MG HS

Compared to the MG ZS, the HS SUV gets a completely different layout and choice of materials for its cabin, which looks and feels much more premium and expensive, putting it in the league of European SUVs. The Philippines-spec MG HS features an all-black cabin with contrast silver accents on the centre console and AC vents surround, with the SUV having premium leather upholstery and sports seats in the higher-spec Trophy variant.

The driver’s cockpit of the MG HS welcomes one with its three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel (both tilt and telescopic adjustable) and a 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument console behind it, which looks very upmarket and funky. The centre console here has distinguished layers for the slim AC vents and the lower part housing the panel for the automatic climate control switches, with the top having a free-mounted 10-inch trapezoidal touchscreen infotainment system. The lower panel of the centre console is finished in a premium satin silver theme around the transmission lever and other controls for the drive.

The premium essence of the cabin of the MG HS is further ensured by the presence of features like panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, push start-stop button, 6-speaker audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear AC vents, powered front seats, cooled front armrest, ambient lighting and powered tailgate.

As a new-age SUV, the MG HS is neither too loud nor too soft in its overall appearance. There is a premium vibe in the overall design of the MG HS, which rightfully justifies its flagship positioning in the MG lineup. However, the fact that the design of the HS is not too distinctive over the more affordable MG ZS robs some of its individuality.

At the front, the MG HS has a large trapezoidal grille with smooth and rounded edges, satin chrome surrounds and a diamond-like effect for the grille inserts, which MG calls “Stardust grille”. The wide headlamps attached to the sides of the grille come integrated with LED projectors and daytime running LEDs around them. More satin chrome finish can be seen for the pentagonal surrounds for the LED fog lamps on the corners of the bumper and the huge scuff plate placed in the middle of the lower part of the bumper.

The side profile of the MG HS too shares much of its essence and appearance with the ZS SUV, with slightly different curves over the front and rear fenders and more pronounced curves for the bonnet. Along with the 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, the chrome finish for the window surrounds and strip over the body cladding on the bottom of the door panels further raise the premium appeal of the HS.

At the back, the MG HS differentiates itself from the ZS with a different-looking boot lid and revised tail lamps with more premium-looking LED inserts. Here, the license plate housing sits in the middle of the boot lid, while the rear bumper also gets a satin silver scuff plate, along with dual exhaust ports.

The MG HS, being a premium flagship SUV, focuses more on comfort for its occupants, which is the reason behind its plush and softer setup for the suspension. With drive modes on offer in addition, the MG HS feels well-behaved even on rougher surfaces. However, the steering feels too light and artificial when the HS is pushed hard, especially during high-speed cornering.

Both the variants of the MG HS SUV share the same powertrain setup – a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum power output of 169 PS and a peak torque output of 250 Nm, the overall performance of the MG HS feels brisk off the line, with the SUV never experiencing a dearth of power across the RPM band.

The MG HS is decently equipped with all the essential modern-day safety features like front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, cornering brake control, electronic stability program, hill hold control, auto hold function, auto headlamps, rain sensing wipers, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring system, reverse parking sensors and camera, blind spot information system, rear cross-traffic alert and lane change assist.

The MG HS has gradually begun to show its age, for it has remained unchanged for quite a long time now. However, despite that, the SUV feels plush and premium for its asking price, with a few modern-day features available inside-out, increasing its desirability.