The 2025 MG 5 sedan has undergone significant changes, marking a pivotal moment for MG Motor Australia’s budget-focused offering. With a price increase of up to $8000 compared to previous drive-away deals and a streamlined single-variant lineup, the updated MG 5 aims to address its controversial zero-star ANCAP safety rating while maintaining its position as a value-driven option in the small sedan segment. This article delves into the details of the 2025 MG 5, covering its pricing, specifications, safety upgrades, and market positioning, offering a comprehensive look at what buyers can expect from this revised model.
Pricing: A Significant Hike for Enhanced Safety
The 2025 MG 5 sedan has seen a notable price adjustment, reflecting its enhanced safety features and the elimination of the entry-level Vibe variant. The sole variant, the MG 5 Essence 1.5-litre turbo, is now priced at $31,990 before on-road costs, or $32,990 drive-away under a promotional offer available until June 30, 2025, unless extended. This represents a $3000 increase from the previous Essence model’s recommended retail price (RRP) of $28,990 and a substantial $7000 jump from the discontinued Vibe’s RRP of $24,990.
When compared to the 2024 model year (MY24) drive-away pricing, the difference is even starker. The MY24 MG 5 Vibe was offered at $24,990 drive-away, meaning the 2025 Essence is $8000 more expensive, while the MY24 Essence was priced at $29,990 drive-away, a $3000 gap. This price hike has sparked discussion, as the MG 5 no longer holds the title of Australia’s cheapest sedan, a position it maintained with its razor-sharp pricing since its 2023 launch. However, MG Motor Australia defends the increase, citing significant safety improvements and added features that elevate the vehicle’s value proposition.
Streamlined Lineup: One Variant, Focused Features
One of the most significant changes for the 2025 MG 5 is the reduction from two variants—Vibe and Essence—to a single Essence trim. The Vibe, which featured a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), has been axed, leaving the turbocharged Essence as the only option. This decision aligns with MG’s strategy to simplify the lineup and focus on a higher-spec model that incorporates critical safety upgrades to address past criticisms.
The Essence variant is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 119kW of power at 5600rpm and 250Nm of torque between 3000 and 4000rpm. This engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, offering a balance of performance and efficiency. Claimed fuel economy stands at 5.9L/100km on the combined cycle, slightly higher than the Vibe’s 5.7L/100km, reflecting the turbo engine’s increased power output. The Essence also boasts front-wheel drive, MacPherson strut front suspension, and a torsion beam rear suspension, maintaining the same underpinnings as its predecessor.
Safety Upgrades: From Zero to Three Stars
The MG 5’s zero-star ANCAP safety rating in 2023 was a significant setback, marking it as only the third vehicle in ANCAP history to receive such a score. In response, MG Motor Australia invested $4 million to overhaul the sedan’s safety credentials, resulting in a three-star ANCAP rating for the 2025 model. This upgrade is a cornerstone of the updated MG 5, addressing concerns raised by safety authorities and consumers alike.
Key safety enhancements include:
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Advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): The 2025 MG 5 features an upgraded AEB system capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists, improving crash avoidance capabilities.
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Seatbelt Pretensioners and Dynamic Load Tensioners: These additions enhance occupant protection by securing passengers more effectively during a collision.
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Calf Protection Panel: A new front bumper design incorporates a panel to reduce the risk of lower leg injuries to pedestrians, addressing a critical weakness in the previous model.
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Additional Safety Technologies: The Essence variant now includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, speed limit information, intelligent speed assist, rear seatbelt reminders, and a 360-degree camera. These features bring the MG 5 closer to segment standards, though it still lacks some advanced systems like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert found in competitors.
These upgrades reflect MG’s commitment to meeting ANCAP’s evolving safety criteria, as stated by a company spokesperson: “We anticipate the additional safety will bring the current rating to a higher level.”მო�
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Safety Upgrades (continued): …to improve the MG 5’s safety performance and align with modern expectations.” The inclusion of these features has significantly improved the vehicle’s safety profile, though it still falls short of the five-star ratings achieved by competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30. The upgrades ensure the MG 5 is no longer an outlier in terms of safety but highlight the trade-off of a higher price point for these improvements.
