Another MG. Looks neat. What is it?
Say hello to the new HS. This is MG Philippines’ newest compact crossover. This was originally scheduled to arrive in 2020, but of course, the pandemic happened. And yes, ‘neat’ is one way to put it, because this is one sleek-looking vehicle.
It’s got MG’s classy front fascia with the wide grille accentuated by chrome trim and flanked by swept-back headlamps. It’s also got black plastic claddings underneath adding contrast to the exterior, and it sits on rather stylish 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, it also boasts what could be the nicest interior in MG’s lineup. It has an abundance of black leather with red contrast stitching mixed in with some suede bits. The cabin looks and feels premium.
And as a sweet bonus, it’s got a potent turbocharged engine under its hood.
Nice. Tell us more about that engine.
That’s a 1.5-liter in-line-four turbocharged gasoline engine we’re talking about. This powertrain is capable of 167hp at 5,600rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1,700-4,400rpm, and is mated to MG’s Twin-Clutch Sportronic Transmission (TST). In simpler terms, it’s a seven-speed wet DCT that delivers power to the front wheels.
How does it drive, then?
Admittedly, while the two vehicles look nearly identical on paper, the HS feels a tad more sluggish than the RX5. Now, I wasn’t able to try this out on long stretches so I’m not sure how it cruises on the highway, especially in comparison to the ZST and its new six-speed automatic. That said, my quick drive was enough to tell that the HS won’t have major problems plying Metro Manila’s unforgiving roads.
The HS absorbs minor road imperfections with ease, and it’s also quiet in the cabin. The seats provide good cushioning, too, so I doubt passengers will have complaints about comfort whether it’s a long road trip or a quick drive around the city.
But wait. Compact crossover? Doesn’t MG have one already?
Yes, and that’s the RX5 I previously mentioned. That’s why this one is an interesting introduction from MG. The HS makes for a more premium and bigger alternative to the ZS, but it isn’t very much different from the RX5. The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI) says it won’t be discontinuing the RX5, but the arrival of the HS really makes you question just how firm TCCCI is on that call.
How much is it again?
That’s a good question, because here’s where it gets even more interesting. The HS currently starts at P1,158,000 for the Alpha variant, which is the same as the ZS Turbo’s SRP. That starting price is higher than the base RX5’s price tag, though.
The higher HS Tropy variant, meanwhile, is priced at P1,208,888. This top-spec HS stickers much more than the ZST, but at the same time sells for a bit less than the top-of-the-line RX5. Really weird market positioning, if you ask me.
Huge pricing overlap. How will this affect ZS sales, then?
I don’t think the HS will cannibalize ZS sales that much. Sure, the HS looks like a better competitor to the Geely Coolray or Ford Territory than the ZS does, but at the end of the day, these two MGs cater to different car buyers. One is smaller and is potentially more economical than the other, after all.
What you should really keep an eye on is the RX5. The way I see it, there’s simply no room left for this compact crossover in MG Philippines’ lineup anymore. I won’t be surprised if TCCCI suddenly decides to cut the model in the foreseeable future.
Final thoughts?
If you look past the confusing market positioning of the HS, you’ll realize that MG Philippines has a potential hit on their hands here. This new model is arguably the most premium model in the brand’s local lineup to date. And while it technically isn’t a subcompact crossover like the Coolray or Territory, the HS clearly has what it takes to go head-to-head with these other popular offerings. The segment better watch out.
