First launched in 2018 at the Beijing Auto Show, MG (or Morris Garages) moved the dated-looking GS out of the way when it introduced the HS compact crossover. Now, the newest iteration of the model finally makes its way to the Philippines.
Sporting a familiar design language seen on the highly successful ZS, the HS can obviously leverage the goodwill and popularity of its smaller sibling, and more directly speak to a market primed for MG’s values and what it stands for.
First, a refresher: Last year, despite the continued challenge of the pandemic, MG Philippines sold 6,343 vehicles — up by 85 percent versus 2020 – the best yearend numbers thus far for the company.
“MG Philippines entered 2021 with optimism and excitement, fueled by the strong reception of the market and the confidence of our dealer network for the MG brand and its model offers. We approached 2021 confident that MG, with its strong British heritage and superior product portfolio, would resonate with an even wider Filipino audience considering the increasing mobility requirements brought about by the current circumstances,” said The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) President and CEO Atty. Alberto Arcilla in a release.
Unsurprisingly, the sales achievement was paced by the extremely popular MG ZS crossover SUV (4,158 units sold) and MG 5 sedan (2,013 units) — growing by a huge 117 percent and 85 percent, respectively. Last year, MG also brought in the turbocharged ZS variant, the ZST, in an obvious bid to freshen up the nameplate for those still on the fence, and to perhaps give the nameplate a little more zing.
Now, the gloves are veritably off. MG Philippines is fielding what promises to be another contender model to kick off its new introductions for the year. This one is a little bigger, a little more expensive, and punches even more above its price point.
The HS package starts with ample motivation under the hood – a turbocharged gasoline mill featuring 1.5 liters, capable of dishing out 169ps and 250Nm. Drivers can access the output via a 7-speed twin-clutch Sportronic transmission. MG Philippines PR Manager Enrico Subido said, in an interview with this writer, that people will be delighted to know that real-world testing in the metro (under Alert Level 1 conditions) yielded a fuel efficiency rating of 13 km/l.
The HS gets a slew of driver-assist features such as a Blind Spot Detection System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, EPS three-mode adjustable steering, push start-stop functionality, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, and a proprietary “Sport Mode” that allows for crisper steering and more dynamic response.
The familiar front calls to mind the ZS fascia – headlined by MG’s so-called Stardust Grille flanked by Nine-Crystal Lighting units and LEDs. Adding a touch of premium is a sequential light functionality, which also appears on the taillights. The HG rolls on 18-inch diamond cut wheels (standard on both variants), wrapped with Michelin Primacy tires.
In an exclusive interview, Atty. Arcilla said that “the SUV market has really expanded the past two years, and we feel that we need to give our audience another option.” He describes MG buyers as “very adventurous, very progressive in thinking, and want to try out new things,” and therefore the kind of people the HS should appeal to.
He added, “Our buyer is also someone who’s very educated and wants to find out the specs of cars. So we feel that since the market really expanded and we want to capture a bigger audience, we want to give them another choice. Hopefully, we’ll be able to speak again to the MG buyer — one who recognizes and acknowledges the brand heritage, aesthetics, and quality.”
Appealing to the discriminating buyer is extra tough these days where a glut of brands and models is crowding most popular price points, but Atty. Arcilla thinks the HS will be a great fit in the car browser’s consideration set.
Past the good-looking exterior, the HS boasts a well-constructed and smartly laid-out cabin. There are lots of soft-touch surfaces and refined, price-defying accoutrements such as an ability to change the hue of the ambient lighting. The MG Sport Bucket seats are comfortable, supportive, and get 6-way power adjustments. An ergonomically designed dashboard promotes easy access, while the two screens — a 12.3-inch Virtual Driver Information Center and large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that plays nice with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – provide a premium experience. Overhead, the HS boasts a large panoramic Stargazer Sunroof.
Even more, the HS arrives with credentials. It has gained recognition in markets where it has been launched — bagging multiple awards over the past couple of years “for premium features, and excellent value for money.” These honors include: “2021 Compact SUV of the Year,” OneShift by Carousell COTY Awards (Singapore), “2021 SUV of the Year,” SGCarMart COTY Awards (Singapore), and “2020 Car of the Year” and “Best Subcompact Crossover,” Middle East COTY Awards (Middle East).
The MG HS, as with other MGs here, is covered by a five-year/100,000-km warranty, and MG Hero Services (for 24/7 roadside assistance through the MG Philippines hotline). Owners can also download the My MG mobile app, which allows the easy scheduling of vehicle service appointments through smartphones. They can also use the app to book a visit from a Mobile Garage service caravan that provides MG owners with vehicle home service for major technical issues.
If you take a closer look though, the MG HS is in the wheelhouse of the MG RX5’s pricing. Will the latter be eased out of the lineup? How does MG Philippines see this intersect of prices?
“We’re very happy that we have a wide range of MG clients. Those who have purchased the RX5 have given us good feedback about the quality of the vehicle. The HS will provide us another option. We will keep the RX5, as it has been received very well; it’s price is very well-positioned,” opined Atty. Arcilla. “We feel that we should continue serving our MG audience with that particular model. But the HS is supposed to target a subset of a big segment. Their pricing is similar, but we’re giving the audience the choice. Whatever your need is, we will offer it to you. Since MG is continuously evolving globally, we have that opportunity to bring in more models here. We will continue with the RX5, but we’re very optimistic with the HS.”
Also, the executive shared exclusively that MG Philippines is looking at, if situations allow, “at least four to five more models within the next few months, and it will be in different segments. From what I see from the products being offered to us, it will be very exciting for the market.”
Until April 31, buyers of either variant of the MG HS will get a P100,000 discount. The vehicle is available for reservation through any of the 39 MG Philippines dealerships nationwide or BuyAnMG.com (the brand’s online buying platform). With discounts, the MG HS Alpha is priced at P1,158,888, while the MG HS Trophy goes for P1,208,888.