HS SUV right on the button
MG’s new HS SUV is a big value vehicle, writes Nile Bijoux.
MG’s new HS SUV is bringing a high level of technology and refinement to the budget SUV arena.
It is a mid-size SUV, taking on the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage or Toyota RAV4.
So, what do I need to know?
MG bosses say it has a ‘‘Eurocentric’’ design, although we’d say Japanese-inspired is probably more accurate.
It doesn’t really matter though as the HS looks great however you say it.
Naysayers will point out its Chinese origins and claim that means the HS is an inferior product but we beg to differ.
MG has built the HS well, with few trim rattles and no unexpected panel gaps.
Almost everything above the hips is soft to touch and the ‘‘leather-style’’ seats are plenty comfortable.
But the big draw here is the level of tech you get for your dollar.
MG has included its full ‘‘MG Pilot’’ active safety system in every model of HS, meaning around $32k nets you active cruise control, lane keep assist, automatic headlights and blind spot detection, among other systems.
Both models also get keyless entry, ambient LED interior lighting and a cooled storage space underneath the front centre armrest.
MG also offers a five-year warranty and ANCAP awarded the HS a five-star safety rating late last year.
How does it perform in the real world?
MG let us loose on the roads of Yarra Valley in Melbourne, which enabled us to sample the array of tech as well as give the powertrain a bit of a workout through some twisty country roads.
The active cruise control works well, monitoring the vehicle in front without much trouble. There could be a bit more work done on low-speed tracking, as the electronic system seemed to ask the transmission to shift gears more than it really needed to, resulting in a slightly jerky ride. The lane keep assist can be quite intrusive too, although it did well at figuring out where the tarmac was on unmarked roads.
Really, the only weak point of the HS is the transmission. It’s a tad slow to react when set to D, particularly when needing to speed up while already moving or going from first into second. Knocking the shifter to S spices things up a bit, at the cost of more fuel consumption.
Opting for the higher-spec Excite model adds a red ‘Super Sport’ button to the wheel, which turns the dials red and engages the Excite-specific paddle shifters mounted behind the wheel. Vibe (entry level) models still have a manual-shift mode but it’s done at the gearshifter instead.
This lets you keep the gearbox working harmoniously with the engine, which is tuned more for mid-range pull over low-end torque or high-RPM power. After about 5000rpm the engine runs out of puff, so change earlier to stay in the thrust zone.
The seven speeds of the transmission is also appreciated on the highway, where 100kmh sees the engine spinning at a silent 2000rpm. Tyre roar at this speed is also kept to a minimum, highlighting MG’s build quality.
What’s the pick of the range?
We drove both the Vibe and the Excite and would recommend spending a little more for the Excite. Not only do you get the Ferrari-esque sports button but
MG HS
Price range: $31,990 to $34,990
Powertrains: 1.5-litre turbopetrol inline-four with 124kW/ 250Nm, 7.3L/100km, 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, 2WD.
Body style: 5-door SUV
On sale: Now you also get built-in sat-nav, automatic wipers, dynamic indicators, dual-zone climate control, 18-inch alloys and an electric tailgate.
The cars we drove also had different tyres equipped, the Excite shod in Michelins while the Vibe made do with Maxxis rubber. Needless to say, the Michelins performed better.
However, since both models get the full MG Pilot loadout, fiveyear warranty and five-star ANCAP rating, the cheaper Vibe is still a compelling option.
Why would I buy it?
Folks wanting a cheap, safe SUV shouldn’t discount the HS. It performs well and offers a level of equipment that would normally add five grand to the sticker price. There’s enough room in the rear seats for a couple of adults and plenty of boot space too.
It also looks good, despite the design being somewhat inspired by its pricier Hiroshima-based rival. It’s the sincerest form of flattery, right?
Why wouldn’t I buy it?
The HS is a very solid offering from MG. There aren’t really any competitors with the same level of kit at the price.
However, the active cruise control and lane keep systems can be a bit touchy and the gearbox could do with a retune.
That said, the sheer value of the HS trumps every negative we could find on the day.
If the engine isn’t pushing your buttons, a 2.0-litre turbo and a plug-in hybrid are both due to follow sometime this year.