MG5, also known as MG GT or MG5 GT has been a prime topic of debate among Pakistani auto consumers ever since it was first spotted on our roads. Since then, MG Pakistan has displayed the unit on various occasions & on its dealerships across the country.
Javed Afridi, a key figure behind MG cars in Pakistan has tweeted about the impending arrival of the MG5 quite a few times but after the MG3 fiasco, people have really stopped taking his tweets seriously. However, a more responsible input came from Asif Ahmed, the General Manager of Marketing at MG Pakistan, who expressed optimism about the sedan market’s potential and disclosed that the MG GT might be their first sedan offering for Pakistani consumers.
MG has seen a very favorable response for their HS crossover, which is now being assembled locally. Other than that it offers MG4 and ZS EV as CBU imported units. The company additionally tried the regular ZS (ICE) model in Pakistan, but even though it was less expensive, it didn’t perform well. However, the MG5 does hold a potential.
MG5/ MG GT has already been introduced in a number of countries in addition to China and is doing quite well in terms of sales in markets such as the Middle East, Mexico, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei & Australia, and has been recently introduced in Bangladesh. The key to success for this car is its size which is comparable to the likes of Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla but its price is comparable to Honda City & Toyota Yaris/ Vios.
This is indeed a perfect recipe, to begin with. Plus, the MG5 is a very attractive car that commands attention on the road, it’s a head-turner for sure. Then comes the list of features & equipment which is impressive, to say the least. It has a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth & support for Apple CarPlay and Android mobile phone connectivity, a multi-function steering wheel, and a push start button, 7-inch digital display, 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, 17-inch wheels, sunroof and digital key with the intelligent i-SMART voice command system.
In terms of safety, there are 6 airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS with EBD and BA whereas driver assistance systems include a blind spot warning system, 3D surround view camera, electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability control (VSC), Hill Start Assist (HSA) and much more.
Under the hood, The MG5 comes available in two engine options – a 1.5L naturally aspirated unit delivering 118hp as well as a 1.5L turbocharged unit good for 171 hp. And again it turns out to be a perfect competitor to 1.5L City Aspire, Yaris AtivX, Alsvin Lumiere as well as the 1.6L Corolla Altis and Civic Turbo. This makes it an absolute fit between the available B-segment and C-segment sedans of Pakistan.
It would be safe to say that the MG5/ MG GT sedan if launched will be able to attract plenty of car buyers in Pakistan. With promising looks, rich features & equipment, ample safety, and a powerful engine under its hood, the MG5 can grab a decent share of the sedan market if it’s priced sensibly. However as seen with the MG HS, status-conscious people with strong purchase power are always ready to pay a higher price if the product stands out from the vast majority of ‘ordinary’.
For MG Pakistan, this car is like having the potential to kill many birds with one stone. We’d like to hear your thoughts on whether you believe the MG5 can outdo its rivals in Pakistan’s sedan market. Let us know with your comments.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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