Motoring

A Middle East Debut

by BTM

Tue, 02 January 2018

A Middle East Debut

MG Motor has launched its new MG RX5 compact SUV across the region. Revealed at this year’s Saudi International Motor Show in December, MG RX5 will go on sale in the Middle East this month.

MG’s new ‘hero SUV’ is set to appeal to explorers across the Middle East. There will be a choice of two well-equipped trims, based on the two available powertrains.

The MG RX5 boasts an attractive, futuristic design that is instantly recognisable, notably at the front where the stylish square LED headlamps, imposing wing-shaped grille and innovative foglamps endow it with real on-the-road presence. Sporty five-spoke, two-tone 18-inch rims combine with a sharp waistline that rises from front to rear. At the rear, a chrome plate stretches out to the dual tail lights.

Inside the cabin is high grade-material, chrome edging and soft-touch material covering 80 per cent of the surfaces. A supersize, opening panoramic sunroof floods the interior with light, accentuating the best-in-class space that it offers. Helped by the 2,700mm wheelbase, and total length of 4545mm, rear leg space (982mm) and head space (987mm) are significantly better than that offered by rivals.

The flexible rear space incorporates adjustable, fold-flat seats with split/fold function, while there are multiple storage spaces throughout the cabin and a large boot area. Useful technology includes remote, one-touch opening of the rear hatch, keyless entry, a start button and an AutoHold function.

A remote smart application allows the driver to operate vehicle functions such as remote start and stop air conditioning, vehicle tracking and aftersales appointments – it even reminds owners of the services needed for the car. And for a hi-tech generation, there is a 10.4-inch high-definition infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Navigation on the 2.0T version and a 8-inch colour navigation system for 1.5T models.

Power is derived from a choice of two turbocharged engines –  2.0T and 1.5T units, which are mated to six and seven-speed transmissions respectively. Delivering maximum power of 221hp and torque of 350 Nm, the 2.0T engine can accelerate the MG RX5 from 0-100kmh in 8.2 seconds, while the efficient 1.5T powerplant returns top figures of 169hp and 250 Nm.  A smart 4-wheel drive system with new generation electromagnetic torque management guarantees impressive off-road performance.

The new vehicle also has a range of safety features, including standard ESP with traction control, a curving braking control system and MSR (Motor control Slide Retainer), all contribute to a safer journey.