2023 MG 5 small sedan spied in Australia

China’s answer to the Toyota Corolla has been spied on Australian roads, ahead of first showroom arrivals due by the middle of the year.

The 2023 MG 5 sedan has been spied in Australia, ahead of its arrival in local showrooms due in showrooms by July.

The Chinese car maker’s competitor to the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30 and Mazda 3 sedans has been caught on camera in Melbourne wearing a light camouflage wrap, with its badges removed.

As previously reported by Drive, the first examples of the MG 5 are due in Australian showrooms in the first half of 2023 (by July) – with pricing and local specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.

If prices in China are a guide, entry-level versions of the MG 5 in Australia – which will be built in China for local sale, rather than Thailand as initially anticipated – with a 1.5-litre petrol engine may cost less than $25,000 drive-away.

Meanwhile, top-of-the-range MG 5 variants with 1.5-litre turbo engines are forecast to cost closer to $30,000 drive-away, if this upgraded engine is made available in Australia.

The MG 5 Scorpio edition on sale in China – with more power, larger interior screens, sports styling and a louder exhaust – is not planned for Australia.

Features available in standard models include LED headlights, automatic air conditioning, leather-look seats with front heating, a six-speaker stereo, and a sunroof.

Buyers in China can choose between an 88kW/150Nm 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder, or a 127kW/275Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder – the latter of which is upgraded to 135kW/285Nm in the not-for-Australia Scorpio edition.

More details of the 2023 MG 5 for Australia are due in the coming months.

An MG Motor Australia spokesperson told Drive: “As mentioned, we currently have a MG 5 on our shores for local testing. Local pricing and specifications for the MG5 will be detailed closer to launch.

“We are evaluating and considering all variants of the MG 5 as there’s a comprehensive line up of [engines] on offer that we will confirm closer to launch.”

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