Verdict
The RM6,200 gap buys two very different B-segment cars. The Dongfeng Box is the better technical fit for a Malaysian buyer able to charge an EV, with a 42.3-kWh battery, 430 km range, 70-kW DC charging and 3.6-kW V2L. It also gets adaptive cruise control and auto parking. But the MG 5 is the roomier family choice: its 4,675-mm sedan body carries a 401-litre boot, plus rear air-con vents and substantially broader airbag coverage. Its RM90 annual road tax is RM40 more than the Box’s.
Pick the Dongfeng Box if you want EV driving, a 430 km stated range, V2L and stronger parking and cruise-control assistance.
Pick the MG 5 if you need the larger 401-litre boot, rear air-con vents and front side plus curtain airbags.
Key differences
- Price: Dongfeng Box RM100,000; MG 5 RM93,800.
- Road tax: Dongfeng Box RM50 per year; MG 5 RM90 per year.
- Length: Dongfeng Box 4,030 mm; MG 5 4,675 mm.
- Boot space: Dongfeng Box 326 litres; MG 5 401 litres.
- Parking sensors: Dongfeng Box has six front and six rear sensors; MG 5 has no front sensors and three rear sensors.
- Powertrain: Dongfeng Box has a 94-hp, 160-Nm electric motor and 42.3-kWh battery; MG 5 has a 112-hp, 150-Nm 1.5-litre petrol engine.
Box
- 42.3-kWh battery with 430 km EV range
- 70-kW DC charging and 3.6-kW V2L
- Adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera and auto parking
- Only driver and front-passenger airbags versus the MG 5’s front side and curtain airbags
- 326-litre boot is 75 litres smaller
- Tyre repair kit instead of a space-saver spare
5
- 401-litre boot and 2,680-mm wheelbase
- Front side and front/rear curtain airbags, plus blind-spot information
- Rear air-con vents, sunroof and power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Passive cruise control rather than adaptive cruise control
- No front parking sensors or auto parking, and only three rear sensors
- RM90 annual road tax versus RM50
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM100,000 | RM93,800✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM50✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 112 hp |
| Torque | — | 150 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 75 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 11.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 94 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 160 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 42.3 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 430 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 70 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.6 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | iCVT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 11.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 140 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,030 mm | 4,675 mm |
| Width | 1,810 mm | 1,842 mm |
| Height | 1,570 mm | 1,480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,660 mm | 2,680 mm |
| Weight | 1,342 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | — | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 326 litres | 401 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R17 | 215/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R17 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Wanli Harmonic Plus | Maxxis Primetra S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloys | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger | 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 Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Power Adjustable Driver's Seat, Manual Adjustable Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | One-piece Folding | One-piece Folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC vent |
| Sunroof | — | Yes |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB | 1 Front, 3 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 12.8" Touchscreen | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Start (Depress Brake Pedal) | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Surround View | Yes, 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 7 years✓ | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | Limited to the first owner only; 8-year/unlimited mileage battery warranty | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
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 Box & 5 for sale
Box vs 5 FAQ
Is the Dongfeng Box or MG 5 better?
The Dongfeng Box is better for an EV buyer wanting 430 km range, V2L and adaptive cruise control. The MG 5 is better for carrying luggage and passengers, with its 401-litre boot, rear air-con vents and wider airbag coverage.
What is the price difference?
The Dongfeng Box costs RM6,200 more than the MG 5: RM100,000 against RM93,800.
Which has better parking assistance?
The Dongfeng Box has the fuller system: six front and six rear sensors, a 360-degree surround-view camera and auto parking. The MG 5 has a 360-degree camera and three rear sensors, but no front sensors or auto parking.