New MG5 2021: Chinese brand wants Hyundai i30 and Toyota Corolla sedan to compete in Australia

The Corolla-sized MG5 sedan is high on technology and safety, which ironically could pose problems for an Australian launch.

Speaking to Cars Guide At the launch of the new ZST small SUV, MG Motor Australia marketing director Danny Lenartik confirmed that the brand is "thrilled" about the just introduced MG5 and its potential for our market.

"It's still under review, we're very excited about it," said Mr. Lenartik, "but it's entirely up to other markets to justify the scale of RHD production."

Other right-hand drive markets that will influence MG's decision include Thailand, the Philippines and Fiji, where the rebooted British marque has made headway with its MG3 hatchback and ZS small SUV as it becomes wholly owned by Chinese giant SAIC. .

Those markets that demand more affordable cars less in line with Australian standards are raising logistical and performance issues that have caused problems even for well-known automakers like Honda.

These issues may eventually rule out the MG5, as its more specialized safety kit and high-tech engines will drive up the price in the right-hand drive volumes needed to justify production.

The sedan's chances of launching in Australia depend entirely on other right-hand drive markets.

The MG5 will come with Pilot's signature active safety package and a turbocharged or non-turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The Beijing Auto Show featured a digital instrument cluster, a large multimedia touchscreen and faux-leather interior trim similar to the equipment levels that have just appeared in the ZST.

However, Mr Lenartik indicated that if right-hand drive becomes available, the brand will definitely want to launch the car in Australia.

“As we have said before, we can very well play in this segment of sedans,” he said.

“The best part is that thanks to the success of the HS, MG3 and ZS lines, we now have a much stronger voice around this table.”

The SAIC family includes many other models, some of which are offered under the LDV brand and others only for left-hand drive markets. The main model in MG's newfound home in China is the Camry-sized MG6 sedan, which is available with a turbocharged powertrain and PHEV, but that vehicle was previously ruled out, Mr. Lenartik said. Cars Guide in February, there was no desire to do right-hand drive modifications.

The MG6 may return someday, but the brand only offers a hybrid.

“I suspect that will change, but right now there is simply no incentive, if it came back it would be electric,” he said, hinting at the lack of incentives being offered by Australian governments for hybrid or electric vehicles. MG cut sales of the previous generation 6 PLUS sedan in Australia after several years of low sales.