If you’re after a keenly-priced family SUV with great levels of safety, then the MG HS could well hit the spot.
The HS is MG’s range-topping vehicle. It’s a large family SUV that follows the same formula as the company’s smaller ZS crossover, by targeting a popular western vehicle segment and undercutting the established competition on price.
The mid-size SUV sector could well be the most competitive area for mainstream manufacturers. It’s certainly one of the most popular with buyers, who continue to value the affordable mix of space, style and comfort these cars offer that keeps the whole family happy.
Exterior:
The HS looks pretty good at first impression thanks to some fairly aggressive styling that borrows heavily from the similarly handsome MG ZS. From the front, the MG HS’s chrome grille and broad headlights looks sportier than it’s rivals, while at the side there are just enough creases and contrasting trims to make sure it looks like a proper SUV, not a pumped-up hatchback.
At the rear, you get a smartly designed tail-lamps that have smooth flowing sequential turn signals, and finally real exhaust tips! Thank you MG! Thank you!
Interior:
The MG HS looks pretty smart on the inside, too. The dashboard has a single row of neat buttons, there’s a large free-standing infotainment display and you get plenty of shiny metal-effect trim around the air vents, on the doors and along the centre console.
There’s a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Every inch of the interior is cladded with soft-touch material and oh the seats- they are the best part. A sporty designed seats up front with alcantara inserts. Overall it’s a lovely place to be in specially when you’re stuck in traffic.
Engine and Performance:
Under the bonnet, a 1.5L turbocharged engine with an output of 169 HP and 250 Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. This engine isn’t particularly economical, nor does it make the MG HS particularly nippy, either but it does have a decent amount of power when you really want to push a bit.
But the MG HS prioritises comfort over sharp handling dynamics. It’s got a lovely, soft suspension setup which – by and large – will soak up bumpy road surfaces without an issue. It only becomes a little more unsettled when you thwack a more severe pothole. With accurate steering and benign handling, the MG HS provides plenty of confidence on rural roads. Don’t go expecting the sports-car-like driving experience the MG badge might subtly hint at.
Safety and Practicality:
Most modern SUVs will come with a host of safety technology features designed to prevent you from being involved in a crash. Even as a budget model, the MG HS is no exception. MG groups them under the ‘MG Pilot’ banner, with most of its features standard across the range - so no need to look for a high-spec Exclusive model just for the most advanced safety features.
Highlights include Active Emergency Braking, which can detect an impending collision and apply the brakes if required.
Blind Spot Detection as standard across the range, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist can detect speed limit signs and give you a subtle nudge if you’re exceeding them.
Adaptive Cruise Control is standard also.
There’s plenty of storage space, too, with generous door bins and a pair of cup holders in the centre console. There’s a useful cubby area in the sliding armrest, and space to leave your phone in front of the gear lever.
In the rear, adults will find plentiful legroom in the MG HS, although the high positioning of the seats (and a panoramic sunroof on top-spec models) does hinder headroom for the tallest passengers. Reclining rear seats are a nice touch, while there’s even space in the middle of a third individual, should you need to carry five people.
Considering its roomy cabin, the boot space of the MG HS falls surprisingly short of rivals. It can only accommodate up to 463 litres of luggage. The rear seats will split 60:40 and can be dropped if you need more space, but they don’t fold entirely flat.
Verdict:
The HS is a real sign that the manufacturer is determined to raise its game and mix it with the established mainstream market players. The mid-size SUV undercuts the competition on price, but doesn’t necessarily feel like the ‘cheap’ option, with a vastly improved cabin, decent on-board tech and reassuringly high levels of safety kit providing a quality feel than many would associate with MG.
At its core, the MG HS is all about good family transport and, if you can live with its obvious flaws, then its attractive pricing and generous equipment levels could just be enough to persuade you, cause it sure as hell made me order one.
It is a properly thought out SUV that offers a lot of car for its price. If you’d like to experience the HS up close, do contact or visit your nearest MG Dealer for a test drive!
Price:
HS Alpha: ₱ 1,258,888.00 SRP
HS Trophy: ₱ 1,308,888.00 SRP
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