MG HS NEW: lots of comfort and power at a reasonable price
The new generation MG HS crossover is already in Ukraine and is ready to adequately represent the brand in the C - SUV class, where competition is always fierce. What does this car have to attract the attention of buyers? And what are the disadvantages? Finally, how much does the new MG HS cost? All the answers are here.
Design: discreet Asian
To dot all the “i’s” I’ll write right away: MG is a British brand founded in 1924, which is now owned by the Chinese corporation SAIC . This is about the historical origin and current position of the brand. And now – about the design. I specifically started with the current origin of the MG HS because in general the design of the car is made in a typically Asian style: narrow slanting headlights, a smooth line of the “nose” and voluminous “cheeks” of the front bumper, body-positive rear wings, a teardrop-shaped rear window and a divided rear roof pillar. I deliberately talk about the design in the general Asian style, and not in a specifically Chinese one: now a similar design with narrow headlights and “inflated” wheel arches can be found on Korean or Japanese cars.
And the large radiator grille, almost the entire width of the bumper, is not only about the Japanese, but also about the Germans or the French. Thankfully, otherwise the MG HS crossover is almost devoid of unnecessary details, when “design for design’s sake”: the upper part of the windows outlined in chrome, the line-insert from the front wing to the front doors, the bends in the lower part of the rear doors, combined lights that resemble elements of broken glass – that’s all.
The MG HS crossover is at the top of the C - SUV class, which is emphasized by the corresponding dimensions: length - 4.655 meters; width - 1.89 meters; height - 1.66 meters; wheelbase - 2.765 meters. This is the second generation of the MG HS and, like its predecessor, it was developed during the time when the MG brand was part of SAIC. Like its predecessor, the new MG HS looks surprisingly laconic: the expected Asian design, but there are almost no elements of kitsch. The black-lacquered linings on the wheel arches and lower parts of the body attract the eye, but are unlikely to be practical after the next wash and wiping off the dirt. The car has 19-inch wheels, which are “shod” in good Bridgestone Alenza tires: a pleasant unexpected detail! And here is another, not so pleasant: in the rear bumper we see a prop instead of real exhaust pipes; which are actually turned down. We also see a fully independent rear suspension (this is a plus), but we don't see the drive shafts to them (this is a minus; moreover, the predecessor had all-wheel drive). Okay, let's move on: what do we see in the cabin?
The front panel is made in a fashionable way: massive elements and horizontal lines, rounded edges with built-in ventilation deflectors, a pair of connected 12.3-inch screens. The central display is responsible for controlling absolutely everything: the multimedia system, climate control, car settings. The menu consists of large blocks-tiles, inside individual items are spelled out in lines, some settings provide useful tips, fairly high-quality (almost error-free) localization-translation into Ukrainian - we put a check. Although still a small remark can be called the absence of any separate audio volume control element for the passenger: you can only get to the volume settings through the upper drop-down curtain-tab. Thank goodness, at least the driver was not deprived - there are convenient joystick keys on the steering wheel, several standard buttons with fixed functions and two additional "hot buttons" for accessing the necessary settings: for example, switching driving modes or activating all-round view cameras. And for the driver, they have equipped a digital instrument panel, which has two display modes (priority for active driver assistance systems or priority for tachometer and speed display), and also allows you to customize the side window of the on-board computer information. However, this is where they missed something with the Ukrainian localization: the translation is incorrect.
But the seats are incredibly soft! The test car had a light interior made of artificial leather - surprisingly pleasant to the touch and when landing and placing the body: the whole secret is in the additional 20-millimeter layer of foam between the outer covering and the main filler. And well, tell me in the comments: who else does this with seats to get additional softness? While you remember, I'll tell you about the second row of seats: also very soft; plus there is an armrest and separate ventilation deflectors, and also... And that's it, nothing more. Surprisingly: even the predecessor had an adjustment of the angle of inclination of the back of the rear sofa; competitors even have heated seats, sometimes - a separate "climate" and sun blinds. In contrast, the MG HS crossover fulfills the "minimum program" of the class, but does not give more. The trunk has a good volume (507 liters) and side niches, but there is room for improvement here too: for example, it would be desirable to add hooks for bags.
