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The mid-range MG HS crossover has been significantly updated. Among the key features of the novelty are a "fresh" appearance and a modernized multimedia system. What else is new in the British crossover and has the car lost its well-known advantages?
"Trendy" appearance
So what did the AUTOGEEK editors know about the MG HS up to this point? The first generation of the model, which was presented in Britain at the end of 2019, is currently on the market. In 2023, the car underwent an update, it was the restyling version of the crossover that got to us for testing.
Externally, the HS resembles several crossovers of German and Japanese brands, although the same comparison can be applied to other classmates of more famous brands. In general, the mid-size crossover is a production model of the MG X-Motion concept. It debuted at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show. The car is built on the SSA platform - McPherson suspension at the front and a multi-link design at the rear.
Clear and capacious
You will not find any surprises in the interior of the updated MG HS. Speaking about the ergonomics of a family car, this is rather a big advantage than a disadvantage. Yes, the steering column is adjustable in height and depth, and the driver's seat has electric adjustments. Finding a comfortable driving position is not difficult.
The Trophy version adds an electric passenger seat. In addition, in this case, massive sports seats with integrated headrests are installed - a rarity in cars of this price segment. It should be noted that a driver with a height of 182 cm found such one-piece seats quite comfortable, but passengers with a height of 158-160 cm complained a little about the profile. Note that they hold the back perfectly, and they look very impressive.
The seating position in the crossover is quite high, so visibility forward and to the sides is not bad. But the rear view is limited due to the small glass and high window line, but all MG HSs have a rear-view camera. The second row is pleasantly impressive with space. There is more than enough legroom, and there is still plenty of headroom. In addition, the angle of inclination of the backrest is adjustable.
The trunk volume is 463 liters in normal condition and 1287 liters with the rear seats folded. An organizer for small luggage is hidden under the floor, and under it is a spare wheel. In the MG HS Trophy, the tailgate is supplemented with an electric drive.
Choice of options
The new MG HS in Ukraine is available with 1,5-liter (162 hp) and 2,0-liter (228 hp) gasoline turbo engines. In the first case, a 6-speed mechanical or 7-speed robotic gearbox is offered, and in the second - a 6-speed robot. A stronger option is four-wheel drive.
The test crossover has a 228-horsepower power plant. Its key "feature" is excellent dynamics at speeds up to 110-130 km/h. In this range, the car can easily give a head start to many classmates with engines a quarter smaller.
But you have to pay for everything. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that at a speed of 110-120 km/h on a long-distance road, the crossover will consume 8,5-8,7 liters per 100 km of mileage. If you want significantly lower indicators on the cost indicator, then you need to move 10-15 km/h slower. In the city, the car easily invests in 8-9 liters for every hundred kilometers, which is added to the indicators on the odometer.
The engine is cared for, the drive is complete
A key feature of the 2,0-liter MG HS crossover is the all-wheel drive system. Although it is not worth counting on serious off-road with a ground clearance of 175 mm and the absence of any control of 4x4 modes.
On asphalt, all-wheel drive provides good traction, which is especially important on wet tracks. The MG HS steering wheel is loaded with weight and quite sharp, although I would still like more information. The car obeys the steering wheel well and is quite maneuverable, although when maneuvering it sometimes shows insufficient controllability.
Although the crossover is quite fast, its suspension cannot be called sports – it is more comfortable and easily copes with most potholes. Body roll, of course, is present, but they cannot be called critical. The noise insulation of the interior is quite good, except that after 110 km/h you can hear the tires of the car.
What can be found in the complete sets?
The basic equipment of MG HS COM (from UAH 955) is quite rich - keyless access, air conditioning, cruise control, parktronic, camera, light sensor and multimedia with a 640-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, also in the basic version panoramic roof, heated seats and electric drive of the driver's seat.
The top version of the Trophy (from 1 hryvnias) adds a virtual instrument panel, sports leather seats, electric drives for the front passenger seat and tailgate, dual-zone climate control, a rain sensor and control of “blind” zones, as well as atmospheric interior lighting and sports Super Sport driving mode. The test car in the Trophy AWD version is distinguished by an all-wheel drive system from BorgWarner and a turbo engine of 122 liters and 840 forces.
