MG HS Soon To Launch Locally Costing From Under RM 130,000

Two trim levels of this petrol-powered sibling to the MG ZS EV will soon be making its way to Malaysia. 

Previewed alongside the Toyota Vios-rivalling MG5 recently was to be the MG HS, which itself is currently setting its sights on taking a chunk out of the Corolla Cross’ pie. This petrol-powered version of the existing all-electric ZS EV e-crossover over here is set to land locally later this year in two flavours, with the Standard and Lux trim respectively hinted to be priced at below RM 130,000 and RM 150,000 respectively. 

Before proceeding further with the details regarding this mid-sized SUV however, it is worth noting from the outset here that this soon-to-arrive HS is unfortunately not to be the second-generation model that recently made its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed. Instead, what is to land locally soon is the facelifted outgoing iteration that has been kicking around the world since 2020. 

Now another thing worth highlighting with the MG HS is contrary to how it may look in the pictures (and in real life), the tape measure does indeed pit it directly against the Mazda’s CX-5, and actually puts it to be even slightly larger Proton’s X70. The table below illustrates how this mid-sized 5-seat crossover stacks up against a varied gamete of its probable local competition: 

Touching on the exterior aesthetics of the MG HS meanwhile, this petrol-powered SUV essentially features same overall design as what was previously seen on its all-electric ZS counterpart. The only distinguishing feature between the two here are the presence of an actual grille between its LED headlights up front on this fuel-drinking model, in addition a set of tailpipes (housed within embellished chrome finishing trim) round its rump. 

Differentiating between the Standard and Lux trims from the outside of the MG HS in turn could be done through their wheels, with the former netting 17-inch alloys while the latter rolls on 18-inch dual-tone diamond cut items. Also to be seen on the higher-end trim are a set of red-painted brake calipers, as well as a full-length panoramic sunroof. 

Turning towards the interior, both variants of the MG HS will feature in its black leather-lined cabin a pair of electrically adjustable seats (6-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger, a single zone climate control system with PM 2.5 air filter and rear air vents, as well as a 10.1-inch central infotainment display (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration). Only stepping up the LUX variant however will net the more advanced 12.3-inch digital driver’s display (in place of the Standard’s 7-inch multi-info display), a six-speaker sound system (instead of just 4 speakers in the Standard), 360º camera (instead of just a reverse camera), rain sensing wipers, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, 64-colour interior ambient lighting, sports seats and a sports pedal set.

And while on the topic of these sporty interior accoutrements too, the Lux is also to be the only variant that comes with paddle shifters, as well as a Super Sport mode activated through a dedicated steering wheel button (standard only comes with Sport, Eco and Normal drive modes). This range-topping trim is further the sole recipient in the range of MG’s iSMART mobile app integration feature, which brings with it a bluetooth key and  smartphone vehicle monitoring. 

On the safety front, both MG HS trim levels come with 6 airbags and a comprehensive suite of passive safety tech, which includes Anti-Lock Braking system, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, Vehicle Dynamic Control, Corner Brake Control, Active Rollover Protection, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control. It is only the Lux variant though that gains the MG PILOT suite of active driver aids, which adds Front Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assistance, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Opening Warning.

Both variants of the MG HS will be landing locally powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder, paired together with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission driving exclusively its front wheels. Power and torque figures for this engine currently stands at 162 PS @ 5,600 rpm and 250 Nm @ 1,700-4,400 rpm respectively.

Four colours will be available with the HS from launch: Dynamic Red, Arctic White, Black Pearl and Camden Grey. MG is also currently set to offer both variants with a comprehensive warranty package that includes a 5 year unlimited milage vehicle warranty, as well as a 7-year unlimited milage warranty on the engine and transmission.