Two weeks in, feeling a bit Meh about the MGS5 EV if I am honest.

[sammoj]

I don't know how I should feel, probably happy to have a brand new car in the driveway but for some reason the MGS5 EV Trophy has left me feeling a bit let down.

All the reviews seemed very positive so maybe it is just me as I have had Hyundai cars for the last 6 years and therefore they felt very familiar and comfortable to me. I fancied a change and if I am honest am not sure I made the right choice.

There are imho a number of irritating quirks in the software:

1. No Auto Light/Dark on main display
2. No light mode on the driver cluster, I find this is is very dim and small font makes it difficult to read at times for those of us with Varifocals
3. Error messages each time I connect with Apple Car Play saying it can't connect but it does and you have to press OK to clear them
4, Not remembering the drive mode and regen mode when switched off
5. 3rd party Sat Nav apps not displaying on the cluster in the same way onboard does
6. Voice controls are a joke, slow to respond and rarely seem to recognise what I say
7. Lane Keep assist impossible to see if it is on or off on the cluster, there does seem to be a green icon in the manual that says LKA Active but I have only seen it come on a few times and usually when on a slip road and the line markings go for 2 lanes.
8. Hands Free Tailgate seems to open very easily and is triggered by moving the charge cable under the car. I have turned mine off.
9. Hands Free Tailgate sometimes doesn't complete shutting when you walk past it and then lets you drive off before telling you it is open with a very quiet beep.
10. Auto Headlight Off switch does not work unless car is in Park, it is impossible to turn off the headlamps when dark if in reverse or drive which for me is a big issue as I have to reverse into my drive and its illuminating the neighbours front room, who never shut their curtains, every time. He has complained twice already but I can't do anything about it. The only slight assistance I can offer him is to drop the levelling down to 3 so the lights are pointing lower. I don't think it helped that when I first did it the auto main beam kicked in and spotlighted him on his sofa!

These are the ones I have found so far.

Overall I think I like the car but compared to my Kona I find the Driver Assist a bit flakey and ride harsh particularly over speed humps.

There is a definite lag when you put your foot down in Normal mode, not tried sports yet, which is in a way an improvement on the Front Wheel drive Kona as it was very easy to wheel spin that one, but it does sometimes leave you feeling like your waiting for something to happen. The lag has made me very cautious about overtaking or pulling into a gap.

Anyone else feel the same way or are you all happy with your MGS5s? I know a lot of people on here are probably coming from other MGs so probably this feels comfortable to you.

Be interested to hear your views.

John

 

[MG Clive]

This is a bit sad to hear John, I think most of these issues are MG quirks one has to get used to and live with, the tailgate is annoying though, it's one of the car's best features, and although probably a bit gimmicky, you still want it to work properly. I guess you'll either find a way to live with the S5 and it's niggles, or eventually move onto something else.

 

[Xanadu]

Picked up new S5 yesterday after 5+ years with a ZS EV. Spending ages learning all the options but I'm sure they will become second nature. Bit of trouble getting the charger to release but soon sorted. Otherwise I'm a happy bunny. Big, big improvement over the ZS.

 

[walz]

Hi, I have had my MGS5 now for 15 days and yes there are a few quirky things that do irritate me about the car, like you said fly by wire throttle not responsive enough, my car every morning comes up with an error on crash assist and lane assist not working and that fault disappears after 5 mins of driving, the qi in this heat just makes my iPhone overheat and then I have lost all functionality. Mine also doesn’t keep the pilot settings, but me personally enjoy the drive and the low costs of driving ( granny octopus charging). I did speak to my dealer and have arranged to go along with a list of what I don’t like or don’t understand properly and the service guys will help me sort things.
Sorry you not totally happy with new car but I have just turned it into what’s next in a good way

 

[MG Clive]

Thank you @Xanadu, it'll take a couple of weeks to get used too it, but as a previous MG owner, I'm sure you'll soon get it.

 

[sammoj]

This is a bit sad to hear John, I think most of these issues are MG quirks one has to get used to and live with, the tailgate is annoying though, it's one of the car's best features, and although probably a bit gimmicky, you still want it to work properly. I guess you'll either find a way to live with the S5 and it's niggles, or eventually move onto something else.

