MG HS REVIEWS | MODEL 2020
Read and compare reviews on the MG HS 2020 Model from top New Zealand automotive journalists on trusted websites.
The best Chinese car ever made? We drive MG’s giant-killing SUV
SOURCE: DRIVEN | YEAR: 2020 | WORDS: MATTHEW HANSEN
It started with Japan, then Korea, and for seemingly the last decade the world has waited with baited breath for China to also stamp its authority on the mainstream western car market.
It seems a mere formality that the world’s second largest economy will get its head around the motoring world sooner rather than later. And yet, progress outside of its borders has been slow. It’s been 10 years since Chinese firm Geely was introduced to little old New Zealand, but very little has changed in the time since.
But, I’ve got an inkling about born-again brand MG. It returned to the Kiwi market last year, and aims to ramp things up in 2020 with the introduction of its MG ZS EV (which is set to be the cheapest electric car in New Zealand) and the pictured HS — its competitor against the mid-size Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5.
While the notion of a cheap EV is an interesting one, it’s the HS that probably holds more importance. This is the brand’s aspiring volume seller. It’s also, by a reasonably decent margin, the best Chinese vehicle I’ve driven to date.
The one-day launch drive for the HS took place late last week in a gloomy Melbourne. Starting the day at Melbourne Airport, we’d loop through a string of winding, narrow patchily surfaced backroads to the trendy wine country of Yarra Valley. Big open plains to the horizon, grass recently returned green by the wet weather.
MG NZ ANNOUNCES NEW HS SUV
SOURCE: AUTOCARSTUFF | YEAR: 2019 | WORDS: NILE BIJOUX
MG’s local arm has announced another new model, following the GS, ZS and ZS EV SUVs. Meet the HS, a mid-sized SUV brimming with tech.
The HS apes the styling of the models already on sale, the corporate Star Grille emphasised by a chrome surround, flanked by LED DRLs. Dynamic indicators are available on higher-specced models.
MG has given the HS premium soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, “leather-style” upholstery and seats, as well as MG’s signature flat-bottom multifunction steering wheel, ambient LED lighting. Dual-zone automatic climate control is also available. All HS models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The HS also comes with a large 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system, one of the largest in the segment according to MG. Power for both launch models comes courtesy of a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, offering 124kW and 250Nm of torque. The pair also get a seven-speed automatic (not pictured).
MG New Zealand says the HS is the first MG to arrive here with the brand’s driving assistance suite, called MG Pilot. This includes active emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic headlights. There’s also traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot detection and door opening warning. Buyers also get a reversing camera as standard.