The MG HS car interior in two phrases is a good supply of space (I will give the measurements below) and softness in everything: the seats and the front panel, soft door cards, even the pleasant sensations from the soft buttons and switches under the steering wheel. But upon closer inspection, there are many unpleasant little things that can be improved. However, again: if you focus on the main points such as the interior space, then…
Let's start with the front seats. The length of the front seat cushion is 52 cm - this is an average or (let's say) "average plus" indicator for cars of this class. The distance from the edge of the seat cushion to the accelerator pedal can vary in the range of 40-62 cm depending on the position of the seat. The space from the seat cushion to the ceiling is 103 cm (measured along the backrest and headrest, the seat is lowered as much as possible, the backrest is set at an angle of about 110 degrees).
The space in the back for the body/legs is 70-94 cm (from the base of the rear sofa to the back of the front seat, depending on the adjustments and position of the front seat). Is this a lot or a little? It's a lot! Looking ahead: the range of 70-94 cm in the back seat corresponds to the space in cars of the class no longer C - SUV, but the next class D - SUV (I'll tell you later). In the meantime, let's move on: the distance from the cushion of the rear sofa to the ceiling is 92 cm. Finally, a few measurements of the trunk. The width of the latter is 102 cm (measurement between the wheel arches), the depth of the trunk is 92 cm with the rear seat backrest raised. If you fold the rear seat backrest, the depth of the trunk is 159 cm (measurement to the edge of the folded rear seat backrest) or a maximum of 183 cm (measurement to the stop at the front seat backrest).
It seems that the feeling of spaciousness is created by the mustard yellow interior trim and plenty of light: untinted windows, a large glass sunroof. Real measurements with a tape measure confirm: it doesn't seem like it, but it is; especially in the second row of seats.
Technology: PHEV instead of all-wheel drive, powerful 2-liter turbo and MG Pilot
It all starts quite familiarly: the second-generation MG HS crossover with the AS 33 code has a load-bearing body (by the way, with a fairly high torsional rigidity of 26,800 Nm/degree), an independent MacPherson suspension is installed in front, and an independent multi-link suspension is used in the rear. The engine is installed transversely in front, the drive is exclusively to the front wheels. It's a pity that this is so: I think that buyers of such cars can often go fishing or simply visit relatives in remote towns and villages with dirt roads; plus add a dacha with a snow-covered road. And plus add that the previous-generation MG HS crossover had all-wheel drive, and now it doesn't - is this a step backwards?
But MG HS finds the strength to take a step forward. It is worth noting that the MG HS crossover is currently one of the flagships of the MG model line in Ukraine, which is confirmed not only by its size, but also by its technology. This is the MG HS Plug - In Hybrid version , which combines a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine and an electric motor. The total power of the hybrid is 200 kW or 272 hp; and thanks to the presence of a battery with a capacity of almost 25 kWh, such a crossover can cover up to 121 km exclusively on electric power. Moreover, the MG HS Plug - In Hybrid crossover did not remain somewhere far away and only in advertising brochures, not at all - it is already offered in Ukraine for order.
But there is no doubt that the main sales will be made by cars, like the test one - with a 2-liter gasoline turbo engine. Before us is an engine with the designation 20 A 4 E, and together with the related engine 20 L 4 E, it is part of the SAIC series of engines, covering the power of 218-261 hp and offered on various models of the company. This is to say that the appearance of other cars from MG / SAIC with similar gasoline 2-liter turbo engines is not excluded. Returning to our specific example: we have an in-line 4-cylinder engine, a turbine with variable geometry, direct fuel injection under pressure up to 350 bar, the implementation of the Miller cycle and a system of changing the gas distribution phases. That is, we have a fairly modern engine; however, without a start-stop system or any hybrid application (even of the mHEV type - hybrid). This engine is paired with a traditional hydromechanical 9-speed automatic transmission with an extended range of gear ratios – the total range is 9.8 from first to ninth gear.
