FIVE GUISE (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_mg5ev_2021

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 73

MG continues to specialise in providing budget brand buyers access to full electrification at super-affordable prices. Here we look at the original version of the company's second zero emissions model, the MG5 EV, a compact estate that in its first 52.2kWh battery form offered a 214 mile driving range and a spacious cabin seemingly little compromised by this model's advanced battery tech. All for a reasonably conventional price. Exciting? Possibly not. Clever? Definitely.

Modelsword count: 3

5dr Estate (EV)

Historyword count: 174

Another electric MG model - and it's not an SUV. Actually the genre of this car, a compact estate, is quite traditional. Basically, what's on offer here is an alternative to these compact SUV electric models that are now springing up, but at a much lower price and with more interior space. Launched here in 2020, this MG5 was basically a European-ised version of a model from MG's Chinese parent group SAIC, the Roewe Ei5. Prior to its UK introduction, over 63,000 examples of that car had been sold to Chinese folk following the Roewe version's launch there in March 2018. So MG hoped that the auspices would be good for the chances of this car establishing a little niche for itself in our market. Initially, the car was introduced in the UK in 52.2kWh battery form but in Autumn 2022, an updated 61kWh battery version of this car arrived, complete with an updated 'MG Pilot' set of camera safety features. It's the earlier 52.2kWh battery 2020-2021-era model though, that we look at here.

What You Getword count: 214

At the time of this MG5 EV model's launch, MG already sold the market's most affordable family-sized EV contender, the ZS EV. But while that model won't be quite big enough for some families, this contender might well be. It's 4.54m long, which, to give you some perspective, is about 100mm shorter than a Ford Focus Estate, though this MG's 2.6m wheelbase is only 43mm shorter than that Ford's. This MG5 is 1.82m wide and 1.54m tall too. The exterior styling is restrained and conservative, though not particular suggestive of a budget brand. Up-front, the fit and finish is close to volume brand standards, without feeling especially plush. There's a base 'Excite' version but the top 'Exclusive'-spec variant - the one most will want - enhances things with niceties like leather-style upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. On the rear seat, there's ample headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants. And twin USB ports are provided, along with the usual ISOFIX child seat fastenings. You'll want to know about boot space, which is rated at 578-litres with the rear seats in place. That's about 200-litres more room than you'd get from an EV hatch like the Volkswagen ID.3. Fold the rear bench flat in this MG5 and you can extend your storage space to 1456-litres.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227