MG HS Essence 2024 Review

The 2024 MG HS Essence is the most expensive variant at $40,990. If that sounds on the more expensive side, it’s worth noting that pricing for the three-tiered range is all drive-away.

The Essence sits above the entry-level Vibe at $33,990 and mid-spec Excite for $36,990. Yes, prices have increased over the generation it replaces, but the product has progressed significantly, too.

Classified as a medium SUV, key Chinese rivals to the MG are the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro and GWM Haval H6 Although, in terms of sales, everyone is chasing the Toyota RAV4 in this segment.

Showing that the company has strong belief in its package is the 10-year/250,000-kilometre warranty. It also comes with 10 years of roadside assistance and capped-price servicing is available.

Speaking of servicing, intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first) and you don’t have to go to an MG dealer to keep your plan in place.

Being the range-topper, the 2024 MG HS Essence is suitably decked out with standard kit for your $41K.

The Essence is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with daytime running lights, LED taillights, a panoramic ‘Stargazer’ sunroof, electrically folding and heated mirrors with memory, a powered tailgate and rear privacy glass.

On the inside there’s PU leather upholstery, heated and electrically operated front seats (six-way driver with memory and lumbar support, four-way passenger) dual-zone climate control as well as keyless entry and push-button start.

The 2024 MG HS Essence has just been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating – impressive given that’s against the latest and more stringent protocols.

Seven airbags are fitted, as are dual rear ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

The MG Pilot safety suite includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, 360-degree camera and 12-months’ complimentary access to MG’s iSmart vehicle connectivity app.

There’s a lot crammed into the 2024 MG HS Essence to justify its price.

Key to the tech suite are the dual 12.3-inch screens – one is for the digital instrument cluster and the other is a touch-enabled display for the infotainment.

The instrument cluster has all the key information you’d expect, and it’s displayed in a clear and concise manner. It just won’t dazzle you with an abundance of customisation that has become commonplace.

As for the infotainment, it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss affair. To use it is fairly intuitive, with the main home screen minimising the number of inputs required to change basic climate controls. However, the graphics aren’t overly special and, despite running Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, neither are of the wireless variety. And they require a USB-A connection, not the more modern USB-C.

Other features include a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth and an upgraded eight-speaker sound system.

Sufficient is the word that comes to mind when detailing the powertrain of the 2024 MG HS Essence. Under the bonnet is a revamped 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that features in all variants.

That might sound underdone given its cubic capacity and claimed 0-100km/h time of 9.6 seconds, but the diminutive powertrain generates 125kW and 275Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels only via a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

While the performance of the 1496cc unit is robust enough for general use within the confines of the CBD and urban areas, it can be left slightly lacking at highway/overtaking speeds. The acoustics also become a little strained when stretched.

Despite being thirstier, it’s a bit of a shame the more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (and all-wheel drive) from the first generation isn’t offered in the Essence.

If fuel efficiency is of greater value to you than monetary outlay, then opting for the hybrid version is the way to go. Otherwise, the 2024 MG HS Essence has a claimed combined fuel-economy figure of 6.9L/100km.

However, that’s on paper. After a week behind the wheel we could only just manage to dip below the 8.0L/100km mark – and that included city, urban and highway kilometres.

The MG HS requires at least 95 RON fuel to fill its 55-litre tank, which offers a maximum driving range of 948km.

If you’re after more frugal options, you’ll have to wait. However, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are coming.

For what the 2024 MG HS Essence is required to be, it does the job well enough.

For the most part, it’s easy to live with in terms of handling. There’s a firmer edge to the ride quality, but the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension deals with lumps and bumps adequately for a comfy experience. A bit of lean is induced through corners and tighter rebound response would improve body control, yet the MG is on par dynamically with the segment average.

Grip levels are commendable, as is MG’s decision to use higher-grade Bridgestone rubber. On flowing bends, the HS turns in nicely and holds on well, especially on smooth surfaces. Despite being exclusively front-wheel drive, there’s a distinct lack of torque steer. The electronic nannies can be a little too eager to intervene, but you’re rarely driving in a fashion that engages those systems.

There are three modes for the steering (Comfort, Normal and Sport) and the middle setting is the Goldilocks choice. You can flick it into Comfort mode to twirl around car parks that little bit more easily at slow speeds if you wish.

At this pace, the dual-clutch automatic is surprisingly adept, largely eschewing the lurch found in this type of transmission. While it isn’t perfect, shifts are quick on the run and there are steering-wheel-mounted paddles if you desire manual gear selection – although there really isn’t any need.

A trait of the MG HS Essence we drove was a long brake pedal. The efficacy of the ventilated-disc package isn’t in question, but we experienced a significant dead spot at the top of the pedal’s travel, making progressive inputs difficult. Additionally, the offset position and the close proximity of the accelerator and brake means it’s easy to engage both at the same time depending on your footwear.

Ultimately, it comes back to the fit-for-purpose ideal. The MG HS Essence is very much that and it ticks a lot of boxes with its on-road behaviour.

In terms of design and perceived quality, the 2024 MG HS Essence is highly impressive.

The cabin style isn’t very adventurous but it’s inoffensive, with a focus on mass appeal. Fit and finish is also noticeably improved, while tactile materials abound – there are some scratchy plastics, but cuts must be made somewhere to lower the price.

There are various cup/bottle holders and decent locations for all your bits and bobs. It’s also nice to see that a lot of the storage areas are lined to reduce rattles on the move. General NVH levels are fairly well suppressed, save for some tyre roar at speed on course-chip surfaces.

Rear-seat legroom is downright enormous. Passengers can stretch out as if they’re in a limo. Toe room is acceptable and running three abreast isn’t out of the question in terms of shoulder room. Amenity is high, too, with rear air vents, USB-A port, map pockets and a middle armrest with cup holders.

Packaging is clearly MG’s forte, because despite overall length being nothing outrageous at 4655mm (and a 2765mm wheelbase), the boot reveals 507 litres of cargo capacity in conjunction with the commodious rear seat. Stow the 60/40-split pews and the total storage jumps to 1484 litres.

However, it isn’t all sunshine and roses. The persistent reliance on touch-screens to manage all systems within is tiring. Having to delve through myriad menus every time you get into the car to turn off certain safety systems soon grates.

The lack of wireless smartphone mirroring is a shame, especially in 2024. And while the faux-leather upholstery is pillowy soft, it’s also not very breathable. On a summer drive you’re going to get a bit sweaty, especially if you park in the sun and forget to close the sunblind. Seat cooling should be offered as readily as seat heating is.

Yet, there’s no denying the MG HS’s cabin is palpably premium for the price. More established brands that should know better could take notes from the upmarket atmosphere.

Thankfully, the 2024 MG HS Essence proves to be far more than a showroom show-off. There’s real substance behind the attractive façade of features and aesthetic appeal.

If you don’t feasibly need the extra kit that comes with the Essence, the smarter money is to opt for the mechanically identical Vibe or Excite to really make your dollars go further.

Having said that, the Essence represents strong value compared to more traditional brands. After all, $41K isn’t going to get you into a top-spec variant of something from Japan or Korea.

Ultimately, it’s quite incredible to see the progression between generations. A bargain price is now one of, and not the only, reason to buy an MG HS.

2024 MG HS Essence at a glance:

Price: $40,990 drive-away
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 125kW/275Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 156g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Five stars (ANCAP 2024)

Related: ANCAP: Five stars for MG HS and Chery Omoda e5

Related: MG HS 2024 review

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