2021 MG 5 sedan shown at Beijing Motor Show

Perhaps a little confusingly, the MG 5 sedan has been unveiled just weeks after MG added another car called the MG 5 to its UK line-up. The MG 5 EV wagon isn’t a variant of this car though (in design terms at least), but rather a rebadge of the Rowe Ei5 that’s been in production since 2017.

Confused? Despite how unrelated they might look, international press suggests the two MG 5s are at least somewhat linked by their underpinnings, it seems.

Design is really the MG 5 sedan’s big drawcard, for better or worse. While past MG models have been compared to Mazda’s design language, the MG 5 sedan wears a fresh face – albeit one that draws some comparisons to that of the new Hyundai Sonata.

The catfish-inspired face looks set to be adopted as a new MG styling trait, with a facelifted version of the MG HS already previewed in China with a similar look.

At the rear the new MG 5’s tail lights at least carries a family resemblance to the previous MG 6 Plus, which was sold in Australia between 2016 and 2017.

Down a little lower there are some Mercedes-Benz-inspired side vents and a lower diffuser that carry echoes of CLA 250 and A 250 sedan. MG could do worse, I suppose.

Beneath the intriguing sheet metal the MG 5 is powered by a choice of two 1.5-litre SAIC-developed four-cylinder engines; either a naturally aspirated version rated at 89kW, or a turbocharged variant claiming 129kW.

Transmission choices include a five-speed manual, four-speed automatic, or six-speed auto for the turbo variant, with drive sent to the front wheels.

In terms of size, the MG 5 sits at the larger end of the small car class, measuring 4675mm in length, 1842mm wide, 1480mm tall and riding on a wheelbase of 2680 mm. For comparison, a Honda Civic sedan is 13mm shorter, 43mm narrower, a significant 64mm lower but with an 18mm longer wheelbase.

Will the 2021 MG 5 come to Australia?

SUVs are the order of the day for MG in Australia, at the moment it seems. Aside from the MG 3 light hatch, the brand is sticking with the ZS, ZST and HS SUVs.

Drive has contacted MG's Australian press office regarding confirmation of technical details, and the chance of an Australian introduction, and this article will be updated with its response.