The new SUV from MG is perhaps multi-faceted. When you see the introductory price tag, you might think bare bones econo-box but that is quite far from what they are trying to accomplish, which they say is “to provide products of superior value that will translate into a positive owner experience”. Remember, MG entered the market with a product that was also very well-priced for what you actually got. Given the pricing, let’s look at something’s that make this a car to consider for newer younger buyers, or those buying a car for those newer younger (sons and daughters) buyers.
1. The HS has some looks. The exterior may well remind you of the lines of some European brands. And in case in you forget that MG actually began in Great Britain, the “Brit Dynamic” badges will remind you yet again. The car though does stand on its own in the more modern looks department.
2. The interior is quite the pleasant place to be. The de rigeur info screen is there, not too high to obstruct and not too low to keep pulling your eyes too far away from the road. We liked details like the sporty looking seats that were somewhat reminiscent of older euro sportscars in their simplicity rather than modern more angular or geometric designs. As sportscar guys, we liked it. Even things like the vents were nicely designed and very functional.
3. The safety and security features we should demand are there. Airbags and anti lock brakes and so on of course, but more key nowadays are things like traction control and stability control. These are particularly important because modern accidents can now be more caused by a sudden loss of traction or a sudden weight shift than by locking up the brakes and sliding. This is also particularly important because…
4. The HS is skewed for comfort and isolation. This makes things rather peaceful and quiet, the steering wheel is very light and easy to use. Road feel and steering feedback may not be up to what a more dynamic driver might want, but those enthusiasts would not be buying the car for themselves but maybe for their kids.
5. There is though a fun red button on the steering wheel. It says “Super Sport” and it actually does have a use, though don’t think of it in terms of nitro or anything like that. The HS is powered by a 1.5 liter inline-4 turbocharged engine, which is mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, which means that the whole powertrain must work very hard to give the smoothness and power delivery that will be demanded of it. The dual clutch system means that any two of the seven gears are always in use or ready to go, working within your chosen modes that focus on economy, standard use or sport. The little red button jumps you out of whatever you are in for a quick bump up of power delivery, not earthshaking but ample and useful (plus you get some instrumentation flash along with it). Then when you hit it again it goes back to your chosen mode. This makes it rather more easy to choose economy mode for most driving.
There is more, of course. The MG HS SUV has won a few awards here and there and deserves a look if you are in that market. And since that market starts at P1,258,888 for the Alpha model and P1,308,888 for the Trophy model that we tested, a wide range of people can be drawn to this new SUV.
MG Philippines President and CEO Atty. Albert B. Arcilla said that they wanted to overdeliver. The low prices of their first local offering were not a fluke, they are determined to offer “superior quality products” to a deserving public. Whether because of newer technologies, attractive pricing, 5-year/100,000 km warranties or just good looks inside and out, The Covenant Car Company, Inc. group that so ably handles MG Philippines growing stable of vehicles aims to keep the promise in their name.
