The MG HS has carved out a niche in the Australian SUV market as a budget-friendly option, but don’t let the price tag fool you—this car punches above its weight in many areas. After spending time behind the wheel, it’s clear that the HS is designed to offer a refined, comfortable experience, all while keeping costs down. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what the 2024 MG HS brings to the table, covering its model range, driving impressions, styling, and suitability for fleet buyers.
Exterior Styling: Sporty, but Sophisticated
Right off the bat, the MG HS impresses with its looks. It’s a handsome SUV, and for a car that starts at just $38,000, the design is refreshingly modern. The chrome-accented grille, sleek LED headlights, and wide stance give it a presence on the road that you might not expect in this price bracket. MG has done well to give this SUV some personality—there’s nothing vanilla about it, especially in the Essence model with the diamond red metallic paint.
From the back, it’s more of the same good news. The LED taillights and twin chrome exhaust tips complete the sporty look, and it manages to look athletic without trying too hard. This SUV may be budget-friendly, but you won’t feel like you’re driving something cheap.
One feature that I found surprisingly handy, only available on the Essence, is the automatic folding mirrors. It might seem like a small detail, but when you park in tight spaces or along busy streets, it’s a real game changer. Not only does it protect the mirrors from accidental bumps or scrapes, but it also provides peace of mind. As soon as you lock the car, the mirrors fold in, giving you a clear visual cue that the car is securely locked. For anyone who’s ever had that “Did I lock the car?” moment, this is a little feature that makes a big difference. It’s practical, convenient, and one of those things you quickly appreciate once you’ve experienced it.
Interior Design: Premium Feel, Practical Layout
The interior is where the MG HS continues to surprise. Climbing into the cabin, I was struck by how well put together it felt for its price. The materials are soft-touch in all the right places, and while it’s not quite luxury, it’s certainly more premium than I expected. The 12.3-inch infotainment system dominates the dash, and rightly so—it’s clear, responsive, and supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are must-haves these days.
The seats in the Essence model are wrapped in PVC, heated, and offer four-way lumbar support for the driver. Honestly, on a long trip, these seats are just what you want—supportive but soft enough to keep you comfortable for hours. Even the lower-spec models, like the Vibe, have faux-leather upholstery, and while it’s not the real deal, it doesn’t feel cheap. It’s also practical, especially if you have kids or pets. Plus, with 507 litres of boot space, expandable to 1,184 litres, this is a family-friendly SUV through and through.
If I had to nit-pick, I’d point out a couple of small annoyances. Firstly, there’s no volume knob for the passenger. They can adjust the sound through the touchscreen after a few taps. It’s not immediately obvious. Still, for those who prefer a quick, physical knob, this may take some getting used to.
Additionally, automatic climate control is reserved for the top-spec Essence, which feels like an odd omission in the Vibe and Excite models, given that many cars in this price range offer it across the board these days. Still, these are minor complaints in the grand scheme of things.
Drive Impressions: Smooth and Composed
Let’s talk about what the MG HS is like on the road. Under the bonnet, all three model grades share the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 125 kW of power and 275 Nm of torque. For everyday driving, this engine is more than adequate—it’s got enough grunt to handle the daily commute, weekend road trips, and everything in between.
The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission does a fine job, though like most dual-clutches, it can be a bit hesitant at lower speeds or when you’re crawling in traffic. Once you’re up and running, though, it shifts smoothly. The suspension leans towards the comfort side of things, and rightly so. This isn’t a hot hatch, and MG has wisely chosen to focus on giving the HS a cushy, refined ride. Over bumps and rough patches, it’s smooth sailing, and it absorbs imperfections well.
Compared to the previous model, this latest version feels more polished. MG has clearly listened to feedback, refining the driving dynamics and giving the car a more premium feel. The steering is light and responsive—perfect for navigating tight city streets or parking in a cramped lot.
However, one thing missing here is a stop-start system to help save on fuel in urban driving. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it could’ve helped bring the real-world fuel consumption closer to the advertised 6.9L/100km. In my experience, particularly in city driving, the actual figure came closer to 11.7L/100km, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re conscious about fuel costs.
Likes and Dislikes
What I Liked:
- Value for Money: For the price, it’s hard to find an SUV that offers this much tech, space, and comfort. The 10-year warranty is a cherry on top.
- Interior Space: The HS punches above its weight here. Even tall adults will be comfortable in the back, and the boot is more than generous for the class.
- Tech and Safety Features: The MG iSmart app, which lets you control features like air conditioning from your phone, and MG Pilot, the safety suite, are standout features at this price point.
- Comfort: The ride quality and seats, especially in the Essence, make long journeys a breeze.
What Could Be Better:
- Fuel Economy: The real-world fuel consumption is higher than the official figures, which could be a consideration for buyers who do a lot of city driving.
- Infotainment Ergonomics: The lack of a volume knob and manual climate control in the lower-spec models feel like outdated design choices.
- No Hybrid Option (Yet): With the push towards greener vehicles, it would’ve been great to see a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option here. MG says they’re on the way, so I’d keep an eye out if that’s important to you.
Suitability for Fleet Buyers
Now, for fleet buyers, there’s a lot to like here. The MG HS is priced competitively and comes with a strong warranty, which will offer some serious peace of mind for businesses looking to keep running costs predictable. The MG Pilot safety system is standard across the range, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and active emergency braking—all features that will help reduce the likelihood of accidents and, by extension, repair bills.
That said, the lack of a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option right now might give some fleet managers pause. With rising fuel costs and increasing pressure to lower emissions, a hybrid option would make the HS a much more appealing choice for fleets. Until those versions are available, the petrol-only model might not be the best fit for businesses looking to future-proof their fleet. Additionally, the real-world fuel consumption—closer to 11.7L/100km in urban driving—may not be as economical as fleet managers would like.
However, with all the active safety features, the HS remains a solid contender for fleets, particularly with its rear cross-traffic braking system, which could help reduce common reversing accidents that cost fleets thousands of dollars each year. (ANCAP safety rating still to be confirmed)
Verdict
After spending time with the 2024 MG HS, it’s clear that MG has created a value-packed SUV that offers more than its modest price suggests. The styling, both inside and out, gives it a premium feel, and the tech features like the MG iSmart app and MG Pilot safety suite are impressive inclusions for the price. It’s not without its minor flaws, such as fuel economy and some missing features in the lower models, but on the whole, it’s hard to argue with the overall package.
If you’re considering the top-of-the-range Essence model, the extra money brings a few standout features that really elevate the driving experience. First off, there’s automatic climate control, which is a big plus. It’s surprising that it’s not included in the lower models, but having the car manage the temperature for you is a real convenience, especially on long trips. Then, there’s the heated front seats, which are a lifesaver in winter, making cold morning commutes a lot more comfortable. The sunglasses holder is another small but useful feature, especially since the centre console storage is compact. Finally, the wireless charging and the panoramic sunroof add a bit of modern luxury that’s hard to overlook. These practical and comfort-enhancing features make the Essence model a worthwhile investment for those wanting a more premium experience.
For fleet buyers, it’s a solid option, though waiting for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions and the ANCAP safety rating may be worth it if reducing emissions and safety are a priority.
