MG returns to Ukraine after several years of absence. The British brand, part of the Chinese concern SAIC, has brought several models to our market. The top model at the moment is the MG HS crossover, and it is what we have taken for a test.
The new MG HS 2021 is a 4.5-meter five-seat crossover the size of a Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5. It features a wide smile-shaped grille, slanted headlights, and curved sides. The extended rear wings are accentuated by elongated lights. The test car is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and even dual exhaust.
The interior of the MG HS is finished with eco-leather (even the front panel is covered with it), and it is complemented by red stitching and numerous aluminum details. The steering wheel is perforated where the hands grip. Overall, the quality of materials and assembly is very good for a car of Chinese production. By the way, MG offers a 5-year or 150,000 km mileage warranty in Ukraine.
The instruments are simple and clear, and even simpler is the multimedia menu on the large 10.1-inch touchscreen, which also controls the climate and even the seat heating. As a result, there are few buttons left on the central panel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available, and the MG HS has four USB ports (two in the front and two in the back).
There are plenty of compartments for small items in the cabin. The glove box is not the largest, but there is a compartment to the left of the steering wheel and a niche in the central console. The compartment in the front armrest is cooled.
The steering wheel is adjustable in height and depth, and the driver’s seat even gets an electric drive. The seats themselves are comfortable and provide good back support, with high seating. Rear visibility is somewhat limited, but the rearview camera helps when parking.
The second row is very spacious, considering the size of the crossover, especially for the legs. Additionally, the angle of the backrest of the sofa is adjustable. Rear passengers have air vents and an armrest with cup holders.
The luggage volume is 463 liters, and with the rear seats folded – 1287 liters. Under the floor, there is a hidden compartment for luggage.
The MG HS trim in the COM version is quite strange. The crossover features a panoramic roof, keyless entry, electric package, light sensor, and parking sensors but has air conditioning instead of climate control. Although this is the middle version, the top version includes dual-zone climate control, a virtual dashboard, an electric tailgate, and much more.
The 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine develops 169 hp, and it’s quite enough for the not very heavy (1516 kg) crossover. The four-cylinder engine quickly gains speed and has enough torque from low revs – peak 250 Nm torque is available at 1700 rpm. The engine is quiet if not revved hard. The 7-speed dual-clutch robot pleased because it works quickly and without jerks at low speeds in traffic.
It accelerates to one hundred in 9.6 seconds, with a maximum speed of 190 km/h. The reported fuel consumption is 7.3 l/100 km in a combined cycle. We mostly drove in the city, and our consumption was 10-10.5 l/100 km.
The test MG HS crossover is front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available in the top version with a 2.0-liter 228 hp turbo engine. However, all HS models have, for instance, a hill descent assist system.
The crossover puts comfort first. The suspension is not exactly soft but absorbs road irregularities well. Moreover, the MG HS doesn’t lean much in turns. The steering is quite sharp, but a bit more feedback would be desirable. On the upside, the car is maneuverable, and it has surprisingly good noise insulation – at 140-150 km/h, you can only slightly hear the wind inside the cabin.
The new MG HS in Ukraine costs from 565,812 hryvnias. The test car in the COM version will cost 621,378 hryvnias, which is not too much for a C-class crossover, especially considering the equipment.
MG HS Specifications:
- 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, transverse front
- Displacement 1490 cc
- Power 169 hp at 5600 rpm
- Maximum torque 250 Nm at 1700-4400 rpm
- Top speed 190 km/h
- 0-100 km/h acceleration 9.6 s
- Fuel consumption 7.3 l/100 km average
- Length/width/height/wheelbase 4574/1876/1664/2712 mm
- Luggage volume 463-1287 l