One of the most important technical achievements of the new generation MG HS for the Ukrainian market is the appearance of the Plug - In Hybrid version and the MG Pilot driver assistance system package: adaptive cruise control, lane control, traffic sign monitoring, monitoring of "blind spots" of mirrors, etc. In fact, it was similar in its predecessor, but was not offered on the Ukrainian market. And now the new generation crossover has arrived - and with it a lot of modern technologies! But let's get back to what is installed under the hood of the test car: we are talking about a 2-liter gasoline turbo engine with a capacity of 231 hp and a torque of 370 Nm; for such a car, fuel consumption in the combined cycle is declared at 7.2 liters per 100 km, acceleration to "hundreds" in 7.5-9.5 seconds (depending on the source of information), a maximum speed of 220 km/h. So...
Behind the wheel: powerful engine, comfortable suspension
I wrote the subtitle – and I have already described the two main features that determine the character of the car. I will immediately add a third feature: silence while driving. But there are nuances everywhere.
Let's start with the engine and acceleration. The car starts smoothly and picks up speed well, the engine responds to the accelerator pedal almost without pauses, the modern 9-speed "automatic" shifts imperceptibly and as smoothly as possible, and if the engine speed does not exceed 2.8-3 thousand - then silence reigns in the cabin. At a normal speed, everything works out well. And if you try to accelerate to the maximum? Let's floor the pedal! The first split seconds of the start also happen very smoothly, but already at a speed of 20-30 km/h the front wheels tear off the axle and with a piercing squeal carry the MG HS crossover forward beyond the horizon. If from the first smooth drives there could still be doubts about the power of the 231-horsepower engine, then during such accelerations to the limit, it completely tears them off - just as it tears off the front wheels into the axle. As of now, the MG HS crossover is one of the most dynamic in the class!
And also – probably, the MG HS crossover is one of the most comfortable. Surprisingly, the soft suspension tries to hide as much of the road as possible: all the large holes and protrusions turn into smooth body vibrations. Although small joints are still felt and it seems that the 19-inch wheels are to blame for this. I would have preferred 18-inch ones, but with a larger tire profile; plus you can also try to play with the tire pressure. Just understand: because of the soft suspension, this car already has noticeable rolls in corners and sometimes “pecks its nose” when braking. And therefore, high-profile tires are no longer critical in terms of spoiling the steering precision or something like that – because in the case of the MG HS, the emphasis is already placed differently, the emphasis is on comfort and smoothness of movement (in the broad sense of these words). Moreover, good sound insulation fits perfectly into this picture: very quiet during moderate acceleration, pleasant silence on the highway.
This is how the MG HS drives: a soft start from a standstill, silence and smoothness on the go; but if necessary, it can sometimes jump forward briskly during acceleration or overtaking - the engine allows it. Problems arise if the driver wants to constantly drive dynamically: accelerate sharply, change lanes, turn sharply in corners. Suddenly it turns out that the engine becomes noisy in the range of 3.9-4-4.3 thousand - and this is clearly audible for a few seconds, because the "automatic" has already relaxed and missed switching to a higher gear. Next: the driver selected the sport driving mode, the steering wheel became heavier - but this did not affect its sharpness (2.5 turns from lock to lock) and considerable body rolls on a soft suspension... Therefore, once again: the MG HS crossover promotes a smooth and soft driving style; and a powerful engine is for occasional straight-line acceleration and for confidence during high-speed overtaking.
The engine meets expectations with 231 hp and 370 Nm: the qualifying "hundred" is given in about 7.3 seconds! But this does not turn the MG HS into a sports crossover car, no matter what driving mode you choose here. In general, the cabin is quiet, but during the dynamics measurements the sound level meter recorded a considerable 72 dB (measurement was made with the Benetech GM1352 device, placed between the driver and the front passenger, the microphone at the level of the driver's head) - either from the roar of the engine at high revs, or from the squeak of wheel slippage. Fuel consumption in the city is on average 10.5-11 liters per 100 km; at a minimum I got 7.5-8 liters (smooth driving style and empty roads), the maximums reached almost 13 liters (traffic jams and/or dynamic driving style). On the highway at a speed of 100 km/h, the car consumes 5.7-6 liters of fuel per 100 km.
