An interesting statistic is that the average Chinese man is 8.2cms shorter than the average European guy. That’s a full 3 inches shorter. This fact may not have been considered by Chinese car makers marketing their cars in Europe. Like the MG5, where tall men in my life found it excruciatingly difficult to get in and out of the front passenger seat.
While MG is a British brand, the marque is now owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC, the seventh largest car manufacturer in the world. All MG assembly plants and production facilities are based in China, India and Thailand. However, SAIC Motor say they plan to build their first factory in Europe after sales there have rocketed. Maybe they'll adjust designs to cater for taller Europeans.
Meantime, the 2023 facelifted MG5 includes a redesigned front and rear, enhanced LED headlights, and new 16- and 17-inch wheel designs. An estate, the MG5 Sportwagon looks very attractive from the outside - especially in the Dynamic Red of my car - with long and sleek lines. The upgraded interior is simple and well designed. Five people can travel with good head room for all ... once in. Even with the front seat pushed back as far as it would go, legroom here wasn’t all that good either.
At my side, the six-way adjustable driver’s seat has lumbar support and an extra layer of foam. Though in truth, I found my seat a bit too stiff. Technology enhancements include a 10.25-inch infotainment system that allows access to satellite navigation, air conditioning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The software supports connected car functionality through MG’s dedicated smartphone app. It allows you stay connected to your car from anywhere. You can even locate it in the car park, check the health status and lock and unlock the car — all from your smartphone.
Driver information is via a 7-inch digital cluster showing speed and the percentage of power being used as you drive. My car had a good reversing camera, and rear parking sensors, but no blind spot warning. The 360deg camera has three screens, the centre one showing what is in front of the car when parked up, the other two showing overhead views of the vehicle. Changing gears is via a rotary gear selector on the flat of the central console. There are two USB ports front and rear. The cabin has 27 storage spaces including a decent glovebox, good door bins, a deep area below the front armrest.
Drop the rear seats to increase the boot volume from 578 to a very decent 1367 litres with an adjustable dual-height boot floor. But just a tyre repair kit. No spare.
Excite Trim Long Range provides a 403km electric range, 61.1kWh battery, with MG Pilot driver assist systems, 16-ins alloys, six airbags, sat-nav, Hill Launch Assist, and silver roof rails.
The Exclusive spec adds 17-inch alloys, heated front seats, heated side mirrors, rear privacy glass, leather style seats, auto air con, and the 360deg camera.
This MG5's 61.1kWh battery and 156hp motor proved the rated range to be fairly accurate in my time with the car. It can improve with more city driving which helps regenerate the battery. Average combined energy consumption settled around 17.5kWh/100km. From 0-100km/h takes 8.3 seconds.
The MG Pilot driver assistance technology is equipped with warning and alert features that includes Lane Departure Warning which constantly nudged the steering wheel to a very annoying degree even though I was driving in the middle of my lane. For me, this was not helped by the car’s very light steering.
Driving modes are Eco, Normal, and Sport. You also get three regenerative braking modes in both trims and a KERS kinetic energy recovery system with levels from 1-3.
The charging port is conveniently located just above the front number plate. You can charge from 10pc to 80pc in 61 minutes using a 50kW public rapid charger, or from 10pc to 80pc with a 150kW fast charger in around 35 mins.
The MG5 has a 500kg approved towing capacity.
The car has not yet been tested by Euro NCAP but has many of the safety features that gained its sibling MG4 a maximum 5-star safety rating. It comes with a 7-year manufacturer’s warranty.
