By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle.
A mid-size SUV, it competes – although not too successfully so far – against well-established models like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Kia Sportage.
MG HS has been on sale here since late 2019 and has just been replaced by what is effectively an all-new model. It’s larger in length, width and with a longer wheelbase than before, all of which contribute to providing extra interior space. Indeed, it’s larger in most dimensions than most of its rivals.
There are three variants: Vibe, Excite and Essense with prices ranging from $33,990 to $40,990 driveaway. Although these prices are around $3000 more than the previous models they are still at the lower end in its category.
The top-spec Essence was our test vehicle.
On release, the new HS only comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine but with both a conventional petrol/electric hybrid (HEV) and plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) due to follow early in the new year.
STYLING
Styling for this second-generation HS is a step up from the fairly conservative design of its predecessor with a much more attractive premium look.
The front grille is wider than before with a new design featuring a combination of brushed aluminium and piano black.
MG is making full use of the original British company’s iconic badge attached to the front of the bonnet, tailgate and wheels as well as inside on the centre of the steering wheel and on the fob.
All HS models have full LED automatic headlights with manual levelling together with LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights.
Rear fog lights are also standard but only Excite and Essence get them at the front.
The entry level Vibe comes with 18-inch alloys, Excite and Essence get 19-inch alloys.
INTERIOR
MG HS is longer, wider and with a longer wheelbase than most of its direct competitors and this translates into excellent interior space.
Entry is easy to manage and the additional wheelbase and width improve on the already capacious interior space.
There’s a real feeling of quality and prestige inside the MG HS that gives the impression it could easily be a much more expensive vehicle. It has a really solid feel, fit and finish is excellent, with well-crafted soft touch surfaces mixed with piano black.
At the front there are two USB-A ports, a 12V power outlet and a wireless smartphone charger in the Essence. Storage space is limited with two cupholders sitting right behind the gear selector level and no easy spots for phones, wallets and the like.
There is a sunglass holder.
Rear legroom is excellent and there’s plenty of headroom despite the Essence’s panoramic sunroof. The extra width together with a flat floor, air vents, twin USB ports, grab handles with lights and map pockets make for a comfortable space that’s just about suitable for three adults rather than the usual two plus a child in most cars of its size.
Boot space is 507 litres with the seatback in place, expanding to 1484 litres when they are folded. There is some useful storage space under the bootlid and a space-saver wheel below that.
INFOTAINMENT
One of the biggest improvements in the new HS are the twin 12.3-inch screens. There is a virtual driver cluster display behind the steering wheel and the colour infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard.
Both screens are easy to read and operate.
Smartphone mirroring is available through cabled Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with two USB ports at the front and another pair at the rear. Satellite navigation is standard in both variants.
Satellite navigation is standard in the Excite and Essence..
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
As before, the new HS is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine but with increased power and torque: 125 kW (up from 119 kW) and 275 Nm (from 250 Nm).
The engine is mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission feeding power to the road via the front wheels.
Running on 91 RON fuel with a claimed fuel consumption of 7.3 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle.
SAFETY
One of the main reasons that the early Chinese entrants into the Australian market struggled was because of poor safety equipment. That’s no longer the case and, although the new MG HS has yet to be tested by ANCAP, the previous model had been tested in 2019 and achieved the maximum five-star rating.
ANCAP test criteria has tightened since then but so has the range of safety features in the new HS so there’s little doubt that it will get the top mark when it is tested next.
Standard features include seven airbags, enhanced ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist, and electronic stability program, reversing camera, hill start assist with auto hold, automatic door unlocking and a collapsible steering column.
Also standard is the MG Pilot advanced driver assistance system. A comprehensive package of safety equipment, it features active emergency braking with pedestrian and cycle detection, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist with traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, driver attention alert and intelligent high beam assist.
Unfortunately, MG has followed the growing cost-saving trend of switching a majority of controls to the multimedia touchscreen, including the most commonly-used audio and air conditioning.
There are numerous alarms and warning sounds that often work together, often without a visual explanation of the reason for the warning. There is also an alert telling the driver to keep their eyes on the road when, as often as not, they are looking at the screen to try and find out why another alert is being sounded.
While many of these alerts can be turned off it’s only temporary. As soon as the engine is re-started they return as default settings.
DRIVING
Access to the cabin was relatively easy. We were able to slide across into the driver’s seat without any undue bending or climbing easily with the power seat adjustment in the Essence there if needed. Driving position can be optimised with tilt and reach adjustment to the steering wheel. while many drivers will choose to turn off the aforementioned features prior to taking off. The 360-degree camera in the Essence has a number of settings and will be worth the extra cost for those who spend the majority of time around in urban areas.
Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent all-round visibility while the three-spoke steering wheel had the top half clear to allow an unrestricted view of the driver’s information display.
While the drivetrain of the new HS is essentially the same as the previous model, the extra size has added weight to the vehicle so performance isn’t a strong point. Most mid-sized SUVs are much the same, primarily designed for family transportation.
Having said that, there’s enough power for comfortable motorway cruising and sufficient torque when needed on hills or overtaking.
The ride is noticeably firmer than the outgoing HS and certainly enhanced the driving experience.
Likewise the steering feel has been improved although there’s a bit of body roll in corners.
SUMMING UP
Like early generations of Japanese and Korean vehicles, MG broke into the Australian market largely through cheap prices. As history showed, that would change with quality and reliability improvements being matched by price increases.
We’re now seeing the same thing happening with Chinese vehicles. This is particularly noticeable with the recent launch of the MG4 and significant upgrades to the MG3 and HS. Despite price rises all three of these vehicles remain are still cheaper than competitors in their respective market segments.
The new MG HS is a major step forward in terms of its styling, build quality and technology. For potential buyers it’s certainly worth including their mid-sized SUV shortlist.
MG has taken a new approach with its standard warranty with the previous seven year / unlimited distance coverage now extended to 10 years but with the distance cut back to 250,000 kilometres. Unlike Mitsubishi’s conditional 10-year warranty MG vehicles do not need to be serviced at their dealerships but just require logbook conditions to be followed.
