2024 MG 5 Review

The C-segment sedan market has always been a popular choice for Malaysian family users and young professionals. After all, models in this segment usually need to balance the economic efficiency required for daily commuting, practicality for family scenarios, and a certain level of configuration experience. The 2024 MG 5, as a new contender in this niche market, comes with an exceptional configuration list and balanced specifications. This time, we test drove the vehicle, and the core purpose was to verify whether its static experience is indeed "sincere enough" and if its dynamic performance can meet the daily needs of most users.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2024 MG 5 leans towards youthful sporty vibes. The front adopts a large blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlight groups on both sides, giving it high visual recognition. The smooth body lines, with a waistline stretching from the hood to the rear, make the side profile look elongated. The LED taillights at the rear adopt a separate design instead of a through-type design, but they complement each other in style, with clear effects when lit. The rear bumper's diffuser decoration further enhances the sporty feel. Notably, the car comes standard with full LED lighting, including automatic headlights, which adds a level of convenience for daily use.

Stepping inside, the interior layout is simple and well-organized. The center console is slightly tilted towards the driver for easier operation. Regarding materials, there are soft materials covering the door panels and central control area, providing a decent tactile experience without any noticeable sense of cheapness. The 10.25-inch central control screen is the visual focal point, performing smoothly and supporting Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto for convenient phone connectivity. The 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster offers clear displays, providing direct visibility of speed, RPM, and fuel consumption information. There are many standout features in terms of configuration. For example, the driver's seat has 6-way electric adjustment with manual lumbar support, and the passenger seat also comes with electric adjustment — a rare offering within similarly priced C-segment cars. Standard features include a single-zone automatic air conditioning system in the front, rear air vents, electric folding mirrors, and a single sunroof, all of which emphasize practicality.

In terms of space performance, the vehicle's dimensions are 4675mm × 1842mm × 1480mm, with a wheelbase of 2680mm. These numbers place it in the upper-middle range within the segment. When the front seat is adjusted to a comfortable driving position, a 175cm tall passenger still has a headroom clearance of about one fist and two fingers. The rear legroom allows for around two fists of clearance, and the headroom equals about one fist, sufficient for seating three adults without feeling crowded. In terms of storage capacity, the door panel storage slots can hold two bottles of mineral water, while the central armrest box and glove compartment offer average space. The rear seats are foldable, which expands the trunk's capacity, making it capable of occasionally handling the transport of large items.

For the powertrain, the 2024 MG 5 is equipped with a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine that generates a maximum power of 84kW (114PS) and a peak torque of 150N·m, paired with an 8-speed CVT transmission. During actual driving, the power response at start-up is relatively smooth, suitable for gentle driving during daily commutes. When the speed exceeds 60km/h, pressing the accelerator harder brings a noticeable acceleration force, but some distance should be reserved for overtaking, as the naturally aspirated engine's power output is limited. There is only a standard driving mode available, with no option to switch between sport or eco modes. The overall tuning leans toward comfort.

The handling and chassis performance are decent. The steering wheel is light, making daily parking or low-speed driving very easy. At high speeds, it becomes slightly heavier, maintaining a certain level of stability. The combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear torsion beam non-independent suspension handles minor bumps on city roads quite well. However, when encountering speed bumps or larger potholes, the rear passengers will feel noticeable vibrations, which is a common trait of torsion beam suspension. Body roll during cornering is kept within a reasonable range without a significant sense of sway, meeting the expectations for a family car.

Regarding fuel consumption, we tested it in both congested urban roads and highways for 50km each, resulting in an average fuel consumption of approximately 6.8L/100km. This performance is within the normal range for vehicles with the same displacement. With a fuel tank capacity of 45L, the full tank driving range can reach around 660km, making it feasible to refuel once a week for daily commuting. Braking performance is stable, with a linear pedal feel. During emergency braking, the vehicle maintains a good posture without a noticeable nose-dive effect.

The driving and riding comfort details are fairly well executed. At low speeds, cabin noise control is good, but wind and tire noise become more noticeable when the speed exceeds 100km/h. However, it does not affect normal conversations. The seat padding is relatively soft, and the electric adjustment function makes it easy for passengers of different body types to find a comfortable sitting posture, ensuring long drives are not overly tiring.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2024 MG 5 lies in its "well-rounded configuration"—features such as electric adjustable seats, full LED lights, 360-degree panoramic imaging, and rear air conditioning vents make it highly competitive among C-class cars in the same price range (referencing the estimated price of RM 93,900? Note: The original price might be incorrect, and could be RM 93k approx.) and more equipped than some models from joint-venture brands. Its static experience and space performance can meet the needs of family users. While its power and handling are not surprising, they are adequate for daily use.

This car is more suitable for family users who prioritize practicality and a comprehensive set of features, or for young professionals with limited budgets who wish to have more comfort-oriented configurations. It does not excel in sporty performance nor is it focused on extreme fuel efficiency, but its balanced performance and class-leading features make it a sincere contender in its segment. If you’re looking for a family sedan that is well-equipped, spacious, and easy to drive, the 2024 MG 5 is worth considering.