MG HS Video Reviews

At a comparative price to a Toyota 'self-charging' hybrid, re-booted MG makes the case for plug-in technology.

The Core is the entry point to MG’s mid-size HS SUV range. It wears a keen drive-away entry price of $29,990.Available only as a front-drive automatic, the Core is powered by a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 119kW/250Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.The Core has an official/combined fuel consumption number of 7.3L/100km against which we scored 9.5L/100km in a weekly test. All HS engine options require mid-grade 95RON unleaded fuel.Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a semi-digital dash cluster, halogen headlights with LED DRLs, cloth seats and plastic wheel trim, push-start ignition (but no keyless entry), and the brand’s full ‘MG Pilot’ active-safety suite.This suite includes auto emergency braking, which works up to 150km/h and detects pedestrians at up to 64km/h, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, auto high beams, traffic-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with traffic-jam assist.Although it has a high seating position, the HS Core has ample room and storage in the front seat, and above-par room in the back seat. Its boot comes in at 451-litres (VDA), which is around the middle to lower end of the mid-size SUV segment. Under the floor there is a space-saver spare in the Core.The Core is covered by a seven-year and unlimited-kilometre warranty, although capped-price servicing had not been locked in at the time of writing.

MG has launched the new HS model in one of the busiest parts of the Australian new car market. Competing with big-name players, the all-new MG HS model will need to offer more than just good value for buyers to consider it. So, how does it stack up?