Does the MG 5 have the specs and features to beat the king of the subcompact sedan segment?
The subcompact sedan class is one of the best-selling segments in the Philippine automotive market. With so many models to choose from with a wide array of both affordable and to some point feature packed variants, it is not a surprise that this segment is so popular. Add the smaller overall size which makes for easy parking in tight places and the popularity of ride-hailing applications where drivers usually make use of vehicles in this segment.
Undoubtedly king of the segment with over 33,000 units sold in 2019, which makes it the best-selling car in the Philippines for that year is the Toyota Vios. We’ll be looking at the specifications of the 1.5 G CVT variant. Looking to challenge the king is a relatively new newcomer in the country, the MG 5. With the brand easily and quickly becoming part of the top 10 best selling car makes in the country, does their Vios fighter have what it takes in terms of specs and features?
For starters, the range-topping MG 5 1.5 Alpha CVT is cheaper than the Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT which is the second in the Vios lineup. The MG 5 retails for Php 938,888 while the Toyota Vios goes past the 1-million peso mark at Php 1,043,000.
We compiled the different specifications of the two models below. Based on them, which do you think is the better choice among the two?
Full-Specifications
MG 5 1.5 Alpha CVT
Toyota Vios 1.5 G CVT
Price
Php 938,888
Php 1,043,000
Engine Specifications
Engine Displacement
1.5 L
1.5 L
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity
45 L
42 L
Engine Performance
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Maximum Output
112 hp @ 6,000 RPM
106 hp @ 6,000 RPM
Maximum Torque
150 Nm @ 4,500 RPM
140 Nm @ 4,200 RPM
Transmission
CVT
CVT
Vehicle Dimensions
Dimensions (L x W x H) (mm)
4,601 x 1,788 x 1,489
4,425 x 1,730 x 1,475
Wheelbase
2,680 mm
2,550 mm
Ground Clearance
118 mm
140 mm
Wading Depth (if available)
N/A
N/A
Trunk Capacity
512 L
326 L
Seating Capacity
5
5
Wheels and Suspension
Wheel Size
16-inch alloy
16-inch alloy
Brakes (Front/Rear)
Ventilated disc/Disc
Ventilated disc/Drum
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
Independent MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam
Twist Beam
Features
Headlights
LED w/ LED DRL
Halogen Projector w/ LED DRL
Taillights
Bulb Type
LED
Fog Lights
Without
Halogen
Seat Material
Leather
Fabric
Smart Keyless Entry/Push-Start System
With
With
Infotainment System
10-inch touchscreen display
7-inch touchscreen display
Infotainment Connectivity
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, USB, Bluetooth
Bluetooth, USB, Weblink
Parking Assist
Rear Parking Sensors, Reverse Camera
Without
Sunroof
With
Without
Safety Features
No. of Airbags
6
7
Anti-Lock Braking System
With
With
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
With
With
Stability Control
With
With
Hill-Start Assist
With
With
Cruise Control
With
Without
Driver Assistance Features
360-degree Around-view Monitor
Without
Comment below which you think is the better choice!