MG HS: It’s the Essence

What is it?

The MG HS has a new spring in its step, in the process, leaving its somewhat lumpen predecessor, first seen Down Under in 2019, well and truly behind.

How does it stack up? Without having enjoyed a stint behind the wheel of the superseded model, I can only assume ‘okay’.

For example, the top-specification Essence, while now carrying a $7000 excess over the price of the previous model, has had an extensive restyle on the outside and boasts bags more kit under the skin.

The latter includes more cabin space for occupants, who at the same time are assured of cutting-edge safety by the MG Pilot safety suite (more of that later), as well as MG iSmart, remotely operating key functions from a smartphone; and last but not least — Australia’s leading 10-year manufacturer’s vehicle warranty, plus roadside assist over a similar period.

What’s it cost?

Prices start at a midstream $33,990 for the entry-level MG HS Vibe, then comes the MG HS Excite at $36,990 and finally the MG HS Essence at $40,990. All prices are driveaway.

My test took place in the range-topping Essence.

Longer and wider than before, with an extended wheelbase, the 2025 mid-size SUV speaks the new MG design language in keeping with the brand’s latest MG3, MG4 and MG ZS models. Standard looks for this segment.

The 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels not only look good, but appear to have been made to measure for this car, keeping the vehicle in touch with the road no matter how the car is driven.

Essence sports a 12.3-inch touchscreen with access to wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Satellite navigation is native as are Bluetooth and AM/FM and DAB digital radio.

While the screen has clear displays, the software is not the swiftest and control of some systems requires more than a single tap on the screen, with some functions accessible via separate shortcut buttons.

The front seat passenger is left with no means of adjusting the eight-speaker audio volume and must rely on a compliant driver to do so via a steering wheel mounted switch.

The MG iSmart system is worth a mention, with its ability to seek out a ‘missing’ car in a parking spot.

Horn and lights can be activated at a mere tap. Then remotely set the MG’s air-con to cool before getting in (or seat heating in winter).

A five-star ANCAP safety rating, plus seven airbags is just a start, with MG Pilot intelligent safety systems which automatically intervenes when occupant safety is threatened.

These include forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

More help is supplied by blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, traffic jam assist, driver monitor, plus the curiously titled unsteady driver warning.

What’s it go like?

With an extended wheelbase, the cabin makes space for ample leg and headroom and leads to a generous boot capacity, from 507 litres with the rear seatbacks up, to 1484 litres with them folded. The tailgate is conveniently a powered version.

Entry to the rear seats is good thanks to wide opening doors and there’s room for three across, but the middle spot is flat and not as comfy as the outer positions.

Surroundings are decidedly more premium than the selling price would suggest.

Seats are clothed in leather-like material that is soft and comfortable, while the square-style leather bound steering wheel is touch friendly.

The driver’s seat has power adjustment and similar lumbar support.

Surrounding surfaces are soft, or look soft, while the sturdy gear lever has a leather finish.

Storage is solid, with cupholders, bottle cups in the door and cubby in the centre console. Here can be found a charging pad.

Under the bonnet there’s a revised 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine putting out more power (125kW) and torque (275Nm), mated with a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission designed to improve low-speed operation.

It’s a quiet, refined driving experience from the MG HS Essence with gear changes hardly noticeable, even when dropping down a gear under load.

Sport mode sees individual gears held longer, with the accompanied engine rev-up without more action on the street.

Efficient cabin insulation cuts out the majority of engine and road noise.

It’s a different story with safety functions in the infotainment screen which are overbearing and the driver attention monitor which is most annoying.

The 12.3-inch driver’s digital instrument display is effective most of the time but sections can be obscured at times by the steering wheel.

Speed limit signs caused a problem for the MG, with lower limits being shown on passing motorway on-and-off ramps.

The niggling overspeed beep was manually turned off but reactivated after starting up again.

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Welcome assistance came from front parking sensors and surround view camera with transparent chassis.

Fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle is claimed by the maker to be 9.0L/100km, while the test vehicle came up with 10.7L in built-up areas and 5.0L on the highway. Premium 95 unleaded is the recommended petrol.

Towing is set at 1500kg with a braked trailer and 750kg with unbraked.

What we like?

Sleeker styling
Find your ‘missing’ car in a parking spot
More premium than price suggests
Australia’s leading 10-year warranty

What we don’t like?

No volume control knob
Software not the swiftest
Current speed limit often incorrect
Driver attention monitor annoying

The bottom line?

Totting up the heap of useful and safety-oriented equipment eased into this mid-size SUV by the maker MG, it’s not hard to justify the hefty price rise, especially in the range-topping Essence.