MG · 2012–present
MG 5
The MG5 is a series of compact cars that has been produced by SAIC Motor under the MG marque since 2012. The first generation MG5 was launched on 28 March 2012 in China, and shares the same automotive platform as the Roewe 350 saloon car. In China, the first generation hatchback was sold as the MG5, while the saloon was sold as the MG GT. The first-generation MG GT was also sold as the MG5 in several markets. The second-generation model is marketed as the MG5 in China and Thailand, and either the MG5 GT or MG GT elsewhere. For most markets outside China and Thailand, the MG5 nameplate is used for a different model, which is the export version of the Roewe i5. Its battery electric version, the Roewe Ei5 is exported to Europe as the MG5 EV.
Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Predecessor: MG ZS
All MG 5 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →
Early developments of the MG 5 (2005, 2009)
The earliest developments on the MG 5 can be traced back to April 2005 at the time when MG declared bankruptcy of Rover. The first attempt at the MG 5 was when MG entered the Chinese market using the Rover 45 as a basis. Due to Honda owning the rights to the Rover 45's design and platform at the time and the eventual joint talks between Nanjing Auto and MG to purchase the MG brand, Honda stopped their licensing agreement with MG in response and the Rover 45-based MG 5 in its hatchback form never saw production in China. In 2009 at the Shanghai Auto Show, Nanjing Auto tried again with the MG5 name. This time, the car was based on the 2004 facelifted MG ZS. The MG ZS-based MG 5 project was then cancelled entirely.
First generation (AP12; 2012)
The first generation MG5 debuted in concept car form at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show as the MG Concept 5. Outside of China, this first generation was exported to various emerging markets such as Egypt, Chile and Algeria. Technical details. The production MG5 is powered by a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder "VTi-Tech" engine, producing 80 kW (109 PS; 107 bhp) and 135 N⋅m (100 lb⋅ft). There is a choice of five speed manual or four speed automatic transmissions. A 1.5 litre turbo "Hyperboost" version was launched in November 2013, producing 95 kW (129 PS; 127 bhp) and 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) mated to a six speed automatic transmission with a claimed top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). All models are equipped with 16 inch wheels, fitted with 205/55 tyres.
Second generation (2020)
=== Overview === The second generation MG5 debuted in September 2020 right before the 2020 Beijing Auto Show. According to SAIC, the second generation MG5 features the third generation MG family design language, including a front fascia similar to the 2020 MG HS facelift, with engine options include a 1.5 litre turbo petrol four cylinder engine developed by SAIC, producing 173 PS (127 kW; 171 bhp) and a 1.5 litre petrol four cylinder engine producing 120 PS (88 kW; 118 bhp). In China, the MG5 comes in two trims, 180DVVT and 300TGI. Combined fuel consumption for the MG 5 is rated at 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres and 5.7 litres per kilometres depending on trim level (42 US MPG and 41.2 US MPG respectively). Facelift. The facelifted MG5 was unveiled on 14 August 2024. Changes includes the front fascia design updated with new headlights and the placement of the MG badge above the grille, and the rear fascia design updated with redesigned taillights and rear bumper design, and the interior was updated with a new digital cockpit and fewer buttons in the centre console. In December 2025, the Egyptian market received the facelifted MG5 under the name MG GT. Powertrain. === Safety === ANCAP. ANCAP rated the Australasian-market MG 5 zero stars in 2023 due to the lack of seatbelt pre-tensioners and its autonomous emergency braking being limited only to car-to-car and vulnerable road user. It is one of three vehicles that ever receive such score from the Australasian safety programme. ANCAP has accused MG of "a lack of design effort to prevent rear-seat occupant injury in frontal impact and side impact scenarios". In response, MG announced a $4 million worth of investment to introduce safety changes to the MG 5 to improve its crash-test performance for occupants by adding new col
Sales
== Other versions == Since 2019, the MG5 nameplate is also used for a rebadged Roewe i5 for markets outside China due to the absence of the Roewe brand outside China. In markets outside Europe, the MG5 nameplate is used for the petrol-powered Roewe i5 saloon, while the original MG5 is marketed as the MG GT or MG5 GT. In Europe, electric Roewe Ei5 estate was introduced in 2020 as the MG5 EV or MG5 SW EV. The MG 5 EV was marketed as the first ever electric estate car in the UK market and was launched alongside the plug-in hybrid version of the HS crossover.
Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.
Specifications
- name
- MG5
- Manufacturer
- SAIC Motor (MG Motor)
- aka
- MG GT
- Production
- 2012–present
- Class
- Small family car (C)
- Predecessor
- Rover 25, MG ZR, MG GT (for second generation)
- Layout
- Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.
More photos
Sources
- Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4043416CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MG5_(automobile)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1377593702 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:MG_5_01_China_2012-04-14.JPGCC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Navigator84 · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Manufacturer website (link only) — http://www.saicmg.com/mg5/Link only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
- Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.
