April 21, 2023

MG RX5 Gets New Design, Power Bump For 2023


With the launch of the more upmarket MG HS, you thought you heard the last of the MG RX5, right? Well, that’s not necessarily the case as a revised model has just found its way to global markets.

Launched last December in one of MG’s most important global markets: the Middle East, the new 2023 MG RX5 incorporates an exact number of styling updates: 22.



Though the basic body is carried over (you can see that in the doors and shape of the A-, B-, and C-pillars), the updated RX5 wears a Lexus-like spindle grille (MG calls it 3D geometric grille) flanked by new LED headlights. Over to the side, it’s got 19-inch alloy wheels, while at the back, there are new taillights, exposed twin tail pipes, a new tailgate garnish, and a “twin aero” rear spoiler.

Inside, the new MG RX5 has more soft-padded material. Tech also plays a central role with the driver getting a 12.3-inch virtual gauge cluster and an electronic gearshift, while passengers will revel in the new 14.1-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Features include a panoramic sunroof, wireless device charging, a power tailgate, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, and a 360-degree camera.



Under the hood, the RX5 keeps its 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine but the second-generation Net Blue engine now gets uprated outputs: 171 horsepower and 275 Nm of torque—a 10 percent jump over the previous RX5. Mated to a 7-speed dual clutch, MG says it’ll do up to 190 km/h or, if driven sensibly, return 14.7 km/L.

Safety-wise, the 2023 RX5 continues with a full suite of airbags, ABS with EBD, and stability control. Given its entry-level positioning, it doesn’t have any advanced driver assist, however. Still, with a starting price of just AED 77,900 (P 1.187 million), that’s entirely forgivable, don’t you think?



The question is: should MG Philippines offer the revamped MG RX5? Or do you think its segment is being well-served by the MG HS?

1 comment:

  1. Not so great transmission, not so great reliabilty, not so great resale value, but it could be so greatly costly to maintain after the warranty

    ReplyDelete

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