Civic-size but priced closer to a Vios, Tan Chong launches 2022 MG 5 for Vietnam
CY Foong · Mar 30, 2022 11:00 AM
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Tan Chong is MG's official Vietnam distributor since 2020
MG 5 is the third model launched following the MG HS and MG ZS
Could Tan Chong relaunch the MG brand in Malaysia?
Tan Chong is quite a familiar name among Malaysians and one brand is often associated with the company – Nissan. The Japanese carmaker has been distributed by TC ever since the late 1950s when they were sold under the Datsun brand.
However, Tan Chong has branched out its distribution network overseas around Southeast Asia and the company doesn’t only handle Nissan vehicles. In Vietnam, for instance, Tan Chong holds the distributorship rights for MG under TC Services Vietnam Co Ltd since 2020.
Just earlier this month, TC Services Vietnam launched the MG 5, a Honda Civic-sized sedan that is priced a lot closer to smaller B-segment models like the Toyota Vios, Honda City, and Hyundai Accent. Just how close are the prices?
Well, the MG 5 starts from VND 579 million (~RM 106.5k) while the highest variant of the Toyota Vios in Vietnam starts from VND 581 million (~RM 107k). The Vios itself is one of the most popular cars in the land of pho though its best-selling car title was snatched by the VinFast Fadil in 2021.
Back to the MG 5 and in Vietnam, only one variant is offered, the 1.5 Lux which is powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine that makes 113 PS and 150 Nm. Of note, the Vietnam-spec MG 5 is 6 PS less than its Thai-spec counterpart.
The engine is paired to a CVT automatic with 8 virtual ratios that MG dubs a ‘smart gearshifter’. The transmission promises a smoother gearshift and acceleration process that limits the vibration for passengers.
Clearly not Vietnamese model shown
So, just how luxurious is this lone 1.5 Lux variant for the Vietnamese MG 5? For starters, it is equipped with leatherette seats, a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a sunroof, along with 6 speakers.
On the safety front, the MG 5 comes with 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera with 3D view, lane-change assist (LCA), blind-spot detection (BSD), and rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA).
Can the MG 5 change the game in Vietnam with its affordable price for quite a bit more space? Time will only tell as MG’s Vietnamese adventure had seemingly just begun. Besides the MG 5, TC Services Vietnam also offers the MG ZS and MG HS but unlike its neighbour, Thailand, no electrified variants are offered.
Speaking of TC, could this be a clue that Tan Chong might be bringing the MG brand into Malaysia? If so, MG would be the third Chinese brand to be distributed by Tan Chong after GAC and JMC.
At an online press conference back in January, Zhang Haibo, Managing Director of SAIC Motor CP Co. Ltd. and MG Sales (Thailand) confirmed MG’s re-entry into Malaysia later in 2022. Whichever company is tasked to bring in the carmaker, they would have quite a competition with other newcomers like GWM and Chery eyeing the Malaysian market this year.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
