MG 5 vs Skoda Scala
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The MG 5 starts from $30,990 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Scala opens at $30,900. That makes the Skoda Scala the more affordable entry point by $90.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. Estimated driveaway prices sit around $32,990 for the MG 5 and $33,990 for the Skoda Scala.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Scala by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The MG 5 features a 10-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Scala gets a 8.3-inch display and 8-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG 5 stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Skoda Scala. The Skoda Scala counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the MG 5 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Skoda Scala offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The MG 5 uses a 1.5L Turbo Petrol producing 119kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.
The Skoda Scala responds with a Petrol making 85kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.1 seconds.
The MG 5 has the clear power advantage at 119kW vs 85kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The MG 5 measures 4,675mm long on a 2,680mm wheelbase, 313mm longer than the Skoda Scala at 4,362mm (2,649mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the MG 5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 401L in the MG 5 and 467L in the Skoda Scala, giving the Skoda Scala a 66L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.2m diameter
Good
Based on 10.2m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator — U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Good
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.8 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m — clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m — 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.8 m wide — fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m — swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m — no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the MG 5 and $1,539/year for the Skoda Scala. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Scala.
Estimated annual total: $1,824 (MG 5) vs $1,539 (Skoda Scala). The Skoda Scala saves you roughly $285 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 10 years / 250,000km (MG 5) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Scala). The MG 5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the MG 5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Scala if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Scala takes 3 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Scala will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Scala has a clear edge. The MG 5 adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, MG 5 and Skoda Scala?
The Skoda Scala is the cheapest at $30,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the MG 5 by $90.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Scala uses the least fuel at 5.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — MG 5 all hold a 3-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Scala has the largest boot at 467L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Scala has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG 5 has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The MG 5 makes the most power at 119kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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