MG Philippines has released the all-new HS crossover back in March 2022. It is slightly larger than the MG ZS, and it is classed as a compact crossover. It competes against the likes of the Ford Territory, and so it gets a wealth of features while having a relatively affordable standard retail price.
2022 MG HS - Banking On Tech and Style - Philkotse Quick Look
To this end, many are undoubtedly eyeing this model as their next big car purchase. The MG HS however, has two different variants for the local market. These are the MG HS Alpha 1.5 DCT and the MG HS Trophy 1.5 DCT.
So how do these two versions differ from each other? Which one should be the right one for a prospective buyer? Let’s help you answer those questions with this short MG HS variant guide.
MG HS Variants: Exterior
Size-wise, both the HS Alpha and the HS Trophy are pretty much identical. They both have a length of 4,574mm, a width of 1,876mm, and a height of 1,664mm. Both also come with a wheelbase length of 2,720mm.
The MG HS (Trophy variant shown on picture)
The top-spec HS Trophy is a bit heavier with its curb weight of 1,989 kg. Meanwhile, the HS Alpha is a bit lighter at 1,962 kg.
For exterior equipment, the HS Trophy gets a pair of LED headlamps, whereas the HS Alpha comes with halogen headlamps. Both do have LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, and LED taillights as standard. Also, the entry-level Alpha gets a glass-printed antenna, whereas the Trophy is equipped with a shark fin antenna.
Other exterior features common between the two HS variants are chrome trims, the Stardust grille, an LED high-mount stop light, roof rails, as well as a panoramic sunroof.
A view of the HS from the rear
MG HS Variants: Interior
Both the Alpha and the Trophy variants of the HS can comfortably seat up to five occupants. Both also have a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 60:40 rear seats, among others.
The Trophy gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, while the Alpha does not. The top-spec HS also has MG Sport bucket seats, while the entry-level variant gets standard car seats. Speaking of seats, the ones on the Alpha are wrapped in a “leather like” material. The Alpha in turn gets actual leather.
Check out the HS' cockpit
There are also several driver-centric equipment that the Trophy gets, and isn’t available on the entry-level Alpha. These include a 12.3-inch virtual driver information center, a sports mode, and paddle shifters.
The Trophy also comes with automatic, dual-zone air-conditioning, whereas the Alpha gets an electronic control air-conditioning system. Both do have cruise control, 12-volt accessory outlets, rear air-conditioning vents, a push-to-start button, remote keyless entry, as well as a tilt and telescopic steering column.
Loading cargo is also made easier with the top-spec HS Trophy as it is kitted out with a power liftgate. The Alpha meanwhile, gets a standard manual tailgate.
The MG HS' rear cabin
Lastly, both trims do come with a front armrest, though the one on the Trophy comes with air filtration and cooling function.
MG HS Variants: Tech & Safety
For on-board entertainment, the MG HS Alpha and Trophy come standard with a 10-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On both trims, this headunit is linked to a six-piece speaker system.
Moving on to standard safety equipment, both the HS Alpha and Trophy get anti-lock braking with electronic brake-force distribution, ISOFIX child seat anchors, six airbags, hill-hold and hill-descent control, a tire pressure monitor, an engine immobilizer, a car alarm, rear parking sensors, as well as a reversing camera.
Both the Alpha and the Trophy trim gets the same headunit
The top-spec Trophy though, adds on to those with a blind-spot information system, rear-cross traffic alert, rear driver alert, and lane change assist.
MG HS Variants: Engine & Performance
Under the hood, both Philippine-spec MG HS variants use a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. The said engine can make up to 167 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. Both also use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and both are front-wheel-drive.
Both trims use the same 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine
For suspensions, both use a MacPherson strut for the front and a multi-link rear suspension. Both also have disc brakes for all four wheels, as well as an electronic parking brake.
MG HS Variants: Price
| 2022 MG HS Variants | Price |
| HS Alpha 1.5 DCT | Php 1,158,888 |
| HS Trophy 1.5 DCT | Php 1,208,888 |
MG HS Variants: Conclusion
Mechanically, both the HS Alpha and Trophy are identical. The only difference we can see that can affect driving feel is the fact that the top-spec model gets paddle shifters, plus a “Super Sport” driving mode.
The same goes for on-board features with some slight variances. The big thing about the Trophy though is that it gets a power liftgate. For some differently-abled or older people, this might mean the difference between being able to load or not load cargo.
Style-wise, the Alpha and Trophy are pretty much identical
All in all, both the HS Alpha and HS Trophy offer a lot for their price. So if you want a sporty and more convenient ride, get the Trophy. If you can’t be bothered with paddle shifters, or if you have no problem with a manual tailgate, then the Alpha might be the one to go for.
For more car buying guides like this, keep it here on Philkotse.