MG HS SUV Review: Pros, Cons & Transmission Flaws
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The MG HS SUV promises premium comfort at an accessible price point, but does its driving experience live up to the sleek exterior? After extensive testing in Manila's challenging conditions, we uncover what this Chinese contender truly delivers.
Key findings from our road test:
- Exceptional rear-seat comfort rivaling premium brands
- Competitive fuel efficiency (9.3 km/L city, 16.5 km/L highway)
- Critical transmission flaws in stop-and-go traffic
- Significant ₱100k discount available through AutoDeal
Performance Breakdown
The 1.5L turbocharged engine generates adequate power for Philippine roads. We observed smooth acceleration during highway driving with minimal turbo lag. Fuel consumption figures impressed us during mixed driving conditions:
| Driving Condition | Fuel Efficiency |
|-------------------|----------------|
| City Traffic | 9.3 km/L |
| Highway Cruising | 16.5 km/L |
| Heavy Traffic | 7.8 km/L |
Compared to the Geely Azkara's mild hybrid system, the MG HS consumes more fuel but maintains competitive numbers for its class. Where it truly stumbles is the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). During extended EDSA traffic testing, we experienced:
- Erratic low-speed behavior: The transmission hesitates when crawling, requiring aggressive throttle inputs followed by sudden braking
- Rollback risk on inclines: The car slid backward during gradual stops on uphill roads like E. Rodriguez Avenue
- Jerky engagement: Power delivery feels unsettled during transition from braking to acceleration
Comfort & Interior Excellence
Step inside and the HS reveals its strongest advantage. The cabin design prioritizes passenger comfort with thoughtful touches:
Front-seat highlights:
- 12.1-inch digital cluster with clear visibility
- Hidden storage compartments for clutter-free surfaces
- Built-in PM2.5 air filtration system
Rear-seat advantages:
- Class-leading legroom (tested with 6'2" passengers)
- Clever flip-down cup holders in center armrest
- Zero-discomfort seating position during 2-hour journeys
Suspension tuning favors comfort over sportiness. While body roll appears during aggressive cornering in Tagaytay routes, the setup absorbs potholes and speed bumps exceptionally well. The seats strike a perfect balance between Japanese support and American plushness – we noted no fatigue even after 4 hours of continuous driving.
Value Proposition & Alternatives
At ₱1,308,888, the HS undercuts key rivals:
| Model | Price | Key Advantage |
|-----------------|---------------|---------------------|
| MG HS Trophy | ₱1.308M | Best value comfort |
| Geely Azkara | ₱1.599M | Hybrid efficiency |
| Maxus D60 | ₱1.238M | 7-seat capacity |
Actionable buyer advice:
- Test drive specifically in rush hour traffic to assess transmission tolerance
- Negotiate using AutoDeal's current ₱100,000 discount offer
- Compare cargo space needs (only 161L behind rear seats)
- Consider extended warranty options for DCT reliability concerns
Final Verdict
The MG HS delivers exceptional comfort and premium features at a compelling price point, making it ideal for families prioritizing passenger experience. However, the transmission's traffic behavior requires serious consideration. As one owner in our research group noted: "You'll love every journey until you hit rush hour."
Will the transmission quirks affect your decision? Share your experience with Philippine traffic conditions in the comments below.
