2023 MG 5 small sedan still on track for Australia despite factory switch

China will launch a fresh assault on the small-car class dominated by the Toyota Corolla with a new model due early next year.

The 2023 MG 5 sedan is due in Australia in the first half of 2023, marking Chinese brand MG’s return to the small-car segment locally after the MG 6 was axed in 2017.

However, production for Australia has since switched to China, from the same factory currently home to the MG 3 city car.

In China, entry-level versions are priced in line with lower-spec MG ZS small SUV variants – at the equivalent of around $22,000 drive-away – while flagship models cost on part with mid-spec ZST small SUVs, at about $27,000 drive-away.

Australian details are yet to be confirmed, however two engines are available in Chinese models: an 88kW/150Nm 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine shared with the MG 3 city car, or a 127kW/275Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine from the HS medium SUV.

Five-speed manual and continuously-variable automatic (CVT) transmissions can be had with the non-turbo engine, while the turbo option is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic only.

Available features overseas include LED headlights, a 10-inch touchscreen, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display, synthetic leather upholstery, power driver’s seat, six-speaker Yamaha sound system, and a sunroof.

However, there’s no mention of a fully-digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, digital radio, a branded premium sound system, or telescopic (reach) adjustment for the steering wheel – all available on other small cars in Australia.

Available safety features overseas include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning, and a 360-degree camera.

The Australia-bound MG 5 sedan is not to be confused with the MG 5 sold in Europe, an all-electric wagon which MG Australia has ruled out for the local market.