The MG HS Could Be The Perfect Crossover For India

• Prices for the MG HS start at GBP 17,995 (Rs 16.41 lakh).
• It is a tad smaller than the Hector while it beats the Tucson in all dimensions.
• Gets features like a 10.1-inch infotainment, dual-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, and more.
• Powered by a sole 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol engine that develops 162PS of power and 250Nm of torque.

Morris Garages is currently enjoying success in India thanks to the Hector. The 10,000th Hector has rolled out from the carmaker’s assembly line in Halol and its connected infotainment system has received its first OTA update. Now, MG Motor is gearing up for its second launch for India, the ZS EV, which is likely to get an internal combustion engine as well. While MG is busy with the ZS, it has recently unveiled the HS in the United Kingdom (UK). The HS is a Hyundai Tucson-sized crossover that is priced from GBP 17,995 (approx. Rs 16.41 lakh). It comes with a sole petrol engine and has most of the features we have seen in the Hector. Could this be another successful MG product for India? Let’s find out. 

In terms of size, the MG HS is a shade smaller than the Hector. That said, the HS is wider than the Hector and is slightly bigger than the Tucson. Have a look at the table below to see how the HS fares in the measuring scale:

Visually, the fascia of the HS looks similar to the ZS EV thanks to the chrome-laden MG grille that merge with the LED projector headlamps. More of the shiny stuff has been tastefully applied on the fog lamp housing and the HS’s fascia does look premium. At the side, the HS comes with flared wheel arches while the body cladding around it gives the crossover a rugged appeal. Complimenting these elements are the 18-inch alloy wheels that fills up the wheel arches. Moving on to the back, the HS comes with LED tail lamps while the aggressive bumpers with dual exhausts top the look. 

Inside, the HS comes with a modern dashboard that can give its competitors a run for their money. The centre of attraction here is the big 10.1-inch floating infotainment system. Just like the Hector, the touchscreen takes care of both the infotainment and climate control duties. That said, you get aircraft style toggle for certain functions below the AC vents.  Meanwhile, the driver gets a flat-bottom steering wheel with a sporty instrument cluster.  

The HS also comes loaded to the gills with features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a coloured multi-info display, cruise control, auto dimming IRVM, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof as well as MG Pilot. The last one adds features like active emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning, traffic jam assist and blind spot detection. Safety kit in the HS include six airbags, ABS with EBD, tyre pressure monitoring, ESP, hill descent control, hill start assist as well electric parking brake with auto hold. 

Under the hood, the MG HS comes with a Euro-6 compliant 1.5-litre T-GDI petrol engine. It develops 162PS of power and 250Nm of torque, 19PS more than Hector's unit. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and DCT. Meanwhile, it is yet to be seen whether MG will be giving the HS a diesel engine or not.

Prices for the MG HS start at  GBP 17,995 (approx. Rs 16.41 lakh), which undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by a big margin. While the HS looks nice inside-out and comes well equipped with features, a small chink in its armour is the lack of a diesel engine. That said, we would like to see the HS crossover in India and if MG launches it here with an attractive price, it could sell like hot cakes for the manufacturer. What do you think about the MG HS? Let us know in the comments section below.