MG5 Drive Review: The B-Segment Sedan For Those Who Want To Be Different

November 6, 2024

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Like any other car, the MG5 certainly could improve in some ways, but it is undoubtedly very unique and fun

Okay, so let me start off with something very good about the MG5, we managed to drive from KL to Desaru on just a single tank of fuel without needing to refuel and to be honest, most of that drive was with the engine screaming bloody murder trying to push out all its power so we could keep up with the speed demons on the highway. Okay, now let’s get into the full review.

Fuel Efficiency

So here in Malaysia, for some reason, everyone likes to ask this one very common question, “boleh naik Genting ah.” Why anyone ever bothers asking this when 99 percent of the time, the car will never be going up any elevated slope, let alone Genting, is beyond me but worry not, despite being a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine car, the MG5 manages.

Notice how I said “manage” and not “has no problem going up?” This is because the car itself is tuned primarily for fuel efficiency and not raw power. Despite MG marketing the MG5 as the biggest B-segment sedan in its class, I felt that the car was never particularly underpowered. It managed the highway quite well and exceeded range expectations too.

Yes, we did indeed manage to get to Desaru from KL without needing to refuel at all, so the MG5 definitely has an edge in this department over the other non hybrid and non electrified competition. This is an impressive feat as well considering how the car really never wanted me to push it very hard and instead kept trying to make me ease off the accelerator.

Now of course, there is a turbocharged version and even an electric version of the MG5 in other markets, but for now, Malaysia has to deal with the N.A version only and this is not necessarily a bad thing since for most Malaysians, going fast is never really an option either given our traffic and weather so this plays nicely into the car’s strengths.

More Power

However, this does mean that for the few enthusiasts who do care about being able to overtake a lorry (I wish I was joking about this), well then they will have to look elsewhere to get their speed fix. Again, this is not really the fault of the car as it is not severely underpowered, just tuned for maximum fuel efficiency and comfort.

So then why does this matter? Again for the most part, most Malaysians will never need to go that fast anyway, the problem arises when one is in a rush to “balik kampung” and literally cannot even overtake quickly because the car won’t allow you to accelerate as fast as even some A-segment rivals with smaller capacity engines.

The even more concerning part is that the engine is a screamer, (no not in that way, get your mind out of the gutter), the engine manages to hold a very low rpm when just cruising, but the minute the speedometer goes anywhere above 90 to 100km/h, the engine permanently screams at the top of its proverbial lungs and does not stop until the accelerator pedal is let go of.

Thankfully the MG5 also has some of the best NVH in its segment so the outside noises (engine, road and wind) were all rather muted for the most part. You only really start to notice the noise when the speedometer reaches speeds above the legal limit so as long as you always drive mindfully, you’ll never notice the noise anyway.

The Other Side

Okay, I think I have been hard enough on the MG5, don’t you? No? Well, too bad. My review, my rules. Yes, I was very harsh on the MG5 thus far, but that is only because the car has so much potential and with some small improvements or changes, the car could have been my choice for the best B-segment sedan in the country.

Yes, I know I sound like the master gaslighter all our Asian parents are (how many of you had flashbacks to dad whipping you with a belt saying “I only do this because I love you”?) but that is the truth. I really like the MG5, in fact, I think it is one of the better sedans out there, especially if you want to stand out from the usual suspects.

While the MG5 is the largest B-segment sedan in its price point, it unfortunately also contends with a certain C-segment sedan here as well, which is very unfair, however, among all the other B-segment rivals, I feel that this car actually stands the best chance in a head to head with the big bad C-segment car in terms of tech and design.

The Good, After The Bad And Ugly

Okay, now let’s see what else I liked about the MG5. Despite being perhaps the most underpowered and loudest engine of any car I drove this year, the 1.5 4-cylinder unit under the hood of the MG5 is actually the most economical engine I have had the pleasure of driving too. It can even rival some hybrids to a certain extent in terms of raw range.

For the third time, we drove from KL to Desaru and STILL had fuel to spare. Mind you, I wasn’t exactly light footed either and the car still had almost 100km worth of range when we reached the hotel so say what you will, but the MG5 is perhaps the most deserving new car of the energy efficient vehicle (EEV) title in recent years.

On top of that, the interior, while slightly wonky and a tad warm, was actually very spacious and comfortable. Now, this does not mean that the air con was super cold, far from it, but it does do a good job of cooling the cabin down after a few minutes and then the MG5 becomes one of the most comfortable cars to cruise in regardless of body style.

I really shouldn’t take any pride in this but both me and my co driver managed to sleep so soundly while the other was driving that I feel the MG5 may very well be the most comfortable B-segment sedan in Malaysia right now. The leather seats are soft and cool and the door card and dashboard also consist of soft materials so it is very pleasant to be in.

The MG5 also was quite fun to drive. Despite the steering wheel being extremely soft, leading to a lack of a sporty feel, it is responsive and means that tight turns as well as cornering is effortless and helps make the driver feel less tired in the long run. Not to mention the speakers are also very clear and more than loud enough too, props to MG for that.

The Verdict

Okay, I know that isn’t really much, but a spacious cabin, very generous booth along with a comfortable ride are really all that the vast majority of Malaysians in the sub RM100k B-segment sedan market are looking for anyway, so as far as the main points go, the MG5 actually managed to hit the mark rather well.

What’s more, it does technology well enough as its infotainment screen and digital driver display both work very quickly and are very clear. They are also more than bright enough and are the only real feature that most Malaysians need to work well so it has that covered. THese are very important as visibility makes a huge difference while driving.

All in all, the MG5 is definitely a good car and for most Malaysians, will be a fun and reliable option as it does what it is meant to do well. The only valid concern buyers will have is the lack of active safety features but given how it also offers more tech than a typical B-segment sedan, I reckon most buyers won’t mind anyway.