rear camera and 2 front airbags. CVT STD and DELUX versions will have additional BA brake assist, ESP electronic balance, TPMS tire pressure sensor and 6 airbags. CVT DELUX version has an additional 360 camera.

Although it has advantages in size, equipment, and price compared to cars in the same segment, however, bringing in a car model with a design that has been around for 5 years, and the same name as the MG5 sedan model currently on sale, makes users confused when choosing and also makes them feel that the Chinese car company does not really take the Vietnamese car market seriously.

However, the new distributor SAIC Vietnam has come up with a price calculation for the New MG5 for C and B class sedans, and the appearance of this new model will also help consumers have more new choices in the price range of 500 million VND.