MG HS 2020 pricing and specifications detailed: Chinese Toyota RAV4 rival touches down

The all-new MG HS midsize SUV is here to take on the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan X-Trail, and it’ll do so with an aggressive pricing and spec treatment.

The new HS model replaces the existing GS in the range, with the brand’s local CEO, Peter Ciao, stating the “HS is a big jump from the current product” offered by the brand.

The MG HS 2020 model range launches in Australia with two models - the HS Vibe, priced at $29,990 plus on-road costs (or $30,990 drive-away), and the HS Excite, which is listed at $32,990 (or $33,990 drive-away). A range-topping model is due in the early part of 2020.

Both models are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 124kW of power and 250Nm of torque. Both come as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and both are front-wheel drive.

Fuel consumption is not confirmed as yet, but we know it requires 95RON premium unleaded petrol.

The HS model measures 4574mm long (on a 2720mm wheelbase), 1876mm wide and 1685mm tall, which puts it about on par with the CX-5 in terms of size. It has a 463-litre boot capacity with the seats in place, with a maximum cargo space of 1287L with the back seats folded down. The rear seats are 60:40 split-fold.

As for specifications, the HS is pretty comprehensively kitted out - and safety technology is a high priority for this model.

The HS debuts the brand’s MG Pilot safety suite, which encompasses auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist with steering input, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, auto high beam/auto headlights, speed-sign recognition and a reverse camera with rear parking sensors.

MG has not yet revealed an ANCAP crash-test rating for the HS model, though it has the right technological gear to get the maximum five-star ANCAP score. That would be fitting, given the model it replaces - the MG GS - was the first Chinese-made model to score five stars in ANCAP testing.

As for standard equipment, the base model Vibe comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, fog lights, LED tail-lights, a 10.1-inch touchscreen media system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone and audio, a six speaker stereo, four USB ports (two front, two rear), smart key entry and push-button start, fake leather trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a digital speedometer.

The higher-grade Excite adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an electric tailgate, LED headlights with dynamic indicators, range sensing wipers, GPS sat nav, puddle lights, dual-zone climate control, steering wheel paddle shifters and a Super Sport Mode that adjusts the response of the throttle, transmission and steering. This model also gets LED interior ambient lighting which changes when sport mode is selected.

The MG range in Australia is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with seven years of roadside assist included.

MG HS 2020 pricing before on-road costs (drive-away in brackets):

Model	Price
MG HS Vibe 1.5T auto	$29,990 ($30,990 drive-away)
MG HS Excite 1.5T auto	$32,990 ($33,990 drive-away)