MG HS made a notable comeback to the South African automotive scene late last year, reintroducing itself with a trio of models: the ZS, HS, and the Cyberster. The ZS is a compact crossover, the HS a conventional SUV, while the Cyberster represents the brand’s all-electric, open-top sports car offering.
Despite its origins as Morris Garages in Britain over a century ago, the MG brand is now under the ownership of Chinese automaker SAIC, though it still maintains a design hub in the United Kingdom.
MG HS Put to the Test
The Citizen Motoring had the opportunity to experience the MG HS first-hand during a launch event in Cape Town. With a price range starting at R499,900 for the Comfort variant and R534,900 for the Luxury model, the HS places itself directly in competition with the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, along with GWM’s Haval Jolion Pro and H6. This is exactly the competitive space that MG aims to target.
Boasting MG’s latest design language, first seen on the globally acclaimed MG4, the HS stands out with a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its tail light design takes inspiration from The Shard in London, adding a distinctive visual touch.
Key Features of MG HS
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L Turbocharged Petrol |
| Power Output | 125kW |
| Torque | 275Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed Dual-Clutch |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch Screens |
| Safety Rating | Five-Star EuroNCAP |
| Driver Assistance | 14 ADAS Features |
| Warranty | 7-year/200,000km |
| Service Plan | 5-year/90,000km |
A Refined and Feature-Rich Interior
Stepping inside the MG HS, occupants are welcomed by a contemporary Chinese-designed interior featuring artificial leather upholstery, soft-touch materials, and a well-balanced use of gloss black and chrome trim. The cabin is equipped with dual 12.3-inch floating digital displays, managing infotainment and convenience functions. Fortunately, MG has ensured that not all controls are hidden within the screens, making it relatively user-friendly to navigate.
Power and Performance
The MG HS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering 125kW of power and 275Nm of torque. This setup provides ample performance for a family-oriented SUV. For those seeking more power, MG has plans to introduce a 2.0-litre variant in the near future.
Unlike some previous Chinese models criticized for poor throttle calibration, the MG HS offers a smooth driving experience. The only minor drawback noted was occasional wheelspin when applying excessive throttle. Gear shifts, however, were seamless and refined.
Fuel Consumption Concerns
Fuel efficiency remains a key consideration for potential buyers. MG claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.9L/100km, but real-world tests suggest that a figure closer to 10.3L/100km is more realistic, particularly for long-term use. Despite this, the consumption is still within acceptable limits for a full-size SUV.
Safety and Driver Assistance
The MG HS has secured a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating and comes equipped with MG’s Pilot system, which includes 14 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). These features range from hazard alerts to driver awareness monitoring, with the added benefit that most of these can be manually deactivated to avoid excessive alerts.
Value Proposition and Market Positioning
The MG HS presents a compelling package with its extensive list of standard features and competitive pricing. However, whether it will achieve immediate widespread acceptance in the South African market remains to be seen. MG’s bold move in targeting Chery—an already established leader in this segment—suggests a strong intent to carve out a significant market share. However, it is likely that the HS will first attract buyers considering legacy brands such as Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, and even Toyota.
With a seven-year/200,000km warranty and a five-year/90,000km service plan, the MG HS offers substantial peace of mind for prospective buyers. As competition in the SUV segment intensifies, only time will determine how MG’s latest offering will fare against its rivals.
Related article: Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max: A Bittersweet Farewell That Challenges Legacy Brands
