MG Motors, a British brand, has launched its new MG RX5 compact SUV in the Middle East market. The unveiling and announcement have been done during the Saudi International Motor Show.
Speaking at the launch of the new MG RX5, Mr. Tom Lee, Managing Director of SAIC Motor Middle East, the parent company of MG Motor, said, “The MG RX5 is the latest model to join MG's exciting range of cutting-edge vehicles, and embodies the positive, new direction this famous brand is taking. As MG strengthens its on-the-ground presence across the Middle East, we believe that this new compact SUV possesses all the attributes to push the brand to the front of mind of the region's car buyers.”
Exterior features
In order to make the MG RX5 easily recognisable in the urban jungle, the designers have used a unique and stylish square-shaped LED headlamps. These along with the wing-shaped front grille, makes the SUV stand out from the rest of the crowd. The 18-inch, two-tone, five-spoke rims add to the road presence of the vehicle. We can see the use of chrome at the rear, a plate which stretches out to reach both the tail lights look fantastic.
Stepping inside the MG RX5, you'd be greeted by the use of high-quality materials all around the cabin. The fit and finish of each and every button, panel, etc. are top-notch. Over 80 percent of the cabin space has been made of very high-grade materials. There's ample space inside, thanks to the 2,700mm of wheelbase of the vehicle. MG Motors claims that the leg space and head space for the rear passengers in the MG RX5 is significantly better than what is being offered by its rivals.
The MG RX5 is available in two engine trims - 2.0T and 1.5T. The former produces 221hp and 350Nm and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the latter has is a bit underpowered producing 169hp and 250Nm coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Both the engines have got two turbochargers to keep things happy. MG Motors has used a smart 4-wheel drive system with new generation electromagnetic torque management which guarantees impressive off-road performance.
To woo in more customers, the MG RX5 comes with a host of many additional useful features. To increase the storage space, the MG RX5 has got adjustable, fold-flat seats with split/fold function. There are multiple storage areas available inside the cabin to keep bottles, gadgets, etc..It has also got several techie features like remote, one-touch opening of the rear hatch, keyless entry, a start button and an AutoHold function. The remote functions continue to provide the driver to operate vehicle functions such as remote start and stop air conditioning, vehicle tracking and after sales appointments. A big 10.4-inch HD infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and navigation is available in the 2.0T variant, whereas the 1.5T variant gets a smaller 8-inch screen.
In terms of safety, the MG RX5 comes with various active and passive safety features like an efficient braking system, ESP with traction control, Motor control Slide Retainer (MSR), multiple airbags, automatic unlocking in the event of a collision and a collapsible steering column, etc.. The MG RX5 has a score of 5 stars in the C-NCAP crash tests.
Interior features
Stepping inside the MG RX5, you'd be greeted by the use of high-quality materials all around the cabin. The fit and finish of each and every button, panel, etc. are top-notch. Over 80 percent of the cabin space has been made of very high-grade materials. There's ample space inside, thanks to the 2,700mm of wheelbase of the vehicle. MG Motors claims that the leg space and head space for the rear passengers in the MG RX5 is significantly better than what is being offered by its rivals.
Engine options
The MG RX5 is available in two engine trims - 2.0T and 1.5T. The former produces 221hp and 350Nm and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the latter has is a bit underpowered producing 169hp and 250Nm coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Both the engines have got two turbochargers to keep things happy. MG Motors has used a smart 4-wheel drive system with new generation electromagnetic torque management which guarantees impressive off-road performance.
Other features and safety
To woo in more customers, the MG RX5 comes with a host of many additional useful features. To increase the storage space, the MG RX5 has got adjustable, fold-flat seats with split/fold function. There are multiple storage areas available inside the cabin to keep bottles, gadgets, etc..It has also got several techie features like remote, one-touch opening of the rear hatch, keyless entry, a start button and an AutoHold function. The remote functions continue to provide the driver to operate vehicle functions such as remote start and stop air conditioning, vehicle tracking and after sales appointments. A big 10.4-inch HD infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and navigation is available in the 2.0T variant, whereas the 1.5T variant gets a smaller 8-inch screen.
In terms of safety, the MG RX5 comes with various active and passive safety features like an efficient braking system, ESP with traction control, Motor control Slide Retainer (MSR), multiple airbags, automatic unlocking in the event of a collision and a collapsible steering column, etc.. The MG RX5 has a score of 5 stars in the C-NCAP crash tests.
Price and availability
MG Motors has announced a starting price of USD 14,200 for the MG RX5. It will be available for sale across the Middle East from Jan 2018.
