There was a time when “MG” conjured visions of small, cheeky roadsters zipping down country lanes like wasps with attitude. These days, Chinese owned MG has ditched the history, bulked up, slipped on a sensible jacket, and entered the family SUV market with the HS—a mid-sized chariot built more for childcare runs than chicanes.
The HS walks into a very crowded party—think RAV4, Tucson, CX-5 and co.—but instead of shouting for attention, it quietly offers more for less. Priced from around $33,990 drive-away, it aims straight at value-focused buyers who like their cars spacious, well-equipped, and refreshingly free of Euro-price anxiety.
The cabin is where the MG HS punches above its badge weight. Think plush materials, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and seats that would look at home in a more upmarket badge. There’s wireless phone charging, a panoramic sunroof (on top trims), and even ambient lighting that changes hue like it’s emotionally invested in your Spotify playlist.
On paper, the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine produces 119kW and 250Nm—decent for the school run, if not exactly thrilling. Power delivery is smooth enough through the front wheels only, though the 7-speed DCT occasionally fumbles its lines like an understudy on opening night.
Where the HS really throws in the extras is digital safety gizmos. “MG Pilot” includes adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and even intelligent speed assist, which reads speed signs and gently reminds you that enthusiasm has a limit.
On that, “gently reminds” means you’ll hear buzzes, bells, tinkles and tunes whenever you step outside rigid parameters that MG has determined. They are all ON when you start up, and need several screen wipes, slides and touches to bring peace back into the cabin. Here are the screens for the sound show . . .
Additionally, some of the tech forgets its role every now and then and simply refuses to work. Leave it alone for a while and it’ll come back, but the uncertainty can be annoying.1
The ride is soft, the cabin is quiet – when you’ve neutered the alarm soundtracks – and there’s room in the back for adults or lanky teenagers without a mutiny. It may not set pulses racing, but it seems to be appealing to the target family market.
On the road the MG gets breathless and a bit noisy when you give it a lot of wellie, but that is unlikely to be happening with most owners. For value, with up to date technology and a decent warranty, it’s pretty hard to beat.
MG HS Key Specs
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo petrol |
| Power/Torque | 119kW / 250Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Drive | FWD (AWD optional in 2.0L) |
| Infotainment | 10.1” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay / Android Auto |
| Safety | MG Pilot driver assist suite |
| Boot Capacity | 463L |
| Fuel Economy (claimed) | 7.3L/100km |
| Warranty | 7 years / unlimited km |
| Price | $33,990 to $40,990 drive away |