Locally owned and independent
November 16, 2023
The Northern Rivers Times
MOTORING NEWS 39
Reviewing the 2023 MG 5 Essence: Affordable Sedan Evaluation MG Unveils BudgetFriendly Sedan with Limited Safety Features MG has launched its budget-friendly sedan, the MG 5, which comes at a lower price point but lacks advanced safety technology. The car does not have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, and it’s unlikely to score more than three stars if tested. However, the absence of advanced safety tech means there’s no frustration caused by well-meaning systems that can sometimes make mistakes. The MG 5 Essence, the flagship model I tested, is priced under $30,000 drive-away, making it one of Australia’s cheapest sedans. It offers features like 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, a 360-degree camera system, a
sunroof, and more. Even the lower-grade Vibe
with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
providing a zesty driving experience. The ride
course-chip roads. In terms of safety, the
Amid Rising Car Prices, How Does Australia’s Most Affordable Sedan Stack Up? model, priced $4,000 cheaper, offers a range of features, including a 10-inch touchscreen
Under the hood, the MG 5 Essence is powered by a turbocharged engine,
comfort is impressive, and the steering is nimble. However, road noise can be an issue on
MG 5 lacks advanced safety features like pedestrian or cyclist detection, active lane-
keeping, and blind-spot monitoring. It does have dual front, front side, and full-length curtain airbags, totalling six airbags. While the MG 5 offers good value for money and is a great choice for those who prioritize value over advanced safety features, it may not be suitable for those who frequently drive in stop-start traffic situations. The car competes with limited options in the under-$30,000 sedan category, making it worth considering if safety features are not your top priority. Ultimately, the MG 5 presents an affordable and stylish choice for budget-conscious buyers who are willing to compromise on advanced safety technology.
MG ZS EV Prices Slashed for More Affordability Price Cuts of Up to $6000 for Compact Chinese Electric SUV Amid Declining Sales MG Slashes Prices on ZS EV in Response to Market Competition MG Motor Australia has recently reduced the prices of its MG ZS EV, a small electric SUV, for the second time in just four months. This price reduction comes as competition intensifies in Australia’s electric car market. While there have been no specific upgrades to the MG ZS EV, the new pricing makes it between $1,000 and $6,000 more affordable than it was in October, representing reductions of 2.2% to 10.7%. Despite ongoing inflation and industrywide price increases, this move makes the MG ZS EV the most affordable it has been since its
introduction in Australia in 2020. Here are the revised prices for the MG ZS EV: • ZS EV Excite: Now starting at $40,990 plus on-road costs (a $2,000 decrease). • ZS EV Essence:
Now priced at $43,990 plus on-road costs (a $1,000 decrease). • ZS EV Long Range: A significant $6,000 reduction brings it down to $49,990. This model, with a larger battery pack, offers a driving range of 440km
on the WLTP cycle. An MG spokesperson explained that these price reductions were the result of various factors, including negotiations with the parent company, SAIC. They also emphasized the brand’s commitment to making
electric vehicles more accessible to Australians. However, these price cuts can also be seen as a reaction to market forces and slowing sales. The arrival of more affordable electric vehicles in the market has affected sales of the MG ZS EV. The MG4 hatchback has gained popularity and outsold the ZS EV. The MG ZS EV faces competition not only from new entrants but also from the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV and other sharply priced EV hatchbacks. Unlike the newer competitors, the MG ZS EV is based on the platform of an internal combustion engine vehicle, which can lead to compromises
in terms of cabin space and other factors. In the past, MG had temporarily halted imports of the most affordable ZS EV Excite variant to give the MG4 some space in the entrylevel electric car market. However, they have now reintroduced the entry model as the price leader, with both models competing around the $40,000 price point. In summary, MG’s decision to reduce prices reflects the evolving competitive landscape in the Australian electric vehicle market, where more affordable options have emerged, prompting MG to make its electric SUV more enticing to customers.
LATE NEWS: RAM 1500 2024 FACELIFT: THE END OF THE LINE FOR THE HEMI V8 Revamped 2024 RAM 1500 Range Introduces High-Output Hurricane Turbo-Six to Replace TRX The 2024 model year (MY25) RAM 1500 pickup has made its debut in the United States with a significant update. This revamped RAM 1500 lineup is headlined by brand-new, more potent, and more efficient 3.0-litre twin-turbo Hurricane inline six-cylinder petrol engines, which are set to replace the long-standing HEMI V8s.
In contrast to the traditional pushrod V8 with a cast-iron block that has been a notable feature for Australian buyers, the introduction of the factorybacked Ford F-150 with a 298kW/678Nm 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 this month signals the possible end of the HEMI V8 era for the RAM 1500, as production now shifts to the Hurricane I6. RAM Trucks Australia is also anticipated to follow suit as part of its
local conversion program. Notably, the North American market will offer full-electric (1500 REV) and a new range-extender plug-in hybrid (1500 Ramcharger) powertrains starting from late 2024, and these options are expected to reach the Australian market at a later date. However, the highlight for Australian buyers will likely be the new straightsix turbo (referred to as SST). Two biturbo versions will be on offer - the
standard SST will produce 313kW (420hp) and 636Nm of torque, while the High Output (H/O) version will muster an impressive 403kW (540hp) and 706Nm. For comparison, this marks a considerable increase from the 291kW/556Nm found in the regular 5.7-litre HEMI V8 used in the current Australian DT-series RAM 1500. It’s worth noting that the incoming RAM 1500 RHO, featuring the H/O
SST engine, will be less powerful than the topperforming DS-series TRX, which utilizes a 6.2-litre supercharged V8 delivering 523kW/882Nm. The U.S. entry-level models will offer a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6. All engines in the RAM 1500 range will be paired with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Full specifications for the U.S. market are yet to be released, but RAM has indicated a maximum
towing capacity of 5253kg (11,580 pounds), a maximum payload of 1043kg (2300 pounds), and up to 610mm of water fording capability (24 inches). Additionally, a “high-torque rear axle” has been developed for models equipped with the 3.0-litre Hurricane H/O engine, with its introduction expected later next year, primarily in the RAM 1500 RHO.
