The 2021 MG 5 has just made its ASEAN debut in Thailand. Indeed, it does make the C-segment sedan marketplace more interesting. However, for ASEAN markets, it only comes equipped with a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine (119 PS, 150 Nm), paired to a CVT transmission.

Also read: 2021 MG 5 previewed in Thailand to fight Civic & Altis! RM 77 - RM 103k, 119 PS 150 Nm

So, yes, it is a little underwhelming in the performance stakes. But what if I told you that there's a turbocharged MG 5 variant, one that is more than a match for the Honda Civic's turbocharged grunt? That's right, this MG 5 is an equally - if not more - powerful alternative to the Honda Civic in China. 

Also read: All-new 2022 Honda Civic begins USA sales; Corolla rival starts from RM 90k

Pricing for the turbocharged variants of the both models sees the MG 5 undercut the Civic, as you can see in the table below. 

Like the Thai-market MG 5, you can have the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder engine with the CVT transmission. Of more interest to us is the 1.5-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, that is hooked up to a 7-speed DCT (unfortunately not available in right-hand drive markets, for now)! 

As you can see, the Civic has the edge in terms of power, but the MG 5 trumps it for torque. Add the bonus of a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission, and the MG 5's case becomes more compelling by the minute. 

Add the performance to a rather attractive physique - inside out - and the MG 5 looks every inch a proper competitor to the Honda Civic. But let's not forget, the FE-generation successor is already around the corner. 

Also read: Initially slated for Malaysia launch in Q3 2021, all-new Honda Civic FE is delayed

Currently, our Malaysian-spec Honda Civic comes is either powered by a 1.8-litre, naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine (141 PS, 174 Nm) or the 1.5-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (174 PS, 220 Nm). 

Malaysian prices for the Honda Civic range starts at RM 109,326 to RM 134,661, SST discounts included (valid till 31-December 2021). 

Well, this turbocharged MG 5 does make all the right noises. However, as mentioned, there is no RHD version of this variant, so it won't be available to ASEAN countries. Closer to home, MG has no official presence in Malaysia as well. But hey, one can hope, right?