MG is set to make waves in the mid-size SUV market with the introduction of the all-new 2025 MG HS, which offers performance, design, and technology improvements over the predecessor, while still remaining a budget-friendly option.
We had a quick steer of the new model during the official Australian media launch event last week to see how it goes with the new 1.5L turbo engine, and test out some of the new technologies like the fresh twin-screen dash and luxury-inspired interior.
2025 MG HS Excite: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 125kW / 275Nm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19in, 225/55
ANCAP: Not tested
Tare weight: 1559kg
Power-to-weight: 12.47:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 6.9L/100km
Power efficiency: 18.11kW:L/100km0-60km/h: 4.40 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.23 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.40 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.78 seconds at 138.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.662g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.42m in 3.27s*
Max deceleration: -1.158g*
Decibel at idle: 37*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 77*
Starting price (drive-away): $36,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
The new HS will hit Australian showrooms in September 2024, offering consumers a choice between Vibe, Excite and Essence trim levels, all powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 125kW and 275Nm (up 6kW/25Nm from the outgoing model). A plug-in hybrid option will be offered later in the year.
The latest iteration of the MG HS has undergone a complete redesign, with every element rethought to enhance its appeal. Firstly, sculpted in Shanghai, the HS features a sleek and sophisticated exterior, with elegant contouring and a sweeping roofline that gives it that popular coupe-style of profile.
It has grown overall, except for roof height, which drops 30mm over the outgoing model. But the wheelbase spans 30mm longer, and it’s 14mm wider and 26mm longer overall. That means more space inside, and despite the lower roof level, it remains as one of the most spacious options in this class.
Rear seat legroom in particular is a standout, with a segment-unique completely flat floor helping to raise the perception of space while providing proper legroom for the middle passenger. Although it might have a coupe-like profile on the outside, the ceiling doesn’t actually start to drop down until after the rear bench, leaving clearance for good headroom.
Another surprise is the absolute softness of the leatherette seats. They feel really comfy, with decent support in the front. However, gone are the racing-style bucket seats from the old model, so these look more refined than racy – if that’s a bad thing. Fully electric adjustment is standard for the front on the Essence, but all three trim levels feature a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Up on the dash you can’t miss the new dual 12.3-inch screens running across the top. These are standard on all three variants, packing in digital radio and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Vibe and Excite use a six-speaker sound system while the Essence offers eight speakers, while in-built sat-nav and a nice surround-view parking camera system are reserved for the Excite and Essence only.
The Excite grade also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels like the Essence (up from 18s on the Vibe), and they are not wrapped in some crumby no-name tyres, but decent Bridgestone Alenzas. The top two also gain MG’s new iSmart vehicle-to-phone connectivity service, allowing you to communicate with the vehicle remotely for some functions (12 months free subscription).
All variants come with four USB ports (two front, two back), with a wireless charger for the Essence, and all come with crisp new LED headlights and taillights, and the full suite of safety aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane management systems, rear cross-traffic alert, door opening warning, and live tyre pressure monitoring.
They all, unfortunately, come with a driver monitoring camera. During our test drive the camera falsely detected driver’s distraction, as is usually the case in most vehicles with these silly cameras. But at least in this the warnings and chimes are pleasant so you can happily ignore them. You can turn the system off as well, but it automatically comes back on every time you start the vehicle – as part of regulations.
As for the powertrain, it features a number of revisions over the outgoing 1.5T. For example, there’s a new variable geometry turbocharger helping to improve response and economy, while increasing power and torque, and now there’s a wet-type seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which offers better smoothness and response as well.
Out on the road the new package feels a lot more refined than before. The engine merely hums along in the background, partly thanks to increased insulation around the body, but the response is what you’ll notice more. This can set off smoothly (for a DCT), unlike the predecessor, and it doesn’t have that twang effect during kick-down anymore.
Instead, it shifts down a gear quickly and then the improved engine response helps to provide a more linear acceleration curve. Performance is decent, despite 125kW being at the lower end of the segment standards, with our Vbox showing a 0-100km/h time of 9.23 seconds. That’s not bad for an SUV with only 125kW.
Fuel consumption has dropped, which is a sign of healthy evolution for the powertrain, with an official average of 6.9L/100km, down from 7.3 in the outgoing model. It’s also cleaner, with an emissions output of 156g/km, down from 170g/km before.
In the ride and handling department, we didn’t get an opportunity to conduct a proper test on a winding road, but we’ll get one booked in soon and try it out. On first impressions though, in city conditions, it feels like the ride is on the softer side, which means it is comfortable on crappy city roads. But, perhaps, not as dynamic as some of the rivals in terms of body control and steering precision.
It feels a lot nicer to drive than the predecessor though, with fluid steering offering decent feel, and none of that flimsiness you got with the old model. Now it seems to turn in with confidence and the suspension doesn’t judder and crash over mid-corner bumps, upsetting the balance of the vehicle. This area is a huge improvement over the outgoing model.
As for the drawbacks? Rear visibility is reduced due to the swooping tailgate and smaller rear windscreen, and the centre console is chunkier than before which does soak up space or at least the perception of space and freedom to move about. One-touch power windows are now restricted to down-only for all windows, which means there is no longer a global close function available from the key fob (one-touch up is driver only).
Now for the best part, the price. The new model kicks off from only $33,990 for the Vibe, representing excellent value considering the level of features, cabin size, and comparative driving refinement over its direct rivals. The Excite starts from $36,990, which, again, is awesome value for the additional features, with the top-spec Essence starting from $40,990. And all prices are drive-away.
2025 MG HS Excite: First impressions
The 2025 MG HS has clearly matured into a much more refined, more comfortable and more liveable medium SUV package. Performance and driving feel are leaps and bounds ahead of the old model, and the design inside and out is modern without losing practicality (aside from rear visibility). It is the best MG SUV so far, and it should be a good sign of the future for the brand and what it does next for its upcoming second generation of models.
2025 MG HS Excite: Specifications