I am hoping that many of these are updated through software updates, not sure on MGs track record on this?

The dealer has not helped first impressions though, they are a local family business and I had high hope but sadly they are just not interested now they have the sale under their belt and nobody bothers to respond to emails or phone call messages. MG customer services have been unresponsive too, 1 week and counting and only an acknowledgement of my query back from them.

I will get used to it, have to as would loose 1,000s if I sold it back now.

 

[walz]

Is there another dealer close to you as I went 50 miles out of my way as like you said one dealer wasn’t interested even when I wanted to buy new as didn’t want to PX my CHR (72 plate) so moved and found a dealer that wanted my business , hope things turn around for you .

 

[MG Clive]

The dealer has not helped first impressions though, they are a local family business and I had high hope but sadly they are just not interested now they have the sale under their belt and nobody bothers to respond to emails or phone call messages. MG customer services have been unresponsive too, 1 week and counting and only an acknowledgement of my query back from them.

Unfortunately the MG Dealer network appears to be a major let down for the brand, there are better Dealers out there, but this needs to improve, otherwise customers will only buy MG once.

 

[sammoj]

Unfortunately the MG Dealer network appears to be a major let down for the brand, there are better Dealers out there, but this needs to improve, otherwise customers will only buy MG once.

I am very surprised as my very first EV came from them, Nissan Leaf 30kWh, and they were great. I get the impression they are just out of their depth a bit with modern EVs and features the hand over was interesting as I knew more than the guy doing it for sure but then I had done my research and spent 40+ years working in IT so know my tech.

 

[5teep]

The Media centre/electronics issues should be fixable via a firmware update if MG think it needs it. I agree that it needs auto dimming.
I've never driven an MG that did remember your settings, they always revert to default. I ended up just driving on default settings anyway as the power savings were not that much in my MG5's.
Lane assist I never use as many roads I drive on don't have lanes lol
Sounds like your tailgate does have an issue, mine closes ok and hasn't (so far) opened unless I wanted it to.
Haven't driven the car in the dark yet so I cannot comment on the headlights.
Lag is short but noticable and it will take time to get used to (MG5 just goes like a rocket), that said I've driven Diesel vans with turbo lag so bad you could go make a cup of tea in between pressing the pedal and it moving.

 

[TimothyN]

My experience of the foot opening of the boot is the opposite. It takes so long to find the exact sweet spot that it's quicker to put down the shopping and press the tit.

I used the pre-cool for the first time today. COOL!!

 

[sammoj]

My experience of the foot opening of the boot is the opposite. It takes so long to find the exact sweet spot that it's quicker to put down the shopping and press the tit.

I used the pre-cool for the first time today. COOL!!

It's more of a kick at the same point the logo is on the lid, a general waggle of the foot doesn't do anything, unless you happen to be walking past while it is charging.

 

[Lollipopman]

Jerry pan does some good educational videos on mg cars, I have Just got brand new hs phev trophy and watched his videos and I have learned quite a bit.

 

[TimothyN]

It's more of a kick at the same point the logo is on the lid,

Just tested, perfect, thank you...

 

[DaveIJ]

I’m really sorry to hear this. I have bought one and I have to say I love it it’s our second car main car is a Merc GLE four times the cost and had loads of issues with it. I think it’s just getting used to the car as for your neighbour I would tell him to get a life. You need to reverse in to your own drive and should keep your lights on in the dark. If people don’t respond then

• Consumer Rights Act 2015 – The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
  • If the fault is within 30 days of purchase, you can reject it for a full refund.
  • Between 30 days and 6 months, the dealer must repair or replace it. If they fail, you can demand a refund (possibly with a deduction for use).
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 – The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
• Send a formal ‘Letter Before Action’
  If they’ve ignored informal attempts, write a clear letter stating:
  • The fault(s)
  • What you’ve already done to try to resolve it
  • Your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
  • A deadline (e.g., 14 days) to resolve before you escalate
    Send it by recorded delivery so you have proof.
  • Escalate
    
    • Motor Ombudsman – If the dealer/manufacturer is accredited, you can complain here for free ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution).
    • Trading Standards – Report through Citizens Advice Consumer Service (0808 223 1133) — they can pass it to Trading Standards.
    • Finance company – If you bought on PCP, HP, or with a credit card, the finance provider is jointly responsible under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
      
      They cannot just ignore you
      

 

[Lollipopman]

Press the what Timithyn!!!!

