Overview

UNSURPRISINGLY, MG Motor is pretty happy with its new HS medium-size SUV on a number of fronts, not the least being price which starts from a super competitive $33,990 drive-away placing it in second place in the queue behind SsangYong’s (nearly invisible) Korando at $30,990 drive-away and level pegging with direct competitor GWM’s Haval H6.

Though way behind the H6 in sales, MG also has a PHEV version of the new HS around the corner which may further redress the situation in MG’s favour.

In the meantime, the focus is on this new and impressive petrol-powered offering from the SAIC-owned Chinese manufacturer, a new generation model that, based on our brief drive and close inspection, really steps up the argument for Chinese-made vehicles.

Driven was the mid-spec Excite model listed from $36,990 drive-away that may be the most popular variant given all three are identical mechanically. The Excite is generously equipped with the comprehensive MG Pilot safety suite, the new connected car tech called iSmart (free for 12 months) and other range wide inclusions like the flat top and bottom three spoke steering wheel, 60:40 folding rear seat and a bigger boot than before (+44 litres with the seat up or +197 litres when folded).

The Excite rolls on 19-inch alloys, has extensive sound deadening throughout the body and chassis and is available in six exterior colours with two interior choices.

Among standard (range-wide) kit are LED headlights, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, rear air-conditioning vent, dual 12.3-inch screens and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Excite also gains a 360-degree camera, native sat nav but misses out on goodies like dual-zone climate control, eight-speaker audio, some electrically assisted functions and wireless phone charging found on the range topping Essence at $4K more.

Power comes from a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 125kW and 275Nm driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 6.9 litres per 100km using premium 95 RON unleaded petrol.

Though sharing the same capacity and no doubt the same basic elements as before, the 1.5-litre engine now features a centre mounted variable valve timing system, a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), a dual mass flywheel and a more efficient water-cooled intercooler.

On the dynamic side, the new HS gains dual pinion electric steering for better feel and quicker response and rides on a strut front, multi-link rear suspension calibrated from 20,000km local testing to give what MG Motor says is a more European feel.

The HS weighs between 1554kg and 1599kg model dependent and has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg.

Underpinning the appeal of this and all MGs is an unbeaten 10-year/250,000-kilometre warranty, fixed price servicing and a national dealer network numbering 100 (at the moment).

Driving Impressions

We were able to take the new HS for a brief spin around central Sydney and into the surrounding ‘burbs with a short motorway stint to get a taste of the model.

It wasn’t enough to form a proper opinion, merely whetting our appetite for a longer stint behind the ‘wheel of a car that appears to take affordable Chinese-manufactured vehicles to the next level.

That’s right, the next level in terms of build quality, fit and finish, paint, design, function, dynamics including ride and handling, even appearance that, though derivative of umpteen other similar vehicles, is distinctive enough to set the HS apart.

And it goes pretty well into the bargain, as the punchy 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four pot engine benefits from its new VGT that effectively deals with any lag issues while delivering strong response virtually at will.

Then there is the repositioned variable valve timing system, lower temperature intercooler and dual-mass flywheel chipping in for further gains.

This is aided by the HS’s new seven-speed wet dual clutch transmission that feels almost predictive in operation though no paddle shift is fitted.

But we couldn’t clock the maker’s combined fuel consumption claim over our 40km run, achieving in the vicinity of 7.8 litres per 100km of premium 95 with mixed driving.

The drive feel is all positive as the HS responds smoothly, quietly and strongly to throttle inputs has good steering feel with a small turning circle and strong brakes.

The ride is supple on rough surfaces thanks in part to being locally calibrated and the new multi-link rear suspension. Noise inside is minimal as MG applied extensive sound deadening material throughout the new HS’s body and chassis.

Overall, drivers won’t be disappointed with any dynamic aspect of the new HS.

Because it’s a new design and marginally bigger than before including a longer wheelbase, the new HS offers more room inside particularly in the critical rear seat legroom space where it excels compared with other medium size competitors.

All five pleather clad seats are comfy and of adequate size and there’s a decent load space down the back.

The stylish minimalist dash is dominated by two large 12.3-inch screens that deliver info and control most of the car’s functions.

There’s a particular airiness to the HS’s understated interior that contributes to passenger comfort and ease of driving and “goodness gracious”, the extensive ADAS systems operate at a less frenetic level than most other vehicles we have driven of late.

On our test drive, the HS felt solid as a rock on pitifully bad inner-city roads and was easy to park thanks to good visibility and some electronic aids.

We kind of like the look of it and the family styling cues make a difference featuring the “boomerang” rocker panel applique at the sides, the full width rear LED cluster and the feline LED headlights with what we’d call an “assertive” face. Could do with chunkier rubber though.

The new MG HS represents a significant uptick for the manufacturer that will ratchet up another notch or two with the arrival of a PHEV version early next year.