Moving up: Geely Azkarra vs. MG RX5

Carmakers Geely and MG offer more than the Coolray and ZS, respectively.

If you somehow overlooked the Azkarra and RX5 in the carmakers' lineup, then we can't fault you for that. Buyers were naturally drawn to the combination of reasonable prices, long equipment list, and compact sizes of the Azkarra and RX5's siblings. 

Moving up to the Azkarra and RX5 could also mean getting more for your cash. Aside from their larger dimensions, these two compact crossovers each possess advantages that justify their price premiums. 

In the Azkarra, real-time all-wheel drive (AWD) is one advantage over the front-wheel drive Coolray.  When the SUV encounters slippery and rough terrain, this AWD system is helped by gadgets such as hill start assist and hill hold control. 

The upgrade continues to the engine, as the Azkarra features a 48-volt Electric Motor Synergy (EMS) system that's mated to its 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. The goal of the EMS and the entire hybrid system is to save fuel.

To make that possible, the gasoline engine feeds power to the EMS at cruising speeds, or when the vehicles' brakes are applied. Once the EMS is fully charged, it returns the favor to the engine by providing it additional power. The engine shuts off if it senses that it's only on idle, another fuel-saving measure. 

The Azkarra is as tech-rich as other Geely vehicles, too. Panoramic sunroof, 360-degree exterior camera, touchscreen infotainment, and electric tailgate are among this car's tech highlights. 

Moving on to the RX5, its entire range is motivated by a turbocharged mill, something only available in the ZS T. The RX5 engine has a displacement of 1.5 liters, which is matched to a seven-speed twin-clutch Sportronic transmission that promises smooth and efficient power delivery. 

In terms of the engine and gearbox, the RX5 packs 200cc and one clutch more than the ZS T. 

In keeping with its upscale theme, the RX5 carries an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system that features Apple CarPlay connectivity and MG iLink software, electronic parking brake with autohold function, cruise control, push/start/stop, and passive keyless entry. 

If you wish to choose these crossovers over their entry-level stablemates, why not go all out and pick their top-spec versions? Allow the spec sheets of the Azkarra Luxury and RX5 Alpha help you make an informed decision. 

SPECIFICATIONS	Geely Azkarra Luxury	MG RX5 7TST Alpha
Length (mm)	4,544	4,545
Width (mm)	1,831	1,855
Height (mm)	1,713	1,719
Displacement (cc)	1,477	1,499
Engine type	1.5TD Turbocharged 3-cylinder DOHC with Electric Motor Synergy System (EMS)	1.5-liter inline-4 DOHC 16V, turbocharged, intercooled direct injection
Transmission type	7-speed dual wet dual-clutch	7-speed wet-type dual-clutch
Maximum power output (hp)	190	167
Maximum torque (Nm)	300	250
Fuel Type	Gasoline RON 95	Gasoline RON 95
Drive Type	4WD	Front Wheel Drive
Suspension	(Front) MacPherson Strut and Coil Suspension (Rear) Multi-link	(Front) MacPherson Strut (Rear) Multi-link
Brakes	(Front) Ventilated Disc   (Rear) Solid Disc	(Front) Ventilated Disc   (Rear) Solid Disc
Headlamps	Full LED	Full LED
Daytime running lights (DRLs)	LED	LED
Wheels	18-inch alloy wheels	18-inch alloy wheels
Seating capacity (number of persons)	5	5
Seats	(Driver) 6-Way Power Adjust  (Passenger Seat) 4-Way Manual Adjust (Rear Seats)- 60:40 Folding with Two Position Recline	Driver) 6-Way Power Adjust  (Passenger Seat) 4-Way Power Adjust (Rear Seats)- 60:40 Folding
Seating material	Nappa Leather	Leather
Steering type	Electric Power Steering with 3 modes	Power steering
CN95 cabin filter	Without	With
Air conditioning system	Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control	Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control
Heater	With	With
Drive Mode Selector	With	With
Burglar Alarm	With	With
Infotainment system	12.3-inch with Phone Mirroring	8-inch Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, MG iLink
Speakers	With (8)	With (6)
Electronic Parking Brake	With	With
Smart Electric Tailgate with Angle Memory	With	Without
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Without	With
360-degree camera	With	With
SRS Airbags	With	With (6)
Traction Control System	With	With
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)	With	With
Auto Brake Hold	With	With
Hill Hold Control	With	With
Hill Start Assist	With	With
Hill Descent Control	With	With
Available Colors	White, Blue, Silver, Red, Black	Sol Blue, Ruby Red, Elegant White, Knight Silver, Pearl Black
Price	P1.598 million	P1.299 million

 

Photos from Sojitz G Auto Philippines and MG Philippines