China’s rival for the best-selling small cars, the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 is on track for Australian showrooms by mid-year.

The 2023MG5 — the growing Chinese automaker’s first entrant in the small-car category in six years — has received approval from motoring regulators to sell in Australia before the first MG showrooms arrive by July 2023.

Australia pricing is yet to be confirmed. However, if prices in the Chinese domestic market are any guide, entry-level models can cost less than $25,000, with top-of-the-line versions being closer to $30,000.

The MG 5 sedan – which is available in China and Thailand with petrol engines – is not to be confused with the MG 5 wagon, which is an independent electric car that will be sold in Europe and is not planned for Australia.

As reported last year, the MG 5 is to be built in China for Australia – rather than in Thailand as first announced when plans to sell the model in Australia were announced two years ago.

Australian details of the MG 5 will only be confirmed shortly before launch, and it’s unclear which of the petrol engines available in China – an 88kW/150Nm 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder or a 127kW/275Nm 1.5 – liter turbo four-cylinder – will be introduced locally.

MG Australia has confirmed that the MG 5 Scorpio Edition – a sportier model with more turbo power (135kW/285Nm) and sports suspension, exhaust and styling – will not be available locally.

The Scorpio edition also features a more advanced interior, with dual 12.3-inch BMW and Mercedes-Benz-style screens instead of the regular model’s 10.25-inch central touchscreen and semi-digital instruments.

It’s unclear if these technology upgrades will be available in Australian cars – or if local models will use the smaller displays also seen in MG 5 cars sold in right-hand drive in the Thai market.

Available overseas features of the standard MG 5 include LED headlights, automatic climate control, synthetic leather-look upholstery, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, six-speaker Yamaha sound system and a sunroof.

Other features available for the MG 5 Scorpio in China include a wireless smartphone charger and USB port at the rear, in addition to two at the front.

A range of advanced safety features are available for Chinese models, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera.

The dimensions of the new MG – 4675 mm long, 1842 mm wide, 1473 mm high and a wheelbase of 2680 mm – make it 45 mm longer and 82 mm wider than a Toyota Corolla sedan.

The 2023MG5 is due to appear in Australian showrooms in the first half of this year, says MG Australia. More details are due closer to launch.