In sporty style: test drive of the new MG HS crossover

This crossover has a powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine and exhibits good dynamics. It has a leather interior and comfortable sports seats. We’re not talking about an expensive model, but the affordable MG HS in its top-end Sports Trophy version. The crossover has recently undergone an update and is currently in testing Focus.

How has the design of MG HS 2024 changed?

The new MG HS 2024 is sharper and more predatory in appearance thanks to its redesigned front. The wide “mouth” of the radiator grille is combined with narrow LED headlights. The crossover has convex sidewalls and a curved window line, and the elongated “shoulders” of the rear fenders are emphasized by updated lights.

All versions of the MG HS are equipped with 18-inch wheels, and the top-of-the-line 2.0-litre Trophy version is only identified by the body text. Updates have made the car a little bigger.

Dimensions MG HS 2024:

• length – 4610 mm;
• width – 1876 mm;
• height – 1685 mm;
• wheelbase – 2720 mm.

Stylish and bright – MG HS interior

Let’s look inside. The interior of the MG HS Trophy version welcomes us with red and black leather with contrast stitching and real aluminum. Pedals and thresholds are decorated with metal overlays. Airflow deflectors are designed to resemble turbines. The finish quality is not bad considering the price of the car, and there is not a lot of hard plastic in the cabin.

The three-spoke steering wheel is made of perforated leather. The bottom of the rim is sloped and complemented by protrusions in the grip area, and there is also a large red button to activate Super Sport mode. What makes the MG HS Trophy different is the virtual instrument panel that changes graphics and colors according to the selected driving mode. For example, Super Sport has bright orange

The MG HS 2024 crossover retains the 10.1-inch touchscreen but has a new multimedia system. Its menu is quite simple and clear, and there is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it is worth noting that the new MG One has a more modern multimedia system.

Climate control is also adjusted via the multimedia menu, which is not very useful. However, the central panel still has a number of buttons to control a number of functions.

There are USB connectors in a small niche under the cover. There are enough compartments in the cabin for small luggage: in addition to a fairly large glove compartment, there is a small compartment to the left of the steering wheel, pockets in the seat backs and a rather roomy box in the armrest.

Large and spacious

In all MG HS 2024, the steering column is height and depth adjustable, while the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable. Finding a comfortable riding position is not difficult.

The Trophy version adds a power passenger seat. In addition, in this case, luxury sports seats with integrated headrests are installed – a rarity in cars in this price segment. They are elastic and support your back perfectly and look very impressive.

The seating position in the crossover is quite high, so front and side visibility is quite good. However, rear visibility is limited due to the small glass and high window line, but all MG HS 2024 has a rear view camera.

The second row creates a pleasant surprise with its spaciousness. There’s adequate legroom and good headroom. Additionally, the backrest angle is adjustable.

The armrest deserves special mention; well made and even trimmed with aluminum. Rear passengers also have air vents and USB ports.

Luggage volume is 463 liters in normal condition and 1287 liters with the rear seats folded. An organizer for small luggage is hidden under the floor, and there is a spare tire underneath. The MG HS Trophy has a power tailgate.

MG HS equipment

Even the basic equipment of the MG HS 2024 is quite rich – eco-leather trim, keyless entry, panoramic roof, air conditioning, heated seats, parking sensors, cruise control, light sensor

The Trophy option adds dual-zone climate control, a rain sensor and a blind-spot monitoring system. However, I would like to see more safety systems, especially since the more compact electric MG ZS EV has automatic braking and lane keeping.

Peppy and high-torque – MG HS engine

The MG HS crossover in Ukraine is offered with two gasoline turbo engines. The base version is equipped with a 1.5-liter 162-horsepower turbo-four engine, but the Trophy has a 2.0-liter 228-horsepower engine. With.

A more powerful engine is of course more interesting. It has plenty of traction, especially in the mid-range. Maximum torque reaches 360 N∙m at 2500-4000 rpm.

The quartet has a cheerful character and is quickly gaining momentum. If you choose the loudly named Super Sport mode, it responds faster to pressing the accelerator pedal. The engine performs best from 2500 rpm onwards, but becomes quite noisy after 4000 rpm.

The dynamics of the MG HS are quite good: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds and reaches 130-140 km/h surprisingly easily. The maximum speed is 210 km/h.

However, this comes at the cost of increased fuel consumption. During our test, we consumed 10 l/100 km in the city and 7.7 l/100 km on the highway; However, in active driving or traffic congestion, consumption can reach up to 12 l/100 km. The passport figure is 8.2 l/100 km on the combined cycle.

The robotic 6-speed dual-clutch transmission works much better in sport mode than in standard mode. Not only does it change gears quickly, it also runs smoother and less jerky.

Comfort comes before sports

The 2.0-litre MG HS crossover is all-wheel drive, but is designed more for light off-road use with 175mm ground clearance and 18-inch tires.

On asphalt, four-wheel drive provides good traction, which is especially important in winter. The MG HS’s steering is heavy and quite sharp, but I’d still like to know more. The car listens well and is quite maneuverable, although understeer is evident in some places during fast turns.

Although the crossover is quite fast, its suspension cannot be called sporty – it is tuned more for comfort and easily copes with most bumps. Body roll is, of course, present, but it cannot be called critical. The sound insulation of the cabin is quite good, but after 110 km per hour you can hear the tire noise of the car.

Price MG HS 2024

The 1.5-liter version of the new MG HS in Ukraine starts at 935,333 UAH, and the 2.0-liter Trophy all-wheel drive version will cost 1,200,261 UAH. Cost is one of the main advantages of MG HS, since crossovers with similar power are often significantly more expensive.

Decision Focus

The new MG HS in Trophy version is a very powerful crossover at an affordable price. Its interior with wheel seats will please those who love sporty style and its dynamics are not bad, but I would like the chassis of the car to be more suitable for handling.

Pros of MG HS:

• Lower price;
• good dynamics;
• rich equipment.

Cons of MG HS:

• increased fuel consumption;
• several modern security systems.

Technical specifications of MG HS