2021 MG HS SUV: Everything we know so far

It’s no secret that MG Motors is coming back to Malaysia as the British-Chinese marque signed an agreement with Berjaya Corporation back in 2019, which is supposed to represent the brand in the local market. But, when it will happen, is still not known. The two MG cars - MG HS and MG ZS Electric have been spotted a number of times on Malaysian soil, providing us strong hints about their soon arrival. So in today’s guide, we bring answers to all your questions related to the HS SUV, do have a look. 

What is MG HS?

The MG HS is a C-segment SUV that hit the global market in 2018 and currently on sale in several markets, including a few ASEAN ones such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei. it is the brand’s largest crossover SUV that sits above the ZS. 

How does the SUV’s exterior design look?

On the exterior, the HS looks pretty handsome with a front end similar to Mazda. It features the brand’s latest design language incorporating an attractive Star grille in the middle of the front with the iconic MG badge. The design involved a smart use of chrome for framing the grille, fog lamps, as well as lower air intake, while a nine-crystal LED design is embedded on the headlights.

The sporty look of the SUV combines soft curves with sleek lines flowing from the hood and down the side. At the rear, chrome moldings are there on the side and below the bumper, while the tail lights feature a design made up of 21 individual LEDs.

What features can be found inside the MG HS?

On the inside, the MG HS simply oozes class with its premium finishings. The stylish seats and three-spoke leather steering wheel are wrapped in high-quality leather enhancing the SUV’s luxury stance. At the front lies two high-quality display screens - one 12.3-inch virtual instrument display located behind the wheel and a 10.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen that supports both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A dual-screen linkage function is also there for enabling interaction between the two screens.

Other tech goodies include a built-in navigation system, air conditioning with rear vents, cruise control, push-button ignition, a keyless entry system, a 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat, electric panoramic sunroof, and ambient cabin lighting. We expect that Malaysian-spec MG HS would have the most out of these.

What powertrains are available for the MG HS?

Taking reference from MG’s ASEAN hub Thailand, the MG HS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection four-pot gasoline engine churning out 162 PS of maximum power at 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque from 1,700 rpm to 4,400 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

MG also launched a plug-in hybrid powered-HS in Thailand back in October, which uses the same mill and a high-performance electric motor to produce a combined output of 284 PS and 480 Nm. Running on battery alone, the HS PHEV can able to cover up to 67 km, according to the automaker. 

What is included in the safety net?

As standard, the MG HS safety pack is likely to include six airbags, stability control, hill start assist, and an emergency stop signal, while the list of the advanced features may include the following bits:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Forward Collision Warning 
• Intelligent High Beam Control 
• Traffic Jam Assist 
• Blind Spot Detection 
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning 
• Lane Departure Prevention 
• Lane Change Assist 

When will the MG HS be launched here? Will it be a CKD model?

Considering the increasing number of spy shots circulating over the internet, the MG HS is likely to hit the Malaysian shores soon. As per the reports, it will be locally-assembled in the country at a factory in Kedah, co-owned by Berjaya Corporation and Sime Darby Motors.

What are the rivals to the MG HS?

As the model falls in the C-segment SUV category, it faces off against the Malaysian’s beloved SUV, the Proton X70. Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Volkswagen Tiguan also come under the competitors’ list of the MG’s upcoming SUV in town.

What will be the price of the MG HS in Malaysia?

Currently, there is no clue about the price of the MG HS in Malaysia, however, we can take an idea from neighbors. In Thailand, the price of the SUV starts at around 919,000 Thai baht (RM 123,791).

In the end, we conclude that the MG HS looks appealing with its elegant exterior, classy interior, and powerful engine. We will be covering all the updates related to its arrival in Malaysia, so stay tuned with us to know.

Also read: 2021 MG 5 gets a sportier face for the Chinese market