Price: how much does the MG HS cost and who are the competitors?
Currently, the MG HS crossover is available on the Ukrainian market in only one, but quite complete LUX configuration; although two types of engines are announced for the car - a 2-liter gasoline turbo engine (as a test) and a Plug - In Hybrid version ; and they differ somewhat in several equipment points.
So, the MG HS LUX crossover offers the following: ESP system, front and side airbags, inflatable side curtain airbags, MG Pilot system suite, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree cameras, electric trunk lid, wireless charging, panoramic glass sunroof with curtain, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and engine start with a button, electric front seat adjustments with memory function for the driver's seat, heated front seats, central 12.3-inch touch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, eight-speaker audio, digital 12.3-inch instrument panel, 19-inch alloy wheels with 225/55 R 19 tires, artificial leather interior trim with perforations on the seats. The price of MG HS 2.0 9 AT LUX is from 1.26 million UAH or $30.4 thousand.
The MG HS Plug - In Hybrid LUX version adds: a front center airbag, an extended MG Pilot package (emergency lane keeping, driver attention monitoring, etc.), side steps. The price of the MG HS Plug - In Hybrid LUX is from UAH 1.615 million or $38.9 thousand.
The advantage of the MG HS crossover is not only in its size and spacious interior, not only in engine power and soft suspension, but also in the level of equipment: LED headlights with automatic switching of low/high beam, a large panoramic glass sunroof, a circular view of four cameras. Bought once - and that's it! Isn't that all? I have already mentioned the all-wheel drive (this is generally a must - have for a powerful 2-liter engine), but there is also room to move in terms of equipment. For example, I would like to add one more equipment to the level above: ventilation of the front seats and heating of the rear seats, window blinds for second-row passengers and the ability to adjust the position of the sofa for easy seating, a premium audio system, etc. I also want to get one trim level lower: a smaller 1.5-liter engine and DCT robot, minus the “panorama” and all-round view (a regular rear camera is enough), smaller 18-inch wheels with thicker tires, you can abandon the MG Pilot and artificial leather, remove the dual-zone “climate” (a single-zone is enough) and wireless charging – but thanks to this you get the MG HS crossover in the starting configuration in the “I’ll have enough” style with a price tag of UAH 100,000 less. And if dreams of all-wheel drive or an extended configuration may remain dreams, then the MG HS car version with a smaller 1.5-liter engine and a simpler configuration really exists: the possibility of its appearance in Ukraine is currently being considered; although the final decision has not yet been made. It’s a pity that this is so – because expanding the list of versions can help in the fight against competitors.
By the way, who are the competitors? If we focus on the length of the body, the size of the wheelbase, the engine power - then the competitors are Hyundai Tucson, Mazda CX -5, Nissan X - Trail, Toyota RAV 4, Volkswagen Tiguan; and I will also mention the Honda CR - V or Citroen C 5 Aircross. We look at the equipment - and it turns out that the MG HS crossover loses due to the lack of heating and climate control for rear passengers, the lack of ventilation and massage in front, the lack of premium audio and a projection display. This list can be continued for a long time; but let's look at the price. And then suddenly it turns out that at the price the MG HS competes with the maximum versions of the Nissan Juke and the initial versions of the Nissan Qashqai; competes with the Mazda CX -30 and Skoda Karoq cars in front-wheel drive versions, which are inferior in power and size; competes not with the Toyota RAV 4 and not even with the Toyota Corolla Cross, but only with the mini-crossover Toyota Yaris Cross.
So the MG HS's market game is clear: it offers the dimensions and power of a higher-class crossover for the price of a crossover one or two classes lower. And with this approach to market positioning, it's hard to complain about the lack of certain equipment items. Or here's an example of the opposite: the buyer has money for a small crossover with a low-power engine and front-wheel drive without alternatives - and here he is offered larger dimensions, higher power, plus a "panorama" and all-round visibility. Okay, we've already figured that out. It's time to form the final results.