MG 5

I researched both the MG5 and MG ZS EV recently when I was changing my car. I was interested in the ZS but was offered an insult on a trade-in with my Leaf so I didn't buy.

Nothing wrong with either car IMHO. The MG5 is very bland (again IMHO). My main concern would be residual values.

So, if you don't have a trade-in and are not concerned about the future value of the car, it's certainly worth considering.

There's a few threads about them but they seem impossible to find since the upgrade. Most people generally seem to be getting on well with them. Dealer issues in the UK seem to exasperate issues if you search online but they're fine for the price.

Saw the ZS on display up at Carrickmines in Dublin. Looks way better in the flesh I have to say. They have a red up there and looks great. 👌

I have an MG 5 Long Range about 3 months. I use it as a taxi so my viewpoint will probably be different than yours.

It's a very comfortable car to drive both in the city and on the motorway. The steering wheel is just the right size for me and just the right 'weight' as well. Visibility is good with big side mirrors. A rear camera (which works well at night too) helps with reversing. Seats are very comfortable, even in the back. Back seats have two isofix points and a sensor that beeps if the rear passengers doesn't put on their seatbelts.

I have the Excite basic version while the Exclusive version is about €2k more. Personally, the extras weren't worth the money to me. YMMV.

Niggles/Cons:

Software:

The software is a let-down. I only need the radio so it's not a big deal to me. The current software is slow and annoying (could be me). E.g. there's a beep warning if you leave lane and a warning graphic comes up on the screen. Most people will take their eyes off the road to look at the screen! It doesn't do a good job of detecting the speed limit. E.g.2 There's a bug where it thinks the motorway speed limit is "70". MG Ireland know this but whether it will ever be fixed is anyone's guess.

The software doesn't remember your preferences. For example, I like to drive in Eco mode and have the radio screen open. They get reset every time I restart the car.

The sofware is much improved in the 2022 ZS so I presume that will carry over to the 2022 MG5's.

Boot:

I'm not gonna say the boot is small because someone will start quoting sizes at me. Instead I'll say it's not as big as I thought it would be. A baby buggy or golf bag will fit in but the wheel arches make it awkward. The boot could do with an extra couple of centimetres either side. The flap of the parcel shelf 'flops' down and reduces the opening space available. Loading in shopping bags is a bit of a niggle because you keep banging your hand against the flap.

External bodyshape:

The body tapers in from the middle of the body towards the top/roof. I like to drive with the window open a little bit. If it's raining, the rain drips from the roof lip straight into the cabin and onto my arm. I haven't experienced that in any other car. Obviously rain will enter an open window but not like in the MG5.

USB ports:

They still claim to have 4 USB ports in both versions of the car (pg 19, PDF brochure). Mine doesn't have the 2 in the back. I don't mind because passengers would probably break them but if you had ideas of kids+tablets in the back...

Android Auto - this is the work of the Devil.

Despite all I've written, I am glad I bought the car. It's the right combo of everything to make my job comfortable. The software is disappointing but I don't use it. If you're a young family with a large weekly shop and children's buggies, the boot might be an issue.

Here are two Youtube review videos from an Irish guy. I have no connection but I think he does honest reviews.

MG5 Long Range: https://youtu.be/TaSjJXNuIJI (old)

New software on 2022 ZS: https://youtu.be/cTr5jUvO0IM (new)

Nice one for the link. Actually not sure how I feel about the lines on the new one. Maybe it's the tyres size in the side images it looks a bit off. Kind of prefer the older ones appearance.

Sister bought the ZS coming April I believe, value for money it's hard to beat. The base version has alot. The exclusive only gets sunroof. Leather heated seats for I think 3 grand more. Doesnt appear worth it at all on the face of it.

Is pricing out on the new 5 yet?

Bear with me as I new to e.v. .So is that 36k to drive away ,will you get any bit of the grant .Is this the best value cheapest for a family saloon .Only asking as the o.h. is hankering to change car .currently have a '13 octavia so it would be a massive outlay but look like inflation is pushing prices only one direction

I was interested, particularly in the PCP offer... Twice I tried to test drive them, twice the dealer never got back to me so bought a leaf. You win some you lose some

Depends on the dealer I suppose. Some of the largest ones in Dublin are simply really poor despite being so large....

You can get a wireless adapter for the auto play. It is a little box that stays plugged in and your phone just links to it wirelessly, bit tidier.

I'm not sure on the remembering settings but but I had seen some reviews of the old ZS that had similar software and lots of then says it did remember your settings so perhaps it's a software update or a setting that needs to be turned on.

Congrats on the new car.

My ZS got pushed back. New delivery dates are batch 1 Feb pushed to May/June. Batch 2 April pushed to Aug/SEP. Batch 3 pushed to Jan 2023.