MG is setting standards again with the MG 5, this time for compact sedans. It looks as though the brand asked around what people wanted and simply went about ticking boxes before throwing in a couple of big surprises, too. With a few pinches of magic dust (read awesome features) from popular European models, they seem to have struck upon a formula for the ideal compact.

The Dimensions (L x W x H): 4601 x 1818 x 1489 mm, wheelbase: 2680 mm, kerb weight: 1230 kg, Boot space: 512 L,

The Specs: 1.5L engine with CVT transmission, 113 hp @6000 rpm and 150 Nm torque, Emission: EU 5 Test fuel economy: 11 km per litre

Safety: Front and side airbag, tyre pressure monitoring system, rear camera and sensors, 360 degree surround view

The Price: STD – AED 47,250, COM – AED 51,450, LUX – AED 58,800

UPSIDE: Sportback styling, Ample space, Decent fuel economy, Excellent camera angles

FLIPSIDE: Not a quiet drive, minor lag in power flow

The Design

Design appeal from sporty proportions and interior space for long legs are a couple of things ‘being compact’ have not deprived the MG 5 of. Size-wise, MG 5 is 3.9 cm shorter but almost two cm wider than the Honda Civic; three cm shorter but 3.7 cm wider than the Toyota Corolla. However, the sport-back styling makes the car look short in the rear but it has not deprived the MG 5 of boot space. The inwardly turned middle of the boot and what looks like a “duck-beak lip-spoiler” sure add a Teutonic charm to the car. 16” alloy wheels with impressively styled spokes grace the upper trims – only the base model get 15” steel rims. The slatted grille looks matter-of-fact and vaguely reminds you of a German but the LED light signature on either side looks captivating.

Cabin and Controls

The central screen is a 9” screen – one of the two aspects that assign this screen pre-eminence in the compact sedan segment. The multi-function steering wheel bears the MG signature with its short, dual spokes in the bottom turn.

After spending many days in that cabin, I was left wondering if those seats in classy textured black were leather after all – especially with the nice stitching that outlines the seats, dash and door-side. Well, classy it is but leather it isn’t for most part – just the nicest Poly Urethane you’ve ever seen. In contrast, the plastic strip on the dashboard with a brushed aluminium finish isn’t as convincing. The two lower trim levels get fabric seats.

Cabin niceties are something you invariably find in Korean models too but what separates the MG cabin from other cars that take shape in China is the continuing design allegiance to British or European taste – no loud and fancy stuff here! Minimalism is best showcased in the triple role that the small central knob plays. It takes turns to adjust the temperature, wind blower speed and the volume. Talking about loudness, MG5 is far from being a quiet car – with wind, road and engine adding their due. That is one department this car hasn’t risen above its segment.

Family Drive

MG displays impressive space management even in the compact dimensions of MG 5 with generous seating and clever storage spaces – even though the middle seat in the rear is only half as comfortable for an adult. Besides cupholders and a tidbits box with a retractable rolling lid, the console has a niche to keep the remote key and long, shallow document insert spaces on either side of the console. There are USB ports and mobile charging ports – five in the top trim I tested, two in the mid trim and just one in the base trim. (Wonder why such disparity!) The rear tail console gets two USB ports but no AC vents – the only time MG reminds you that this is a compact car, in a cabin that offers comfortable legroom, soft seating and seatback storage pouches. There is an armrest for the driver, but those of medium height could wish if it were an inch longer, to allow the elbow to be placed in comfort even while lightly holding the wheel.

MG hasn’t used generous rear passenger space as an excuse to trim down boot space. 512 L under that smart, sporty back translates to a large suitcase, a medium one and a couple of duffel bags.

Safety and driver assistance

Safety in the MG 5 cabin signals a company with clear and correct thinking – these features are omnipresent across the three trim levels – From ABS and EBD to front and side air bags. But if you ask me what is the WOW! feature in this cabin, it is the rear camera with its multi-angles and viewing choices. The 2D view has four camera options – front, rear, and the sides. Then there is the graphically enriched 3D view with 8 different angles and a bird’s eye view from the top – like Jaguar Land Rover or Audi offers. Well, you can’t pin down the car with your finger and turn it around as you can do in expensive cars, but merely clicking on the viewing angle will get the car to swing around on screen to arrive at the angle you desire. Needless to say, the bird’s eye view simulation is a huge help in parking and negotiating curbs. The best part is, this camera can be called upon with the press of the ‘360 vision’ button, not only when you shift to reverse. Rear parking sensors and camera are available in the top two trims only. However, Cruise control and headlamp close delay are standard – MG 5 will wait for you to walk in the light of its headlamps before switching off.

The Drive

MG has chosen a 1.5L engine mated to a CVT transmission, to power their compact sedan. After having surprised us enough with space and tech, MG doesn’t work very hard on the drivetrain and keeps it very predictable for a compact practical sedan. The lag that is felt under 800 rpm engine speeds disappears shortly to allow uninterrupted power flow but the CVT retains its noisy drawl as the engine speed climbs! However, weighing over 1200 kg, the sedan maintains balanced proportions for decent ride comfort and reasonably responsive handling.

The company claims excellent fuel economy figures – 19.5 km per litre. While that remained a far flung ideal, in almost 800 kilometers driven last, the car clocked a fair and respectable 11 km + per litre.

The essential MG5

While sportiness largely resides in its stylish sport back design, the MG5 makes for a comfortably enjoyable, reasonably economical ride. It ticks all the boxes for a compact car, and does it in a classy manner.