MG is on an offensive in the local market and is set to introduce a minimum of three new models. We had the opportunity to sample the newcomers in Shanghai China and one of those three was the all-new MG HS.
Related: MG ZS (2025) First Drive Review
The MG HS is the larger and more modern sibling of the ZS range that will be featured alongside the HS on dealer floors. But before we tell you a little more about the newcomer, remember that you can sell your car quickly on our website here and search for new or used SUV models on AutoTrader here.
Exterior
MG unveiled the new HS model at Goodwood earlier in 2024 as part of its centennial celebrations. However, the newcomer is set to shake things up locally with its exciting styling in 2025. A large gaping mesh grille retains the hexagonal theme as seen on more modern MG models. This is flanked by LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights.
Customers can expect 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels down the sides to fill the wheel wells. At the rear, LED taillamps connect with a light bar across the tailgate. The taillamps incorporate a triangular design, which MG says was inspired by the Shard building in London, England. While the topic of styling is subjective, we quite like the look of the MG HS.
Interior
Step inside the interior, and quickly, you will notice it is not as extreme in design as the exterior. This is not a bad thing at all. The interior has a strong horizontal theme, with the dashboard incorporating a gloss black panel garnished with brightwork. Encased into one unit are two 12.3-inch screens;. At the same time, one serves as the driver instrument cluster, the more centrally fitted touch unit serves as the infotainment system and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Not only does the infotainment system offer those connections, but it also has a 360-degree camera for those tight parking spaces. And that is all on the Comfort derivative. The Luxury trim gains a few extras such as a panoramic sunroof, rear privacy glass, an eight-speaker audio system instead of the six-speaker unit in the Comfort, front parking sensors, electric adjustment with seat heating for the front seats, dual-zone climate control and wireless charger.
Compared to its ZS sibling, the steering wheel also sees a refresher with the hexagonal design incorporated. The multifunction buttons also offer the triangular design as seen on the taillamps, resulting in a premium and cohesive look and feel. Further bolstering the premium feel is the perforated leatherette upholstery found on the nicely designed and comfortable seats and soft surfaces such as the door cards. Overall, the interior is spacious for both the front and rear occupants and littered with tech and safety features.
Safety
Speaking of safety, the MG HS comes with electronic stability control/program and ABS brakes with electronic brake-force distribution. Furthermore, drivers benefit from corner brake control, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, hazard control, hill hold control, brake disc washing, hill assist control and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
The safety systems also include helpful warning systems and even some autonomous safety systems. The adaptive cruise control systems also benefit drivers by providing front and rear collision warning, lane departure warning and prevention, emergency lane keep assist, lane change assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, a driver monitoring system, and intelligent cruise assist.
Combine this with the rear seatbelt warning reminders, seven airbags, and ISOFIX with top tethers, and it is no surprise that the MG HS achieved a 5-star rating in the 2024 Euro NCAP tests.
Drivetrain
Customers of the MG HS can expect a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine under the bonnet. The unit sends 125kW and 275Nm of torque to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch, wet-clutch automatic transmission. This will result in a top speed of 195 km/h; however, the more important figure here is the claimed average fuel consumption, which MG says should be 6.9 L / 100 km.
Service and Warranty
The MG HS's price includes a 7-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty, more specifically a 5-year / 200 000 km vehicle and 7-year/ unlimited-kilometre on engine. Also included is a 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.
The Drive
Once again, the time spent behind the wheel was very limited; however, even in such a short amount of time, we can attest to the eagerness of the turbo-petrol. The acceleration is good off the line, and the torque is very linear, especially with the smooth-shifting dual-clutch automatic. We didn't have time to see whether or not the average fuel consumption claim was accurate, but we think it should come close.
The build quality was very quickly evident. The noise, vibrations, and harshness inside the cabin are very good for a model in this segment, and we were surprised at how quiet and compliant the model was, even on some Belgian cobblestone that we drove over. The insulation was good, and very little noise from the exterior managed its way inside the plush cabin.
Overall, the MG HS's driving impression was very good, even in such a short distance; however, as soon as we can get our hands on a media test unit, we cannot wait to give you even more information about it.
Price
| MG HS 1.5T Comfort automatic | from R 499 900 |
| MG HS 1.5T Luxury automatic | from R 534 900 |
| MG HS 2.0T Comfort automatic | from R 629 900 |
| MG HS 2.0T Luxury automatic | from R 665 900 |
*Pricing indicated in this article was correct at the time of writing, however, can change at any time and without notice.
