2024 MG HS Driven and Reviewed

MG HS is a small-to-mid-sized SUV that has 5 seats, a small turbo 4-pot, and a DCT automatic transmission. Although the Chinese carmaker, backed by state-owned SAIC, spares no expense when it comes to R&D, I thought I’d been handed a Honda HR-V by mistake.

MG started in local showrooms as a single model, the MG 3, and as the MG model range grew, the build quality improved and the technology expanded.

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If nothing else, the MG HS looks the part.

While MG HS is in the same category as Rav 4, CX-5, and Forrester, it seriously undercuts the opposition on price and warranty. The model range tops out at $40,990, with a 10 year warranty on all new MG models.

The test car’s sparkling red coat was absolutely faultless. The completely smooth finished showed none of the “orange peel look” that used to annoy my old dad so much. LED headlights and tail lights continue the modern look, but lacked the Matrix LED function we love so much.

The look is familiar and comforting with none of that frivolous slicing and dicing of the external metalwork that is the current design darling. MG 3 is smooth and silky with gentle undulations, and its garnishes are more than decorative to accommodate utilities like external cameras. Whilst it keeps things neat and tidy, a further touch of brightwork would go amiss.

The chunky side profile is slimmed down deft shaping courtesy of a blackened lower edge. A faceted trim along the front door hides a camera, and the rear window is shaded and shaped by blackened trim and overhead spoiler, not that an SUV really needs it.

MG claims the look will turn heads, but that lofty statement is overcooking the pudding just a smidge. I’d describe MG HS as tasteful, while blending into the crowd.

Above: This Week’s VIDEO Car Review –2024 MG HS Review – Is this a Chinese HR-V? – REVIEW- Alan Zurvas

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ABOVE: 2024 MG HS (all new)

Essence sits above Vibe and Excite, so has the fully kitted out cabin

Dual 12.3” screens form the information centre for entertainment and driving data.

The driver’s screen can be partially customised. The infotainment screen displays navigation and menus, as well as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto which connects through USB.

An MG insider told GayCarBoys the infotainment comes from the same company as the Hyundai groups’ systems and shares some of the same foibles. An annoying over-speed warning sounds from the speed sign recognition, and like Hyundai Group vehicles, is often wrong. Polestar 4 has the same issue, and the gongs must be silenced every time the system is restarted.

The centre console is clean and crisp. There is a chic electronic gear lever, and some buttons for parking brake, hill descent and auto brake hold. The latter allows the driver to remove their foot from the brake at lights and is very handy in traffic.

The back seat has oodles of knee room and plenty of space for feet under the seats in front. MG HS has seatbelts for 5 unlike Honda HR-V with seats for 4. Like most vehicles this size, the middle seat never sees much action (at least while the vehicle is moving- wink wink)

The front seats have powered adjustment, the driver’s seat slides back for easy exit, and the tail gate swings up at the touch of a button. Don’t wave your foot under the bumper expecting the same result, handsfree doesn’t come at this price apparently.

Upholstery is described as PU, which is code for plastic, something a lot of carmakers are doing now to save cows, and money. I’d rather leather or fabric or recycled material that isn’t petroleum-based.

The drive

I’d describe the 125kw/275Nm perky 1.5L turbo 4 cylinder as adequate. It drives the front wheels through a 7-speed DCT automatic (dual clutch transmission) which can be tricky to master at low-speeds. Trying to slowly creep into or out of a parking spot needs care as the clutches grab and release, resulting in a surge that might be unexpected.

Once on the move MH HS feels smooth.

The electric steering has almost no feel, and the brakes have plenty, and as a package, MH HS is fun to throw around. Make no mistake, it is not a sports car. MH HS is what you take your gear to the gym in. It will also take you to a campsite as long as you don’t encounter rubbish roads.

Longer road trips make the most of the frugal drinking habits. You’ll be able to travel over 700km per tank according to the optimistic onboard computer.

Multi-link rear suspension balances good handling and decent ride. MH HS’s international settings are more inclined towards a relaxed style. The suspension is softish balance of hideous inner city goat tracks and the glorious long straights of the smooth open road.

The Apple CarPlay was touchy, working only when it felt like it.

Like the other MG’s we’ve tested this month, inbuilt navigation bonged when you changed suburbs. It only bongs when you have the navigation on display, and since all gongs sound the same, so you never know what the MH HS is complaining about.

MG made a kerfuffle about the MG Pilot, but as mentioned already, the moody sign recognition if often wrong. Most brands have moody speed sign recognition and I can’t help but feel the system is more about lip service than safety.

Like those other brands, the speeds displayed are often wrong. You can be on a highway are being assailed by gong warning you about exceeding the 50kph limit in a nearby street. It is the first thing to be turned off but you have to do it every time you start the car. If something is so annoying, can it really be useful?

Once on the highway, the MH HS scoots along, happily humming at cruising speed. The MG Pilot does the much of the hard work, leaving the actual pilot to do the difficult stuff. The aim of the driver support system is to reduce fatigue and limit the chance of unfortunate incidents. A sensor array and computing power never takes the place of good driving.

To repeat, the engine is does what is asked of it, but is breathless at full pelt.

Conclusion:

MG quality has improved much since the first MG 3 hit the road. The drive experience is no longer something that makes want to run screaming from the room, and you don’t have to apologise at parties.

MG’s prices are gradually increasing (Cyberster is over a hundred grand), and no longer is there a sub-20k MG.

The MG website describes MG HS as a premium vehicle, but it has a way to go to feel of the same quality as Honda HR-V, Kia Sportage/Seltos, Hyundai Kona/Tucson. MG’s 10 year warranty is the best in the country. The nearest might be Mitsubishi 5+5 year warranty, but that one is dependent on all servicing being at a company dealer.

2024 MG HS