Modest price rise for new MG HS

A NEW generation of the medium size MG HS SUV has been launched in three grades: Vibe, Excite and Essence priced from $33,990, $36,990 and $40,990 respectively… all drive-away.

The new prices represent an increase of $1000 compared with the previous model.

The sleek looking five-seater plays in Australia’s most competitive segment against established rivals like the Toyota RAV 4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester and Volkswagen Tiguan.

But more realistically, the HS will vie with other Chinese makes Chery’s Tiggo 7 (from $39,990), GWM Haval H6 (from $33,990), and possibly the BYD Sealion (from $48,990).

MG boldly describes the new HS as a generational change that brings in cutting edge technology and sophistication in a package offering outstanding value that will set a new standard in the medium SUV segment.

The other players might have something to say about that, but the fact remains the new HS is sharply priced, generously equipped, has the best warranty cover, and is both safe and good looking.

Available now through MG Motor’s 100 Australian dealers, the HS is new from the ground up, despite specification similarities with the previous model.

“It’s bigger than before, longer, wider and lower with a wheelbase extended by 45mm,” said MG Motor Australia head of product Akshat Ahuja.

“The exterior is an all-new design language starting from the face that has no resemblance to its predecessor, to the boomerang side scuttle profile and the rear end with a full width LED tail-light array.

“Even the bonnet logo is new.”

MG benchmarked the new HS against a selection of its competition arriving at dimensions that provide generous interior space particularly in the critical rear seat legroom area, in a compact package that is family friendly.

“We wanted to create ‘premiumness’ inside while maintaining a simple and functional design and appearance,” added Mr Ahuja.

Adding weight to the statement are the dual high definition 12.3-inch screens, one for the driver the other for infotainment that span half the dash.

The new model gains MG’s connected car technology called iSmart with an embedded SIM card to control multiple features/functions.

There is a new flat top- and bottom three-spoke steering wheel, 60:40 folding rear seat, a bigger boot than before (+44 litres with the seat up or +197 litres when folded).

It rolls on new 18- or 19-inch alloys, has extensive sound deadening through the body and chassis, and is available in six exterior- and two interior colours.

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. Fuel consumption combined is listed at 6.9 litres per 100km using 95RON premium unleaded petrol.

Though the same capacity and layout as before, the engine now features a centre mounted variable valve timing system, a variable geometry turbocharged, a dual-mass flywheel, and a water-cooled intercooler aimed at optimising efficiency.

From a dynamic perspective, the new HS gains dual-pinion electric steering for better feel and response, and rides on a strut front / multi-link rear suspension calibrated from 20,000km of local testing to give it more of a “European” feel.

The HS weighs between 1554kg and 1599kg (grade dependent), and has a braked towing capacity of 1500kg.

Among desirable standard features in the base model Vibe we find LED headlights, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, rear seat ventilation outlets, 18-inch alloys, and a “cutting edge” 12.3-inch Dual Screen Entertainment System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Moving to the mid-spec Excite model we 19-inch alloys, a 360-degree camera system, native sat nav and MG iSmart (with a one-year subscription) that brings remote-controlled facilities like air-conditioning and heating.

The top-of-the-range Essence further gains a panoramic sunroof, eight-speaker audio, wireless phone charging, and heated front seats.

All three variants are equipped with an array of ADAS features including: adaptive cruise control, AEB, lane change assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency lane keep assist, intelligent cruise control, traffic jam assist, intelligent speed limit assist, blind-spot detection, driver monitor status, forward collision warning, rear collision warning, rear cross-traffic braking, front cross-traffic alert, door open warning, and tyre pressure monitoring.

The MG HS is equipped with seven airbags and is in the process of being ANCAP rated.

Collectively, the safety offering including active systems like hill start assist on new HS are called the MG Pilot safety suite.

Due to slow sales of the previous AWD 2.0-litre HS, that model has been deleted from the new line-up.

MG Motor says they have adequate stocks of the new HS throughout the 100 strong dealer network in an array of colours and specification.

The MG HS PHEV version is due early next year at an unknown price or spec’ level.

2024 MG HS pricing*:

*National drive-away price.