Design and Features: Refinement Over Revolution
While the 2025 MG 5 does not feature a full facelift, as seen in some overseas markets, it retains its sleek and modern design with minor tweaks to improve drag and pedestrian safety. The exterior maintains its sporty aesthetic, characterized by a wide trapezoidal grille, sweptback LED projector headlamps, and a fastback-inspired side profile. The Essence variant adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and LED daytime running lights, enhancing its visual appeal. The boot capacity is listed at 401 liters, slightly less than the 512 liters reported for earlier models, possibly due to different measurement standards (SAE vs. VDA).
Inside, the MG 5 Essence offers a refined cabin with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker sound system (up from four in the Vibe), and a powered driver’s seat. The dashboard layout is simple and user-friendly, with a two-tone black and beige color scheme available in some markets, though Australian models typically feature a monotone black interior. Additional features include keyless entry, push-button start, and a 360-degree camera, which provides a bird’s-eye view for easier parking and maneuvering.
Market Positioning and Competition
The MG 5’s price increase and single-variant strategy position it in a challenging spot within Australia’s shrinking small sedan market. VFACTS sales data indicates that between January and May 2025, MG sold 1266 units of the MG 5, trailing behind the Toyota Corolla (7907 units), Mazda 3 (4535 units), Hyundai i30 (4323 units), and Kia K4 (1892 units). The 2024 sales figures for the first half of the year were stronger, with 2252 units sold, surpassing the Subaru Impreza (1078 units) but falling short of the Mazda 2 (2446 units). The 2025 MG 5’s $32,990 drive-away price is notably higher than the MY24 Vibe’s $24,990 drive-away offer, making it less competitive against rivals like the Mazda 2 sedan and the MG 3 hatchback, which starts at $21,990 drive-away.
Despite the price increase, the MG 5 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a feature-rich sedan. Its 10-year, 250,000km warranty is among the best in the industry, and the capped-price servicing program (every 12 months or 10,000km) adds to its long-term value. However, the absence of a base model and the higher entry price may deter some cost-sensitive buyers, especially in a segment dominated by established players like Toyota and Hyundai.
Driving Experience and Practicality
The MG 5 Essence’s turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission deliver a responsive driving experience, with quick gear changes and respectable performance for city and highway driving. The suspension setup—MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear—offers a comfortable ride, though it lacks the refinement of competitors like the Mazda 3 or Kia K4. The steering is functional but not particularly engaging, making the MG 5 better suited for relaxed urban commutes than spirited driving.
The sedan’s dimensions (4675mm long, 1842mm wide, 1473mm high) provide a spacious cabin for five passengers, with a 401-liter boot that’s competitive within the segment. Fuel efficiency, at 5.9L/100km, is respectable, though the use of premium unleaded fuel may add to running costs for some buyers. The MG 5’s practicality is further enhanced by features like rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, and ISOFIX anchors, making it a viable family car option.
Global Context and Future Outlook
The 2025 MG 5 has also seen updates in other markets, such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines, where it is offered in multiple variants (e.g., STD, COM, DEL) with a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine producing 109-113hp and 140-150Nm of torque. In these regions, prices start as low as AED 49,000 (approximately AUD $20,000) for the base model, highlighting the Australian market’s focus on a higher-spec variant. The facelifted MG 5, revealed in China with a revised grille and larger touchscreen, is not confirmed for Australia, with MG Motor Australia prioritizing safety upgrades over cosmetic changes for now.
Looking ahead, MG’s commitment to safety improvements signals a proactive approach to addressing market demands. However, the lack of a facelift and the higher price point may limit the MG 5’s ability to challenge segment leaders. If MG introduces additional variants or sharper pricing in the future, the sedan could regain its edge as a budget-friendly option. For now, the 2025 MG 5 Essence offers a compelling mix of features, safety, and value, but its success will depend on how buyers perceive the trade-off between cost and the upgraded specifications.
In Summary
The 2025 MG 5 sedan represents a significant step forward in addressing its safety shortcomings, achieving a three-star ANCAP rating with a $4 million investment in upgrades. The streamlined Essence variant, priced at $31,990 before on-roads or $32,990 drive-away, offers a turbocharged engine, advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and AEB, and a feature-rich interior. However, the $8000 price increase over previous drive-away deals and the elimination of the Vibe variant may alienate some budget-conscious buyers. While the MG 5 remains a practical and well-equipped option, its higher entry cost and single-variant strategy place it in a competitive position against established rivals. For buyers prioritizing safety, warranty, and modern features, the 2025 MG 5 is a strong contender, but its value proposition will be tested in a shrinking sedan market.