MG HS: Larger but more expensive

by Alistair Kennedy  What is it? The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle. A mid-sized SUV, it competes — although not too suc...

by Alistair Kennedy 

What is it?

The MG HS is the Chinese importer’s largest vehicle.

A mid-sized 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.

HS has been on sale here since late 2019 but has just been replaced by what is effectively a larger all-new model.

Indeed, it’s larger in most dimensions than the majority of its rivals.

What’s it cost?

There are three variants: Vibe, Excite and Essence with prices ranging from $33,990 to $40,990 driveaway.

Although these prices are around $3000 more than before, they are still at the lower end of the price bracket.

Our test vehicle was the top-spec Essence.

Styling for the second-generation HS is a step up from the fairly conservative design of its predecessor with a more attractive premium look.

The front grille is wider than before with a new design that features a combination of brushed aluminium and piano black.

MG is making full use of the original British company’s iconic badge which is displayed on the bonnet, tailgate and wheels as well as inside on the centre of the steering wheel and on the key fob.

The new HS is currently available only with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, but it will be joined by a petrol/electric hybrid (HEV) and plug-in electric hybrid (PHEV) early in the new year.

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.

Entry level Vibe comes with 18-inch alloys, Excite and Essence get 19s.

One of the biggest improvements in the new HS is the twin 12.3-inch infotainment screens.

A virtual instrument cluster sits behind the steering wheel with a colour 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 Excite and Essence.

One of the major 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 is yet to be tested by ANCAP, the previous model achieved a 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 tested.

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 includes 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-cutting 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.

As often as not this occurs when they are looking at the screen to try to find out why another alert 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.

MG has extended its warranty from seven to 10 years, but instead of unlimited kilometres -- it has now been pegged at 250,000km.

Unlike Mitsubishi’s 10-year warranty, MG vehicles do not need to be serviced at its dealerships -- they just require logbook conditions to be followed.

What’s it go like?

HS is longer and wider, and has a longer wheelbase than most of its direct competitors.

This translates into excellent interior space and and easy entry and exit.

There’s a real feeling of quality and prestige inside, giving the impression it is a much more expensive vehicle.

It has a really solid feel, fit and finish are excellent, with well-crafted soft touch surfaces and piano black finishes.

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 that sit right behind the gear selector level but no space for phones, wallets and the like.

There is a sunglasses holder.

Rear legroom is excellent and there’s plenty of headroom despite the 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 seat backs 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.

As before, the new HS is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, but with more power and torque.

It produces 125kW (up from 119kW) and 275Nm (up from 250Nm).

The engine is mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission feeding power to the road via the front wheels.

It takes standard 91 unleaded with claimed fuel consumption of 7.3L/100km.

Access to the cabin was relatively easy.

We were able to slide into the driver’s seat without any undue bending or climbing, with power seat adjustment in Essence if needed.

The driving position can be optimised with a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel.

The 360-degree camera in Essence has a number of settings and will be worth the extra cost for those who spend the majority of time in urban areas.

Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent all-round visibility while the three-spoke steering wheel provides an unrestricted view of the instrument panel.

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 is not 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 enhances the driving experience.

Although there’s a bit of body roll in corners, steering feel has been improved.

What we like?

• Larger
• Better looking
• Cabin has premium feel
• Twin 12.3-inch infotainment screens

What we don’t like?

• More expensive
• Weight puts a dent in performance
• No hybrid yet
• No safety rating yet
• Too many driver warnings

The bottom line?

Like early generations of Japanese and Korean vehicles, MG broke into the Australian market largely through cheaper prices.

Quality and reliability improvements were followed by price increases.

The same thing is happening now 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 remain 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 on their mid-sized SUV short list.

 

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