MG HS Review
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MG HS Review: A Feature-Packed Compact Crossover
Introduction
The car you see above is the MG HS, a good-looking and feature-packed compact crossover that goes up against the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota RAV4. With an attractive starting price of 68,000 Dirhams, let’s find out if it has what it takes to give its more popular rivals a run for their money.
Exterior
Reminiscent of the MG 6 sedan we tested earlier, the HS proudly flaunts the brand’s star rider grille and is a good-looking crossover from all angles.
With a strong focus on sportiness, the MG HS features:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Red brake calipers
- Distinct creases along its bodywork
- Chrome garnishes
- LED headlamps and tail lamps
- A large diffuser
These elements make the MG HS a very pleasant sight on the road.
Interior
Continuing its dedication to sportiness, the MG HS is home to a flat-bottom steering wheel with a blend of smooth and perforated leather. The cabin features a modern and minimalistic design with brushed metal trim embellishing the center console and a bright, responsive 10.1-inch infotainment screen serving as the central command center.
To enhance the premium feel, MG has utilized plenty of soft-touch materials on:
- Dashboard
- Door panels
- Center console
The seats and gear shifter also receive special attention. The well-bolstered seats, reminiscent of a German sports car, are covered in a fine mix of leather and Alcantara. The gear shifter features an elegantly embossed MG logo, which is not found in the brand’s flagship RX8 SUV.
Packed with comfort, entertainment, and safety features, the MG HS includes:
- A full-length panoramic roof
- A 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane change assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Power-adjustable seats for the driver and passenger
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Cruise control
- Power tailgate
Drive
The MG HS is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing a robust 231 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque—significantly more than any of its Japanese rivals. The top speed reaches 210 km/h, and when driven sensibly, the HS averages 13 kilometers per liter. Smooth and comfortable on the highway, the MG HS offers four drive modes:
- Eco
- Normal
- Custom
- Sport
- SuperSport
The SuperSport mode is activated via a Ferrari-style button on the steering wheel. Although the suspension is soft and effectively absorbs bumps, switching through the drive modes noticeably adjusts transmission and ECU mappings, making the HS more responsive and enhancing the driving experience.
For mild off-road adventures, the MG HS is equipped with an electronic differential lock and hill descent control. The model being tested is an All-Wheel Drive variant, ensuring a 50-50 power distribution between the front and rear wheels.
However, the MG HS does exhibit some turbo lag, with peak power and torque arriving at high RPMs (5,300 RPM and 4,000 RPM, respectively). This results in a delayed response when immediate power is required, making the drive feel jerky and twitchy. It is best enjoyed in Eco and Normal modes.
Verdict
At 79,000 Dirhams, the fully loaded MG HS offers a compelling value proposition. It boasts an attractive design, an abundance of features, and serves as an excellent city companion. Considering it delivers significantly more than its rivals for nearly half the price, it’s hard to beat the MG HS when it comes to value for money.
