MG 5 makes Manila debut this week at glorietta

The Covenant Car Company, Inc. President and CEO Atty Albert Arcilla (third from left) with Franklyn Ong (President and CEO, Genesis Motors Corp.) Emily S. Ong (Executive Vice President and COO of GMC)

Here in the Philippines, compact sedans are the most popular among vehicle makes because they offer the best bang for the buck, have low cost of ownership, seat five adults comfortably, and are easier to maneuver in traffic, which brings us to another point: they easily fit in tiny gaps as well as parking slots.

When British heritage brand Morris Garages, or MG, returned to the Philippines on October 2018, its new official distributor, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI), they seemed to have missed one product when it introduced three models, the MG RX5, a compact SUV; the MG ZS, a crossover SUV; and the MG 6, a sporty looking fastback sedan.

Car buyers who must be wondering only needed 11 months as they finally witnessed the unveiling of the all-new 2020 MG 5, a sedan that carries a price tag of just P658,888 (its top-of-the-line is still tempting at P938,888).

During last month’s Cebu Auto Show held at the SM Seaside Skyhall, the market got to see a real deal-breaker in the MG 5—a best-in-class vehicle dimensions plus the fact that it is the first in its category to be equipped with rich technology features found in more premium car segments.

Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president and CEO of TCCCI-MG Philippines, informed that following last month’s debut in Cebu, the MG 5 sedan will make its Metro Manila unveiling tomorrow at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center. The event lasts until Oct. 6.

The Metro Manila launch will be punctuated by a special MG Live! free concert, featuring a full set performance by OPM hotshots IV of Spades on Saturday, Oct. 5 to be held at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

Almost a mid-sized sedan in dimensions, the MG 5 is 4.601 meters long, 1.788 m wide and sports a wheelbase of 2.68 m, resulting to an impressive legroom for both front and rear passengers.

It is powered by a fuel-efficient 1.5-liter inline 4 gasoline engine rated to deliver a maximum 112 hp and a best-in-class torque output of 150Nm. The MG 5 is available in either a 5-speed manual transmission or an automatic CVT with manual mode.

Inside, its makers equipped, the MG 5 with a 10-inch touch screen infotainment head unit that can run both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; sensors that offer 360-degree view of the vehicle and gives drivers a bird’s-eye view of their car when negotiating tight parking spaces and obstructions in low speed traffic; a power driver’s seat for optimum comfort adjustment; and auto on/off headlamps.

Other safety and convenience features of the MG 5 include driver and passenger airbags, 4-wheel disc brakes, hill start assist, auto brake hold, a push start/stop button, cruise control, electronic climate control, a tire pressure monitoring system, a reversing camera, and even a sunroof.

“The MG 5 sedan is a progressive and contemporary model that draws on the famed history of the brand to offer the utmost in driving pleasure. Featuring a stylish design, impressive performance figures, and some of the most cutting-edge automotive technology around, this standout model provides a driving experience that is rewarding and enjoyable, both for you and your passengers,” said Atty. Arcilla.

Atty. Arcilla added that with the introduction of the MG 5, the company now has a model that may play an important role in the packed and highly competitive subcompact sedan segment.

October is also special for the company, according to Atty. Arcilla who shared that MG Philippines celebrates its 1st anniversary under TCCCI, which incidentally celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Atty. Arcilla shared that while the MG 5, as a standalone product, has all the credentials to be a game-changer in its segment, TCCCI made sure this credentials are further supplemented by MG Philippines’ premium aftersales offers and services.

These include a five-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first), and one-year free periodic maintenance service (PMS).