2020 MG HS prices and specs revealed

MG Australia has released pricing and specification details for the all-new MG HS mid-size SUV, which is now on sale nationally.

The Chinese-built Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4 rival replaces the outgoing MG GS in the MG Australia range and will be initially available in two grades: the HS Vibe ($29,990 plus on-road costs) and the HS Excite ($32,990 plus on-road costs).

Furthermore, MG has announced special drive-away pricing of $30,990 drive-away in the case of the MG HS Vibe, and $33,990 for the MG HS Excite. In due course, the manufacturer is set to offer a third, top-tier model.

The MG HS range is powered by a 124kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

The engine is designed with a “lifespan” of 320,000km, according to the manufacturer – which is neither a guarantee nor a self-imposed ceiling, but what MG says is “an expectation” of the engine that it is prepared to back by warranty.

The HS also debuts the MG Pilot Safety suite in Australia, incorporating autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist detection and pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist with steering input, plus lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, speed sign recognition, automatic high beam, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.

All that will make the MG HS eligible for the same five-star ANCAP safety rating achieved by its predecessor, the MG GS, but an official independent safety rating is yet to be revealed for the new mid-size SUV.

Standard equipment is likewise strong for this price point, with MG Australia marketing director Danny Lenartic claiming the MG HS sets a new segment benchmark for value.

“The HS really redefines expectations with safety options that have never been found in an MG in Australia, and the fit and finish of the vehicle… we’ve really listened to the market and we’ve come in at a price point that is really accessible and attainable for everybody,” Lenartic said.

“We’re the new benchmark in terms of fit and finish and quality at that price point.”

The MG HS Vibe comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, fog lights, a 10.1-inch centre touch-screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports (two in the front row, two in the second row), keyless entry and start, leather-accented trim and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The flagship (for now) Excite model adds 18-inch alloys, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, puddle lights, rain-sensing wipers, hard-wired sat-nav, dual-zone climate control and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. There’s also a ‘Super Sport’ driving mode which sharpens the car’s key controls.

The MG HS sports a 463-litre boot that expands to 1287 litres with the 60:40-split and folding rear seat stowed.

All MG HS models are backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and seven years of roadside assist. The MG Australia network currently comprises 47 dealers.

How much does the 2020 MG HS cost?
MG HS Vibe -- $29,990* ($30,990 drive-away)
MG HS Excite -- $32,990* ($33,990 drive-away)
* Excluding on-road costs