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

Speaking to CarsGuide at the launch of the new ZST small SUV, MG Motor Australia’s marketing boss, Danny Lenartic, confirmed the brand was “excited” about the just-revealed MG5 and its potential for our market.

“It’s still under consideration, we’re very excited about it,” Mr Lenartic said, “but it’s entirely dependent on other markets to justify the scale for right-hand-drive production.”

Other right-hand-drive volume markets which will have a sway on MG’s decision include Thailand, the Philippines, and Fiji, where the rebooted British marque has found success with its MG3 hatch and ZS small SUV since it became wholly owned by Chinese giant SAIC.

Those markets which demand more affordable cars less compliant with Australian requirements bring up logistics and specification issues that have caused problems for even established automakers like Honda.

These issues may ultimately rule the MG5 out, as its more highly specified safety suite and higher-tech engines will drive the price up in those volume right-hand-drive locations required to justify production.

The sedan's chances of launching in Australia are entirely dependent on other RHD markets.

The MG5 will ship with the brand’s ‘Pilot’ active safety suite and a choice of either a turbo or non-turbo 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. A digital dash, a large multimedia touchscreen and faux-leather interior trims were shown at the Beijing motor show, similar to the equipment levels that have just arrived in the ZST.

Mr Lenartic indicated that if right-hand drive was made available, though, the brand would absolutely want to launch the car in Australia.

“As we said before, we could absolutely play in that sedan segment," he said.

“The best part is, with the success of the HS, the MG3 and ZS ranges, we now have a much stronger voice at that table.”

The SAIC family includes many other models, some offered under the LDV brand, and others for left-hand-drive markets only. A major model in MG’s newfound home of China is the Camry-sized MG6 sedan which is available with turbocharged and PHEV drivetrains, but that car has been previously ruled out, as Mr Lenartic told CarsGuide in February there was no desire to do right-hand-drive conversions.

The MG6 could some day return, but the brand suggests only as a hybrid.

“I suspect that will change, but there’s just no incentive right now, if it were to return it would be electric,” he said, alluding to the lack of incentives offered by Australian governments for hybrid or electric vehicles. MG cut the previous-generation 6 PLUS sedan in Australia after years of slow sales.