2024 MG HS launch review: Big change for MG’s mid-size SUV

What is it?

This is the first new-generation MG HS in almost a decade, and marks the biggest change to MG’s mid-size SUV to date.

Price:

With the complete overhaul and extra equipment, prices have gone up.

As before, there are three models in the new line-up.

The price difference in brackets is in comparison to the current pricing for the equivalent MG HS runout model.

• 2024 MG HS Vibe $33,990 drive-away (up $4000 vs predecessor)
• 2024 MG HS Excite $36,990 drive-away (up $5000 vs predecessor)
• 2024 MG HS Essence $40,990 drive-away (up $7000 vs predecessor)

Service intervals are 12 months / 15,000km (whichever comes first) and the capped pricing for routine maintenance is shown below.

These service prices are dearer than mainstream rivals such as Toyota, Hyundai and Kia – but cheaper than some European brands for some instalments.

ANCAP safety rating:

The 2024 MG HS is yet to be awarded a safety rating from the independent crash test authority. The results are due to be published later this year or early next year.

In the meantime, MG has equipped every variant of the new HS with every available piece of safety technology including:

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Radar cruise control
• Lane keeping assistance
• Blind zone warning
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitor (pictured below)
• Rear view camera
• Tyre pressure monitors
• Seven airbags including a centre airbag

Some minor observations: only the top of the range comes with front parking sensors (all models have rear parking sensors).

And the brochure lists a spare tyre on all models, however it is worth noting it is a skinny space-saver.

Engine:

Under the bonnet is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine (125kW/275Nm).

It requires premium unleaded (95 octane or higher) as a minimum.

As our testing would show, performance is average for the class – rather than perky – and real-world fuel economy is fair, but not quite as good as we were hoping.

The official fuel rating label shows an average consumption of 6.9L/100km however on our 130km test loop with a mix of inter-urban and freeway driving the car displayed a consumption average of 7.5L/100km.

A petrol-electric hybrid version of the new MG HS is due to follow next year.

Transmission:

A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels.

0 to 100km/h (as tested):

This is a family SUV – not a race car – but we are always curious to see how vehicles perform compared to similar rivals.

It did the 0 to 100kmh dash in 9.1 seconds, which is average for the class.

Emergency braking from 100km/h (as tested):

The 2024 MG HS Essence tested was equipped with quality Bridgestone Alenza tyres from Japan (the same type fitted to certain variants of the Toyota RAV4 and others) despite the vehicle being made in China.

It shows MG is prepared to make the right call to get decent tyres on its vehicles.

The car tested pulled up in 39 metres neat, which is bang-on average for the class.

We repeated the test after the initial result wasn’t quite as good as this, because the car was so new it hadn’t been run-in.

Good points:

Modern design inside and out, including widescreen infotainment and instrument displays.

Long list of standard equipment.

Consistent, national drive-away pricing.

The best new-car warranty in Australia (10 years/250,000km).

MG’s 10-year warranty is better than Mitsubishi’s 10-year coverage because Mitsubishi’s deal is actually a five-plus-five-year offer.

Mitsubishi will only cover warranty claims for 10 years if cars have been exclusively serviced within the Mitsubishi network.

MG Australia says it will cover warranty claims for 10 years as long as the vehicle is serviced according the maintenance schedule by qualified technicians using the correct parts and materials (inside and outside the MG dealer network, which is fairer for buyers who may want to shop around).

The suspension is comfortable over bumps and tyre grip is fair for the class.

The steering is light and easy, though the turning circle feels broad.

The lane-keeping assistance calibration is less aggressive than earlier MG cars.

Good throttle response, and a relatively smooth twin-clutch automatic transmission (which can be jerky in some rival applications).

The large flat floor means there is plenty of foot room for back seat passengers.

Bad points:

The infotainment touchscreen controls can take some time to get used to.

The same caution applies to the anonymous steering wheel controls.

So if you buy a new MG HS (or any of the recently-introduced MG cars with the latest in-car technology) be sure to be patient during the vehicle handover and take notes.

You don’t want to be figuring out this stuff on the move.

Much of it is not intuitive but you can pick it up over time.

We noticed some sun flair into our eyes coming off the matte chrome on the steering wheel spokes and the gloss black plastic near the gear selector in the centre console.

The sun visors don’t extend far enough to block side glare, even when swung around.

Most Apple CarPlay functions worked (such as streaming podcasts and radio stations) but phone calls did not work at any time during our test, despite trying multiple devices.

We resorted to ear bud headphones to take or make calls and we suspect MG is working on a fix for this frustrating glitch.

The radio stays on even after you switch off the ignition and open the door (it waits for the door to be locked). No biggie, just something to get used to.

What the haters say:

Chinese cars are supposed to be cheap but the price of the new MG HS is starting to creep up.

What the haters don’t understand:

MG had to invest in significant changes to the platform – and new safety tech – to bring the MG HS up to current and future safety standards.

Should you buy one?

Each MG gets better with every major model overhaul and the new MG HS is a great example of that.

But it would be good if MG could get its infotainment sorted – and make its infotainment and steering wheel controls more intuitive.

Also consider:

Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, Nissan X-Trail.