Verdict
The Proton S70 is the sharper buy for most Malaysian buyers: RM73,800 buys 178 hp and 290 Nm, against the MG 5’s RM93,800, 112 hp and 150 Nm. Its 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time is four seconds quicker, and the 500-litre boot is 99 litres larger. The MG counters with a 2,680-mm wheelbase, 17-inch wheels, a power driver’s seat, sunroof and 360-degree camera. But the RM20,000 gap is hard to ignore when the S70 also gets steering-correction lane keeping and a 50-litre tank.
Pick the MG 5 if you place more value on its sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, 360-degree camera and larger exterior footprint than outright pace.
Pick the Proton S70 if you want far stronger turbo performance, a 500-litre boot, steering-correction lane keeping and RM20,000 left in your pocket.
Key differences
- Price: MG 5 RM93,800; Proton S70 RM73,800.
- Power and torque: MG 5 112 hp and 150 Nm; Proton S70 178 hp and 290 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: MG 5 11.5 seconds; Proton S70 7.5 seconds.
- Boot space: MG 5 401 litres; Proton S70 500 litres.
- Wheelbase: MG 5 2,680 mm; Proton S70 2,627 mm.
- Fuel tank: MG 5 45 litres; Proton S70 50 litres.
5
- 17-inch alloy wheels and a 2,680-mm wheelbase.
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control and sunroof.
- 360-degree camera and 10.25-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Costs RM20,000 more despite 66 hp and 140 Nm less.
- 401-litre boot is 99 litres smaller.
- Lane keeping only warns rather than providing steering correction.
S70
- 178 hp, 290 Nm turbo engine and 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 500-litre boot and 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
- Steering-correction lane keeping and two front parking sensors.
- Smaller 16-inch wheels and a 2,627-mm wheelbase versus 17 inches and 2,680 mm.
- No sunroof or power-adjustable driver’s seat.
- Uses manual air-con and an 8-inch touchscreen without listed Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM93,800 | RM73,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,499 cc |
| Horsepower | 112 hp | 178 hp✓ |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 290 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 75 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5 | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Transmission Name | iCVT | — |
| Gears | — | 7 |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 11.5 seconds | 7.5 seconds✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,675 mm | 4,602 mm |
| Width | 1,842 mm | 1,809 mm |
| Height | 1,480 mm | 1,466 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,680 mm | 2,627 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,300 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 50 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 401 litres | 500 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 205/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 205/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Maxxis Primetra S | Giti Comfort F22 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Thailand (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 16" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vent | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Yes | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto | 8" Touchscreen with Bluetooh, Screen Mirroring, 4 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Manual Operation | Remote Control Activated |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 2 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain | 6 Times Free Labour Servicing |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 5 & S70 for sale
5 vs S70 FAQ
Is the MG 5 or Proton S70 better?
The Proton S70 is better for value and performance, with 178 hp, 290 Nm, a 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time and a 500-litre boot. Choose the MG 5 for its sunroof, power driver’s seat and 360-degree camera.
What is the price difference?
The MG 5 costs RM93,800 and the Proton S70 costs RM73,800, so the MG is RM20,000 more expensive.
Which one has the better parking and driver-assistance equipment?
The MG 5 has the stronger camera setup with a 360-degree camera. The Proton S70 adds two front parking sensors and steering-correction lane keeping, while the MG’s lane system is warning only.
