The MG HS entered a congested market segment flooded by products from other Chinese-owned brands, as well as legacy brands such as Toyota, Volkswagen, Kia, Hyundai, and Mazda.

The arrival of the flagship HS Luxury for a weeklong stay at The Citizen Motoring’s office raised more questions than answers, not only about China’s shift towards upmarket products no longer seen as bargains, but also about the model’s unique selling point compared with its rivals.

Appearing subtly ‘evil’ with a wraparound honeycomb grille, outstretched bonnet, and elongated LED headlights seemingly derived from the Volkswagen Lamando, the HS’s stance goes further with a side profile that, from some angles, resembles the Jaguar F-Pace.

Mounted on 19” alloy wheels, the rear appears more compact, with an upwards-moving lower glasshouse, and an indented look to the slimline LED light clusters connected by a full-width light bar.

Typical chinese exterior

The interior is a traditional Chinese affair dominated by a pair of 12,3” displays on top of the dashboard, physical shortcut buttons for select functions below the infotainment display, and generally soft-touch materials.

Incorporating MG’s take on minimalist interior design, the HS retains a traditional gear lever, though the non-floating centre console, which includes a pair of cupholders and a wireless smartphone charging pad, will require constant upkeep due to its piano-key-black finish.

Solid in feel, well built, and sporty thanks to the red stitching, the HS’s imitation-leather seats offer more than sufficient support and, aside from being comfortable, feature heating and electric adjustment.

Space in the rear leaves little to be desired, and the standard panoramic sunroof doesn’t encroach on headroom. Practicality doesn’t disappoint either, as opening the electric tailgate reveals a substantial 507ℓ boot.

Lots of spec and safety

In Luxury spec, the HS’s list of items includes keyless entry and push-button start, rain-sense wipers, folding heated mirrors, and four USB ports.

On the safety and driver-assistance side, MG has left little to chance, though most systems can be switched off completely until reactivated by the driver, and they reset each time the engine is turned off.

The HS Luxury’s suite of systems includes a 360-degree camera, corner brake control, and lane-change assist.

Up front, another familiarity in the use of a 1,5ℓ turbocharged petrol engine connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Set to be joined later by a more powerful 2ℓ unit, power and torque are rated at 125kW and 275Nm, respectively, directed to the front wheels only.

Mostly plain sailing

The engine is vocal, with the noise audible even at the national limit, and feels laggy low down, yet it isn’t hobbled by the now-infamous Chinese vehicle throttle calibration and transmission mismatch.

While admittedly not fully rectified, the combination is more sorted, and once up to speed with the initial lag gone, the HS is responsive, despite tipping the scales at a rather heavy 1 602kg.

That said, the transmission does become flustered when asked to suddenly shift down, highlighting the need for paddle shifters.

On the ride front, the HS offers a compliant, comfortable, and well-dampened setup, but with another equally familiar Chinese vehicle foible of an overly electric and lifeless steering feel.

What’s the verdict?

As much as it doesn’t set a new benchmark for premium Chinese SUVs, the MG HS doesn’t do anything spectacularly good nor untowardly bad. It doesn’t go overboard on the tech front and makes for an uncomplicated, well-equipped, and practical SUV.

Priced at R534 900, the HS 1.5T Luxury is a compelling buy in a fiercely competitive segment.

Vehicle fast facts

Model: MG HS 1.5T Luxury

Price: R534 900

Engine: 1,5ℓ turbo-petrol

Transmission: Seven-speed dual clutch transmission

Power: 125kW

Torque: 275Nm

Fuel consumption (tested): 7,7ℓ/100km

Fuel tank size: 55ℓ

Fuel Range (tested): 714km

Licensing mass: 2 105kg

Towing capacity: 1 500kg