The 2025 MG 5 will be offered in a single, more expensive model grade following the introduction of key safety technologies which helped it score a higher three-star ANCAP safety rating earlier this month.
For the 2025 model year, the MG 5 small sedan will be sold exclusively in Essence trim, with the previous entry-level Vibe variant now dropped from the lineup.
That increases the MG 5’s admission price to $32,990 drive-away, which is up by more than $8000 following the discontinuation of the previous Vibe at $24,888 drive-away, and a $4000 price hike for the Essence, which was previously priced at $28,990 drive-away.
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As a result, the simplified single-variant MG 5 range is now positioned much more closely to small sedans from Korea and Japan, including the Hyundai i30 (from $29,000 before on-road costs), Kia K4 (from $30,590 plus on-roads), Mazda 3 sedan (from $31,310 plus on-roads) and Toyota Corolla (from $32,320 plus on-roads).
New safety functions for the 2025 MG 5 Essence include lane keep assist, emergency lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and intelligent cruise assist.
Seatbelt pretensioners for all five seats including a three-point centre rear seatbelt, plus a seatbelt warning and reminder have also been added, along with whiplash-resistant front and rear seats.
The safety updates bring the MG 5 Essence a fresh three-star ANCAP safety rating dated June 2025.
In August 2023, the MG 5 was one of three models to receive a shock zero-star rating from the safety body, the others being the Mahindra Scorpio large SUV and the no-longer-on-sale Mitsubishi Express van.
MG Australia has confirmed there are no other equipment changes for the 2025 MG 5 Essence over the previous 2024 version.
It continues with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 199kW of power and 250Nm of torque, a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and claimed combined fuel economy of 6.4L/100km.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push-button start, synthetic leather seat trim, a 360-degree camera, six-speaker audio and a glass sunroof.
In addition to the safety upgrades, the MG 5’s driver assist tech suite includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB), a ‘Sport’ tuned stability control system, and active corner braking control.
MG offers one of Australia’s longest new-car warranties, at 10 years or 250,000km.
MORE: Everything MG 5