The MG HS range enters 2021 with a new entry-level Core variant, with more powerful all-wheel drive and plug-in hybrid models due this month.

    UPDATE, 2/3/2021: MG has released pricing for the new all-wheel drive model. We’ve updated the article with the information.

    The expanded range is now topped by the Plug-In Hybrid, which you can read about here.

    It’ll touch down this month, which is also when the MG HS range will be bolstered by the addition of all-wheel drive.

    The all-wheel drive system is mated with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 168kW of power and 360Nm of torque.

    It’s available in new Excite X and Essence X trims, which correspond with the existing Excite and Essence trims.

    At the other end of the range is the Core, which undercuts the previous entry-level model, the Vibe, by $2000 at $29,990 drive-away but still offers the MG Pilot suite of active safety technology.

    It does, however, substitute the Vibe’s leatherette upholstery and six-speaker sound system for cloth trim and a four-speaker set-up.

    Debuting for 2020 as a rival for the likes of the Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5, the HS has continued to grow.

    Initially launched with only one engine and two trim levels, the HS range was expanded later in 2020 with up-spec Essence and Essence Anfield models.

    Pricing

    • 2021 MG HS Core: $29,990
    • 2021 MG HS Vibe: $31,990
    • 2021 MG HS Excite: $34,990
    • 2021 MG HS Excite X: $37,990
    • 2021 MG HS Essence: $38,990
    • 2021 MG HS Essence Anfield: $40,690
    • 2021 MG HS Essence X: $42,990

    All prices are drive-away.

    Engines

    The 2021 MG HS’s standard engine is a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 124kW of power and 250Nm of torque. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

    Excite X and Essence X models upgrade to a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 168kW of power and 360Nm of torque. It’s mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive.

    Fuel Economy

    The 2021 MG HS consumes 7.3L/100km on the combined cycle when equipped with the turbocharged 1.5-litre. The all-wheel drive models use 9.5L/100km.

    All models require 95RON premium unleaded fuel and have a 55L fuel tank.

    Dimensions

    The 2021 MG HS measures 4574mm long, 1685mm tall and 1876mm wide.

    The MG HS’s total luggage space is 463L, increasing to a maximum of 1287L with the second row folded.

    Kerb weight is 1489kg in the Core, 1550kg in all other front-wheel drive models, and 1700kg in all-wheel drive models.

    Servicing

    The 2021 MG HS is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

    MG doesn’t currently offer capped-price servicing for the HS.

    Safety

    When the MG HS was tested by ANCAP in 2019, it received a rating of five stars.

    That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 92 per cent, child occupant protection of 83 per cent, pedestrian protection of 64 per cent and safety assist of 77 per cent.

    All 2021 MG HS models come standard with the MG Pilot suite of safety features. This includes:

    • Autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning
    • Lane-keeping assist
    • Lane-departure warning
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Rear cross-traffic alert
    • Blind-spot monitoring.

    There are also front, front-side and front-curtain airbags.

    Standard Equipment

    In addition to the aforementioned MG Pilot suite of features, the base HS Core comes with the following standard features:

    • 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Reversing camera with rear parking sensors
    • 17-inch alloy wheels
    • Electronic parking brake
    • Proximity entry and push-button start
    • Four-speaker sound system
    • Cloth upholstery
    • LED tail lights
    • LED daytime running lights

    The Vibe adds:

    • Leatherette upholstery
    • Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
    • Six-speaker sound system
    • Fog lights

    The Excite and Excite X add:

    • Satellite navigation
    • LED headlights
    • Sports mode
    • Paddle shifters
    • 18-inch alloy wheels
    • Power tailgate
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • Alloy pedals
    • Ambient interior lighting

    Moving to the Essence and Essence X adds:

    • Panoramic sunroof
    • Surround-view camera
    • Sports seats

    The Essence Anfield adds a red interior.

    MORE: MG HS news, reviews, comparisons and videos

    William Stopford

    William Stopford is an automotive journalist based in Brisbane, Australia. William is a Business/Journalism graduate from the Queensland University of Technology who loves to travel, briefly lived in the US, and has a particular interest in the American car industry.

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