MG puts the ‘sport’ back into SUV with the Middle East arrival of the all-new MG HS

MG Motor has announced the launch of the latest model in its bold 2019 Middle East product offensive, the all-new MG HS. With its powerful turbo engine, dynamic styling and wide range of great features, the MG HS has been designed to put the ‘sport’ back into SUV.

Offering a 231hp 2.0L Turbo engine mated to a 6-speed dual clutch gearbox, Super Sport button, bucket racing seats and red racing calipers, the all-new HS brings MG’s celebrated sporting heritage to a state-of-the-art SUV. It joins the recently launched MG 5, and MG RX8 models in the British-born automotive brand’s rapidly expanding Middle East line-up.

The arrival of the totally new MG HS SUV is yet another major step forward in MG Motor’s resurgence, as the brand continues to change perceptions among new car buyers across the region thanks to its highly advanced and well-equipped range of sedans and SUVs. MG has announced that prices for the MG HS will start at $18,150* for the COM trim, rising to $21650* for the top-of-the-range LUX trim.

Tom Lee, SAIC Motor Middle East Managing Director, said: “The MG HS possesses the looks of a SUV but the soul of a sports car. As with all MGs, it is extremely well equipped, but its unique character differentiates it from other cars on the market, as well as other SUVs in the MG line-up. It is positioned to appeal to customers who are looking upgrade from their current vehicle and stand out from the crowd, both in terms of style and specification.”

Key to the sporty nature of the HS is its 231HP 2.0 Litre Turbo petrol engine, which is more powerful than any of the powerplants offered by the competitors. Developing maximum torque of 360Nm and capable of hitting a top speed of 210 km/h, with paddle shift gear change also available a Super Sport drive mode button on LUX versions.

Range-topping LUX trim feature an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system with racing-inspired red brake calipers, while Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) is standard on COM trim. Both trims are fitted with 18” alloy wheels.

Featuring the brand’s latest design language, the MG HS takes its styling cues from the acclaimed X-Motion concept car that was unveiled in 2015. The centrepiece of the front-end design is an attractive Star grille that incorporates the iconic MG badge. It is complemented by the smart use of chrome to frame the grille, foglamps and lower air intake, while two-tone headlights embedded with nine crystal LEDs are available.

The sporty look of the MG HS combines soft curves with the sleek lines that flow from the bonnet and down the side before rising at the rear to sweep over the rear lights, which consist of 21 individual LEDs that light up sequentially. While chrome mouldings feature both on the side and below the rear bumper. A choice of five paint colours is available.

The cabin of the all-new MG HS simply oozes class, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for delivering premium finishes at non-premium prices. Some 85% of the interior is covered with soft material, while customers can opt from three attractive interior colour schemes.

The sporty nature of the car is emphasised by the racing-style bucket seats that are fitted in top-of-the-range trims. Designed for optimum comfort, these stylish seats are made from high-quality leather sourced from German company Bader, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of premium leather for the automotive industry. A three-spoke leather steering wheel features sports stitching and multi-function buttons.

Light plays a key role in the travel experience for all occupants of the MG HS. An available electric panoramic sunroof floods the cabin with natural light during the day. Equipped with an anti-pinch function, the sunroof covers 1.19m2, and has a maximum opening area of 0.51 m2, the largest in its class. At night, the interactive ambient cabin lighting, with a range of different colour options, can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. It can also interact with the touchscreen and the music.

In the front, there are not one but two high-quality display screens. A 12.3” Virtual Instrument display, the largest in its class, is located behind the steering wheel and provides a breakthrough in the way that key information is communicated to the driver. A new 10.1” high resolution touch screen with high-performance is compatible with both Apple Carplay and Android Auto. A dual screen linkage function allows both screens to interact with each other as well as built in navigation system.

The all-new MG HS is 4574mm long, 1876mm wide and 1685mm high, with a wheelbase of 2720mm. Its boot capacity is 463 litres, expandable to 1287 litres with the second row of seats folded down. An electrically-operated tailgate for easier access is standard on LUX trims.

MG’s current range of cars is recognised for the extremely high levels of equipment and technology it offers, and the HS is no different. The impressive list of equipment provided on all COM trims includes driver aids such as a rear-view camera, rear parking sensors, cruise control and an ECO cruising driving reminder.

Air conditioning with rear vents, a keyless entry system, push-button ignition, front and rear electric windows, electric folding door mirrors and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat are also standard. The reassuring range of safety features includes ESP with ABS and EBD, front and side airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist and autohold functions, and an electric parking brake. Promoting fuel efficiency, all trims also come with a stop-start function.

The range-topping LUX trim adds leather sports seats with front armrest, panoramic sunroof, LED interior ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control and an air purifier. Also available are the Super Sport function, MG Sport Management Strategy, paddleshift gearchange, rain sensor, blind spot detection, curtain airbags, lazy locking and a 4-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat.

With a premium audio sound system, on the inside the MG HS is quieter than the other vehicles in its class. Soundproofing material covers 95% of the car, the thickness of the sound insulation has been increased to 25mm, and the front windshield is made of a soundproof PVB film normally found in luxury cars.