KUALA LUMPUR: SAIC Motor Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official local distributor of the MG brand, has launched the sleek and stylish MG5 which comes with an introductory price of RM86,900, on the road without insurance.
Although the four-door fastback is officially priced at RM93,900, a rebate of RM7,000 is offered in conjunction of MG's 100th anniversary campaign.
Fully imported from Thailand, the MG5 is said to be the largest B-segment vehicle in Malaysia.
Notably models in the highly competitive local B-segment market are the Proton Persona, Honda City and Toyota Vios among others.
SAIC Motor Malaysia chief operating officer Lee Wen Hsiang said some 100 units of the MG5 have been booked before the launch.
Five colour options are offered namely Nuclear Yellow, Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Camden Grey.
Warranty is five-year with unlimited mileage which also includes a seven-year unlimited mileage powertrain warranty for the engine and transmission.
The MG5 has a 2,680mm wheelbase and a length of 4,675mm, width of 1,842mm and height of 1,473mm.
While rolling on 17-inch Tomahawk alloy wheels with 215/50 series tyres, a 1,498cc naturally aspirated engine mated to an intelligent continuously variable transmission (iCVT) makes up the powertrain.
The iCVT, with eight virtual gears, manages power that's been rated at 114PS and 150Nm of torque for the front wheels and promises a fuel consumption of 17.5km per litre on the combined cycle.
With a fastback design and an integrated rear duck-tail spoiler, the MG5 has been equipped as standard with LEDs for the automatic headlights, daytime runners and 3D rear light clusters.
The suspension uses front MacPherson struts and a rear torsion beam while all-round disc brakes are used.
Inside, the driver-centric cabin features a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that powers up the six-speaker sound system.
Also included is a diamond-shaped decoration panel on the passenger side, powered sunroof, black and red colour combination faux-leather upholstery, a six-way powered driver's seat, a 360-degree camera system and three USB ports.
Also included is a single-zone climate control system with a PM2.5 air filter system, rear air vents and cruise control.
For safety, the China-based carmaker has included six airbags, anti-lock braking system, electronic stability programme, electronic brakeforce distribution, traction control and corner brake control.
Further bolstering safety is the MG Pilot advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) which features Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
"With its sporty and stylish design, generous interior space and cutting edge features like the MG Pilot, the MG5 is the complete package for those seeking a B-segment sedan that delivers uncompromised value and driving enjoyment," said SAIC Motor Malaysia managing director Emory Qi.
Qi (left) and Lee at the event.
