MG RX5 - Things to know before you buy

The British automaker has an interesting vehicle line-up in the Middle East, with three crossovers, the GS, ZS and the MG RX5 that are similarly-sized and a sophisticated sedan in form of MG 360. Many would say that there are too many similar cars in that lineup but what’s impressive with such a lineup is the Variety.

The customers get plenty of options in the same segment under one brand name which is something unusual for the customers to experience. Generally, automakers tend to include one model under a category and challenge the segment rivals with their single offering. But MG Motor has different and some interesting plans for sure.

The recently introduced RX5 is yet another compact SUV that’s stylish, technologically-advanced and aimed at young buyers. Let’s see what it has to offer.

Futuristic looks

The MG RX5 gets a futuristic stance with stylish LED headlamps up front that connect the wing-shaped grille. Lower down the front bumper is the distinctive fog lamps. The roof rails, sporty five-spoke alloy wheels and silver-coloured cladding on the side make up for its typical crossover looks. The waistline is quite prominent that rises from front to rear and add significantly to its looks. Window panel is garnished with chrome that adds further sparkle. At the rear, you’d find a chrome plate that goes all the way to connect violin-styled dual tail lights, very similar to some of the premium German models.

To allow you to choose the colour of your choice, the company has painted it in five different colours, white, black, red, brown and blue.

Technically-advanced luxurious cabin

Talking about the luxury, the RX5 gets high-quality finish with premium grade material and chrome accents. Around 80% of the car surfaces are covered with a soft-touch material that adds sophistication and elegance. A large panoramic sunroof lights up the cabin in the most beautiful manner.

For the young, it comes equipped with a 10.4-inch infotainment system with touchscreen and support for Apple CarPlay and Navigation on higher-end variants while there is an 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment with the navigation system on offer for the standard model.

Other tech features that are offered as standard on the RX5 include AutoHold function, remote one-touch opening for the tailgate, start button and keyless entry. There is a smart app that enables the driver to control few vehicle functions remotely including start and stop air conditioning, aftersales appointments and vehicle tracking. It also has a service reminder feature so that you stick to your servicing schedule.

Immense practicality and comfort

The MG RX5 offers tremendous space for passengers to feel relaxed and a series of storage compartments make up for a care-free ride. While the adjustable, fold-flat rear seats with split/fold function add to the flexibility, the large boot offers incredible space for equipping adventure paraphernalia. The niches throughout the cabin are ideal to store your mobile, home keys, cups, bottles and other knick-knacks. The headspace of 987 mm and rear leg space of 982 mm add to its comfort levels.

Turbocharged power mills

There are two turbocharged engines available, 1.5- and 2.0-litre engines. While the former is mated to a seven-speed transmission system, the latter is coupled to a six-speed gearbox. The 1.5-litre engine produces a max power of 171PS and a peak torque of 250Nm while the bigger 2.0-litre churns out 224PS of power and 350Nm of torque. The engine with more power sprints from 0-100kmph in just 8.2 seconds. The top of the line model comes with All-Wheel Drive system that delivers outstanding off-road performance.

Safety aids

With great power and features comes great responsibility, The MG RX5 has an extensive list of features that ensure the safety of the occupants doesn’t get compromised. It gets an efficient braking system, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control, motor control slide retainer (MSR), curving braking control system and anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD). Additionally, there are features like an anti-rolling program, hill descent control, multiple airbags, automatic unlocking in case of a collision, parking camera and a collapsible steering column. As a result, the MG RX5 has earned a 5-star rating in the C-NCAP crash tests - which makes it a reliable contender of the segment.

Trims and variants

Offered in three trims, STD, COM and LUX, the RX5 is available in four different variants. Buyers of the STD 1.5T benefit from some of the standard features like cruise control, auto air conditioning, remote truck opening function, multi-adjustable front seats, electronically-operated windows, ABS, EBD, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system and AutoHold.

Powered by either 1.5- or 2.0-litre engine, the COM models get additional features like rear parking camera, front fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel, audible warning system, 8-inch colour touchscreen and Apple CarPlay support.

The top-end LUX trim is powered by a 2.0-litre engine which, in addition to aforementioned features, comes with a panoramic roof, LED headlamps, auto-dimming IRVM, electrically-adjustable driver’s seat, electric folding side mirrors, AWD system and curtain airbags.

Pricing

The new MG RX5 retails at a starting price of AED 53,000 in the UAE which goes up to AED 84,000 for the top of the line model.