MG unveils next generation HS at special event in Sydney

To be offered in three trim levels – Vibe, Excite and Essence – the 2025 MG HS is powered by a choice of two powertrains, including a standard turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, backed by a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

Fuel consumption in this form is a claimed 6.9-litres/100km. The second engine option is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), due here early next year. It’s setup will mirror the evolution of other vehicles in MG’s range, adding advanced electrified hybrid technology.

Redesigned from the ground up, it boasts a striking new exterior design that is leaps and bounds ahead of the model it replaces, a more spacious interior (it’s larger everywhere, both inside and out), and new technology.

The range opens with the Vibe grade, which features automatic LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a 12.3-inch dual screen setup (infotainment and instrument cluster) that features wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Excite, which we drove as part of the launch event, adds 19-inch alloy wheels, a 360-degree camera, and MG iSmart (which provides a range of convenience features, including the ability to control the heating or air-conditioning, remotely.

On the road, in the hour or so we spent driving it, the MG HS Excite is certainly comfortable, with some of the lushest seats we’ve sat in for a while, and plenty of leg and head room, both front and rear.

The lack of wireless phone tech is a little frustrating, offset by the price (listed below), in what is a decidedly affordable package that offers decent value for money. The new dual screen infotainment and instrument cluster is outstanding, looks wise.

It does take a bit to get the hang of how it works, with some very odd labelling (arrows mostly) on the steering wheel for volume controls and the like. Power delivery is impressive although one wonders if the small turbo engine would have been better served with a CVT.

Handling dynamics are decent, and there was minimal body roll in our journey through Sydney and across the Harbour Bridge to North Sydney and back again. It would be interesting to see how it deals with somewhere like the Old Pacific Highway.

That said, with extensive testing and tuning on the setup, including here in Australia (it’s not a local tune) as part of a global effort to get its on-road presence, just right, it should do a reasonable job, regardless of road conditions.

The Essence, which really does score the best bits of tech compared to the two lesser offerings (despite an exceptionally good range-wide spec list), adds a panoramic sunroof, 8-speaker audio system, and wireless phone charging.

An updated MG Pilot suite provides adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking (which we tested – it worked well), blind-spot detection, traffic jam assist, and intelligent speed limit assist, all across the range.

You’ll also find forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and a door open warning. Away from the vehicle itself, what’s equally impressive is the fact that the 2025 MG HS is the first of as many as six new models headed our way.

The list potentially includes a larger 7-seat SUV, with rumours persisting a ute could also be among those. MG Australia COO Giles Belcher confirmed that when they found the right solution, the Chinese car maker would make the call on entering the fray.

At launch, in petrol guise, the Vibe will be priced at $33,990, with the Excite at $36,990 and the Essence at $40,990 – all drive away. All variants will be available in six metallic colours, including Cashmere Silver, Lunar Grey, Arctic Blue and Diamond Red.

Black Pearl and Pearl White complete the paint options. Backed by what is currently Australia’s best new car warranty, at 10-years and 250,000km the MG HS comes with capped price serving at 12-month or 15,000km intervals.

That’s a little lower than most rivals, with the Renault Arkana’s capped price servicing set at 12 months or 30,000km, for example. To find out more, visit the MG Motor Australia website, or talk to your local dealership.

This story first published on Exhaust Notes Australia. Our test vehicle was provided as part of the Australian media launch for the 2025 MG HS range.

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