MIAS 2022: MG HS arrives as bigger, bolder take on ZS

The ZS subcompact crossover remains the most successful offering in the MG Philippines stable so far, posting 4,158 units sold in 2022, an increase of 117 percent from 2021. It should then come as no surprise if the automaker harbors the same hopes for its new HS compact crossover. 

MG Philippines brings its second compact crossover in our market, the award-winning HS

There’s the striking physical resemblance between the two, never mind that the HS sits one category higher. Speaking of which, there’s also the question of why MG Philippines decided to bring the HS, when it already has the RX5 nestled in the segment. 

“Those who have purchased the RX5 have given us good feedback about the quality of the vehicle. The HS will provide us another option,” according to MG Philippines President & CEO Atty. Albert Arcilla. “We will keep the RX5, as it has been received very well…we will continue with the RX5, but we’re very optimistic with the HS.” 

The HS bears more than a passing resemblance to the smaller ZS (pictured)

That optimism is anchored on the series of honors that the HS has reaped overseas. It won Compact SUV of the Year for 2021 at the OneShift by Carousell Car of the Year Awards as well as 2021 SUV of the Year from the SG CarMart of the Year Awards, both in Singapore. The model was also feted as Best Sub-compact Crossover 2020 Car of the Year by the Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) Awards. 

At first glance, the HS does seem to carry over the same styling cues as the ZS, from the familiar silhouette to its own take on the latter’s Stardust grille, flanked by LED headlamps with 9 Crystal Lighting units. Visible body cladding comprising wheel arches and rocker panels is evident on the profile.

A power-actuated tailgate makes loading and unloading cargo easier

One advantage the HS has over its smaller sibling is a power liftgate, flanked by LED tail lamps. The look is completed by a set of 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.

Inside, the HS can seat five occupants plus cargo, with leather seats and plenty of soft-touch surfaces. Front occupants benefit from MG Sport bucket seats that provide additional support during cornering, featuring power adjustments for the driver and front passenger.

Like the ZS, the HS offers ample seating for five occupants

The dual-pane sunroof, flat-bottomed steering wheel, and circular air vents have been carried over from the ZS, but the HS boasts a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also the upgraded 10-inch touchscreen that offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Aside from the standard complement of safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and hill-start assist, the HS also comes with driver-assist features comprising a Blind-Spot Information System, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Driver Alert, and Lane Change Assist. 

Perhaps the biggest upgrade the HS brings is under the hood, where a 1.5-liter gasoline engine delivers 167 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque, thanks to turbocharging and direct injection. This is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers a manual (Tiptronic) mode. 

It builds on the MG ZS

The 2022 MG HS is offered in two variants, starting at Php 1,158,888 for the base Alpha and reaching Php 1,208,888 for the top-spec Trophy. Take note that these are introductory prices offered until April 30, 2022, so visit the MG Concourse booth at the 2022 Manila International Auto Show for details.  
     
Get updates on new releases featured at the 2022 MIAS with Philkotse.com.