As stellar as 2021 was for MG Philippines in terms of sales, the carmaker still had to deal with some disappointments—particularly regarding its lineup expansion. The Covenant Car Company (TCCCI) had several new MG models lined up for our market last year, but none of those really arrived, save for the turbocharged ZS.
But now that’s all in the past. TCCCI has just announced the arrival of the brand-new MG HS. If this is only the first of the many new models set to land in the Philippines, then it’s already looking like a big year for MG.
This new compact crossover slides in the same segment as the RX5, positioned slightly higher than the ZS in the lineup. With its sleek looks and competitive pricing, the HS is looking ready to take on the likes of the Ford Territory and Geely Coolray, two of the most popular subcompact crossovers in the market right now. But can this new MG really give its competitors a run for their money? Scroll on further below to learn more about the 2022 MG HS.
Variants and prices
There are two HS variants available at launch, namely the Alpha and the Trophy. Both of these can be had for special introductory prices which we’ve listed down below.
2022 MG HS
- MG HS Trophy – P1,208,888
- MG HS Alpha – P1,158,888
Exterior
As mentioned earlier, the HS is a compact SUV, which is why it’s unsurprisingly bigger than the Coolray or even the Volkswagen T-Cross—only the Territory stands bigger than this MG. The HS measures 4,574mm long, 1,876mm wide, and 1,664 tall.
Now, if you know how other MG vehicles in our market look, then you’ll notice that the HS’ design isn’t exactly brand-new. It’s still fresh on the eyes, but the dotted grille pattern with chrome accents flanked by aggressive-looking headlamps all look very familiar.
The rear is fairly simple as well, and it’s only highlighted by minimal lines and creases. It’s got twin-exhaust tips underneath, enclosed in the wraparound black plastic cladding. It also comes standard with some nice-looking 18-inch alloy wheels.
Color options for the new HS include Surfing Blue, Phantom Red, Maya Brown, Pearl Black, and Pearl White.
Interior
The inside is arguably the most impressive part of the HS. Its cabin is adorned by a plethora of leather accentuated with red contrast stitching and suede bits. Highlighting this premium interior are the sport bucket seats—something that even the MG 6 or the new ZST don’t have.
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Engine and specs
This crossover is no slouch. It packs a 1.5-liter in-line-four turbocharged gasoline engine that churns out 167hp at 5,600rpm and 250Nm of torque between 1,700-4,400rpm. This Euro V-compliant powerplant is mated to a seven-speed wet DCT that MG calls a Twin-Clutch Sportronic Transmission (TST). This gearbox sends power to the front wheels.
Underneath, it gets MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link suspension out back. Stopping power is handled by front vented and rear solid discs.
Extra features
Where to begin? There’s a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch infotainment system with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as an available Sport Mode with paddle shifters. There’s also an electronic parking brake with auto-brake hold function that will serve well for motorists when crawling through heavy traffic.
Dual-zone climate control, a tire-pressure monitoring system, ambient cabin lighting, a power liftgate with multiple opening adjustments, and a massive panoramic sunroof are all included in the HS package. The vehicle is also equipped with blind-spot detection for added safety.
What do you think of the new MG HS? You can also watch our first impressions on this new crossover through the short video below.
More photos of the MG HS
