2020 MG HS Review: First impression
The new MG HS is looking to redefine "premium value" in the core SUV segment.
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MG has just launched its new HS SUV, which will replace the current GS. Starting at a drive-away cost of $30,990 for the entry-level Vibe and $33,990 for the Excite, the brand is looking to improve the finish of its vehicles and become more of a name in the SUV space.
"With the all new MG HS, we have put the very best of MG into an SUV," said MG Motors Australian and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao at the launch event in Sydney. "...The MG HS will have broad appeal to customers who are seeking premium features and design at an attainable price point."
We didn't get to drive the vehicle at the launch event; however, we were able to hop in and get a feel for the vehicle.
Key MG HS stats
| Engine | 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Max. power | 124Kw |
| Max. torque | 250Nm |
| Storage with back seats up | 463L |
| Storage with seats down | 1,287L |
| Vehicle length | 4,574mm |
| Vehicle width | 1,876mm |
| Vehicle height | 1,685mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,720 |
What we liked
- There is plenty of room in the back. I set the driver's seat to my position (6ft) and then hopped in the back passenger seat to see how much room I would have. With plenty of room, I was pretty impressed.
- Product designers at MG have thought of the little things. There are two USB ports in the back to keep the kids' devices charged and hopefully, keep them out of your hair for that bit longer.
- A 10.1-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay means that even if the infotainment system doesn't hit the mark, you can always fall back to one of these two.
- Fit and finish seem pretty good. Obviously, we will learn more about this when we get hands on with it in the coming months.
- Seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assist, which is one of the best in the market.
What we wanted to see
- More storage capacity. While the 463L of storage space with the rear seats up is competitive, similar models, such as the Toyota RAV4, have more space with the seats down.
- More power. The 1.5L four-cylinder turbo petrol engine offered by the MG HS just about matches the entry 2.0-litre engine for the RAV4, but it is lower in power compared to the 2.5-litre petrol CX-5. Both of these competitors have larger engines available too.
The early verdict
From the little time we had in the vehicle, the fit and finish on the MG HS do seem to be fairly premium. MG is so convinced with the quality of the HS that it's offering a strong seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty with seven years of roadside assist. We look forward to giving you a more detailed look at the MG HS in the coming months.
In the meantime, check out some of our other car reviews.
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