MOVE over boys and girls of the SUV world, there’s a new kid in town, and it comes in the form of the 2020 MG HS; a comfortable, stylish mid-sized SUV that is set to give the Japanese manufacturers a nudge.
If you want a smart looking SUV with loads of safety features and a badge that is synonymous with heritage, then it’s worth checking out the all new MG HS, available in two variants; the Vibe and the range-topping Excite.
The MG HS starts at $30,990 drive away, with the premium model priced at $33,990 drive away. The range is powered with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, with electronic multi-point direct injection, paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Automatic transmission.
It draws on its maximum power of up to 119kW and 250Nm of torque, with a top speed of 190km/h. As a mid-sized SUV it may be a little under-powered, and there’s some turbo lag too. The DCT might also pick the wrong gear, but it’s quick to self correct.
The HS is very attractive, with its flowing curves and great 360-degree visibility in any driving conditions. The MG does look a little like the Mazda CX-5, but it’s a genuinely good looking car, but the badging pops and helps it stand out from the crowd.
The welcoming interior styling, materials and soft touches give a Euro premium feel. There’s a multi-function sports leather steering wheel, and a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the spacious cabin.
One of the largest in the segment, the full colour system features radio, Bluetooth hands-free, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Excite also scores GPS navigation, and both get a digital dash.
Ambient LED lighting and dual zone automatic climate control (Excite only) feature, along with four USB points (2 for the front and 2 for the rear) for charging and streaming. Push button ignition and key-less entry further highlight the MG’s technology focus.
Safety is paramount too, and the 5-star ANCAP safety rated MG HS is loaded with MG Pilot, which brings active emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, intelligent speed limit assist and headlight control.
There’s also traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection with door opening warning, ESP, traction control, ABS, active yaw control, electronic brake force distribution, hill hold control and dynamic vehicle control.
The clear and easy to read driver’s display is also neatly arranged and we had time to test the functionality of MG Pilot. It worked faultlessly, especially in heavy stop start traffic with varied speed zones, and it gave you a real sense of comfort.
If your hands are off the wheel for an extended period, the MG HS will also give you an audible warning advising you to place your hands back on the wheel.
The boot is 463-litres, which is almost on-par but not remarkable for this segment, and that expands to 1287-litres with the 60:40-split folding rear seat stowed. The boot floor is high, making for easy access for light items but hard access for heavy ones.
The Excite gets an electric tailgate which is nice to have.
The 2020 MG HS Vibe comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, fog lights.
The flagship Excite model adds 18-inch alloys, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, puddle lights, rain-sensing wipers, hard-wired sat-navigation, dual-zone climate control and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
There’s also a ‘Super Sport’ driving mode which sharpens the car’s key controls. The MG HS comes with a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 7-year roadside assistance.
It’s a good SUV. It’s not the best in the mid-sized segment, but for the price it offers exceptional value. It’s also a significant step forward for the brand, and one that should help it continue to grow.
If you’re budget conscious, then it’s hard to go past the 2020 MG HS, and even if you’re not, it’s well worth a test drive and your consideration.
Our test vehicles were provided by MG Motor Australia as part of a drive day, held in the Yarra Valley in Victoria. To find out more about the 2020 MG HS SUV, contact your local MG Motor dealer.
