MG takes the covers off their all-new MG HS SUV in Australia.
MG HS Excite Image: Finder
The MG HS will be available in two grades and is said to be their most refined model yet.
British brand MG, now owned by Chinese giant SAIC Motor, has unveiled the car that will be replacing the existing GS. The MG HS is "sporty, stylish and savvy" and MG plans to use it to take a larger slice of the SUV market.
This will be no small task given the number of competitors in the space (the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson and the impressive Toyota RAV4).
However, MG is confident that the HS is up to the task, with MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao saying: "We're very excited about the potential that the new MG HS provides to our local business and our dealers are confident of the appeal of this new model."
Two grades will be offered on the new HS, the entry-level Vibe and the top-spec Excite. These will be on sale for a drive-away cost from $30,990 and $33,990 respectively. Both feature MG's signature "Star Grille" up front with chrome surround. LED daytime running lights and automatic headlights are fitted as standard, with the Excite getting LED headlights as opposed to the Vibe's halogen lights.
MG HS entry-level Vibe Image: Finder
The Vibe and the Excite will also feature a 1.5L four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 124KW of power and 250Nm of torque. The unit will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission. Those who opt for the Excite will get a dedicated Super Sport Mode on the steering wheel, which will increase throttle response, hold gears longer and change the ambient lighting in the vehicle. We all know that red makes the car go faster.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come installed on both models, operated via a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The MG Pilot safety suite will be included as standard, which is a first for MG in Australia. The safety suite includes the following:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Adaptive cruise control lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot detection
- Intelligent headlight control
- Traffic-jam assist
- Intelligent speed-limit assist
Other safety features offered by the Electronic Stability Control system include the following:
- Traction control
- ABS
- Electronic brake distribution
- Hydraulic brake booster
- Brake disc wiping
- Hill hold
- Vehicle dynamics control
Moving inside the vehicle, the HS will feature premium soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, leather-style upholstery and seating, a cooled storage in the centre console and ambient lighting.
Of the interior quality, Peter Ciao said it's "packed with high quality materials, leather-style seats and with soft touch finishes throughout, there is a richness to the MG HS that we strongly believe resets the definition of premium value in the core SUV segment".
MG HS Excite interior Image: Finder
If you opt for the Excite, you will bag some extra goodies such as GPS navigation, dedicated sports mode, paddle shifters, dual zone automatic climate control with dust filters, 18-inch wheels – up from the Vibe's 17-inch wheels – and an electric tailgate.
Storage space comes in at 463 litres with the seats in the back row up and 1,287 litres when the 60/40 split fold seats are down.
The new MG HS will come with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty as well as a seven-year roadside assistance package.
"With the all new MG HS, we have put the very best of MG into an SUV."
Keep an eye out for our MG HS review in the coming months.