 

[Guinea Pig]

"Not tried sports mode yet"

Currently you're complaining about the accelerator not being responsive enough whilst having the car in a mode that has specifically reduced accelerator sensitivity.

 

[sammoj]

"Not tried sports mode yet"

Currently you're complaining about the accelerator not being responsive enough whilst having the car in a mode that has specifically reduced accelerator sensitivity.

Not really it’s in Normal mode, I wouldn’t expect such sluggish acceleration in its default mode there is a definite lag. I don’t want to drive in sports mode everywhere and I would expect a foot to the floor in normal to give more than a gentle push on the accelerator. My Kona used to override any drive mode when you floored it. Maybe it is just an MG way of doing things

I’m really sorry to hear this. I have bought one and I have to say I love it it’s our second car main car is a Merc GLE four times the cost and had loads of issues with it. I think it’s just getting used to the car as for your neighbour I would tell him to get a life. You need to reverse in to your own drive and should keep your lights on in the dark. If people don’t respond then

• Consumer Rights Act 2015 – The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
  • If the fault is within 30 days of purchase, you can reject it for a full refund.
  • Between 30 days and 6 months, the dealer must repair or replace it. If they fail, you can demand a refund (possibly with a deduction for use).
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 – The car must be of satisfactory quality, fit for purpose, and as described.
• Send a formal ‘Letter Before Action’
  If they’ve ignored informal attempts, write a clear letter stating:
  • The fault(s)
  • What you’ve already done to try to resolve it
  • Your legal rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015
  • A deadline (e.g., 14 days) to resolve before you escalate
    Send it by recorded delivery so you have proof.
  • Escalate
    • Motor Ombudsman – If the dealer/manufacturer is accredited, you can complain here for free ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution).
    • Trading Standards – Report through Citizens Advice Consumer Service (0808 223 1133) — they can pass it to Trading Standards.
    • Finance company – If you bought on PCP, HP, or with a credit card, the finance provider is jointly responsible under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.
      
      They cannot just ignore you

Don't think I have grounds for returning it really, it is fundamentally sound and the things I have listed are more niggles and minor bugs. At the end of the day it goes from A to B and hasn't refused to do so yet.

We actually have the same problem in reverse from the neighbour directly across the road at this time of year. He reverses his electric mini into his drive to charge it and when he gets out the lights stay on for 30 seconds, probably the 'follow me home' feature, and as its twilight really illuminates our front room. I have yet to have a conversation with him but will do as it's bad enough having a rotating Green circle on his charger in our eye-line every day. 1st world problems in suburbia I guess.

J

 

[Hugo A Go Go]

I also came from a Hyundai (Ioniq 5 Ultimate and a petrol Tucson before that) and I am enjoying my S5.

It has a few quirks, but nothing I can’t live with. I’ve said before that my main niggles are the drive mode and regen going back to default each time you restart, and also the radio may or may not need manually starting when the car starts.

But these things can all be changed from the steering wheel, and are not a big deal (to me).

The S5 is of course a much cheaper car than the Ioniq 5, but given how much less I am now paying monthly, I can live with the quirks and don’t find them to be a deal breaker.

It’s easy to look at your previous car with rose tinted glasses, but the Ioniq 5 had its annoyances too - namely the well documented tailgate rattle, and the rattly rear seatbelts if the passenger left them twisted. And occasionally the infotainment system would lose its online services and need something small pushed into the pinhole reset button.

Overall I am happy with my S5 and find it to be a very competent vehicle. And it doesn’t rattle

 

[TimothyN]

1st world problems in suburbia I guess.

I was going to say, if these are the biggest problems in your lives, or even in the top 50, you should go down on your knees, raise your hands to heaven and thank the Lord...

There are a few places I drive regularly where every passing car illuminates every window of a house on a bend, or at the opposite side of a T junction, and I am very conscious that it must be annoying, but I assume they've got shutters or blinds and just get on with their lives, thankful that no neighbouring state has invaded them, showering them with munitions.