Before making its official return to South Africa at the end of 2024, we travelled with MG to China for a preview and test drive of some of the brand’s SA-bound models. Here’s our first impressions on the HS midsize SUV.
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MG HS 1.5T Luxury DCT Fast Facts
- Price: R534 900
- Engine: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
- Power: 125 kW
- Torque: 275 N.m
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: n/a
- Fuel consumption: 6.9 L/100 km
- CO2 emissions: n/a
What are we driving?
The HS is positioned above the pocket-friendly ZS compact crossover/SUV, which we also sampled at SAIC Volkswagen’s proving grounds in Zhengzhou, China. MG’s entry into the local midsize SUV segment, the HS is aimed towards families seeking a striking SUV equipped with oodles of convenience and safety features, and a sufficient amount of space.
Exclusively driving the front axle, the HS is available with the choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines — 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre units equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and a nine-speed automatic cog swapper, respectively. The 1.5-litre powertrain, which was sited below the bonnet of the model we sampled, produces 125 kW and 275 N.m of torque, while the 2.0-litre four-pot churns out a healthier 170 kW and 370 N.m. MG claims an average fuel consumption figure of 6.9 and 7.3 L/100 km for the former and latter, respectively.
The HS’s list of convenience features is comprehensive, with standard items including a 12.3-inch digital instrument binnacle and an infotainment display of similar size. The latter, touch-enabled unit incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring. A 360-degree surround-view camera array and tyre pressure monitoring are also included.
On top of Comfort trim’s standard equipment, Luxury level of specification gains an eight-speaker audio system (Comfort spec features a six-speaker unit), wireless smartphone charging, dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof and fore park distance sensors.
Related: Review: MG ZS
The HS package is fitted with seven airbags, Isofix child-seat mounting points, “intelligent” cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, among several other safety features. Noteworthy, the HS was awarded a five-star Euro NCAP rating at a 2024 safety test.
Why is the MG HS significant?
Though remaining popular in the SA market, the increase in the prices of established midsize SUVs has resulted in prospective buyers considering options offering more bang for their buck. With the four-strong HS model line-up, which is priced from a hair below the R500 000 marker (see pricing below), MG aims to do just that.
What does the MG HS cost?
Priced from R499 900, the derivatives employing the 1.5-litre powertrain serve as the entry point to the HS range. The variants equipped with the 2.0-litre unit are priced from R629 900. As standard, all models ship with a five-year/90 000 km service plan, a five-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty and a seven-year/unlimited km engine warranty.
- HS 1.5T Comfort DCT — R499 900
- HS 1.5T Luxury DCT — R534 900
- HS 2.0T Comfort AT — R629 900
- HS 2.0T Luxury AT — R665 900
What are the MG HS’s rivals?
Of course, considering the price difference between the 1.5- and 2.0-litre HS models, it is best to split up these derivatives to determine their respective rivals. The 1.5-litre HS Comfort variant, for example, competes against the likes of the (R499 900) Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Max 1.6TGDI 290T Premium and (R492 050) Haval H6 2.0GDIT Premium, while its 1.5-litre Luxury-spec sibling, in terms of pricing, is positioned against the aforementioned Chery and Haval SUVs in higher-spec (R529 900) Distinction and (R537 350) Luxury trim, respectively.
Related: MG Announces SA Line-up — Pricing and Specs
It is worth noting that, if you are willing to part with a few extra rands, there are the Jaecoo J7 1.6T Vortex (R549 900) and the all-paw H6 in Luxury trim grade (R569 350). The (R610 750) four-wheel-drive H6 Super Luxury is priced closer to the 2.0-litre HS models, while the flagship (petrol-electric) H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury, although pricier than the range-topping HS, remains an option for those seeking a hybrid powertrain.
Considering the 2.0-litre HS’s price range, there are several more midsize SUVs it competes against. From the Chery stable, there are the slightly more expensive (R669 900) Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive; from Jaecoo, the mid- and top-spec J7 models; and from GAC, the Emkoo, which is priced from R599 900 to R659 900.
Although down on power compared to the 2.0-litre HS models, it is worth noting there are two more established rivals that fall into the same price category as the range-topping HS. These are the entry-level Volkswagen Tiguan and (turbodiesel) Kia Sportage LX.
Related: Chinese-Owned MG Confident of Success With SA Comeback
What is the MG HS like to drive?
Although limited, our time behind the wheel of the HS did give us an adequate sense of its performance and ride quality, especially considering the track featuring a decidedly bumpy section. On the latter, the HS’s pliant suspension setup impressed, soaking up each bump with aplomb. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit fared admirably and the seven-speed dual-clutch was seldom hesitant in changing gears. In addition, seated on the rear bench behind a considerably taller driver during a passenger drive, there was sufficient space for my 1.7-metre-tall frame to sit comfortably.
Verdict
The HS seems a promising product. Strikingly styled, MG’s local midsize-SUV offering features oodles of interior space and a generous amount of equipment as standard. In addition, considering the model line-up’s starting price, it should catch the attention of prospective buyers.
