In winning top honours at last year’s Middle East Car of the Year (MECOTY) awards, the MG HS pulled an unlikely and unexpected, but not unearned upset that saw it edge ahead of great and mighty cars including the Lamborghini Huracan Evo and Bentley Flying Spur runners-up. 

Certainly nowhere as fast, visceral or capable as the Lamborghini or as elegant, luxurious and effortlessly muscular as the Bentley, the compact to mid-size MG HS crossover SUV’s victory was, however, a testament to just how well-rounded it is as an affordable and accessibly attainable automobile.

Encapsulating enough of the above qualities in a ‘real world’ package that is practical, pleasantly styled and confidently powered, the HS’s more important victory was over the many other mainstream crossovers and saloons competing in the 2020 MECOTY awards. Initially reviewed based on an evaluation test drive on Dubai roads, a MECOTY winning car is, however, expected to reflect its accolade and to perform in a variety of conditions and markets that encompass the Middle East, including Jordan’s more demanding roads and market, where new cars constitute a bigger customer investment.

Contemporary curves

Owned and operated by China’s SAIC Motor auto manufacturer and trading on its well-established British origins and continued links to the UK, MG has a more mature and worldly feel to many of its products than many other up and coming "new world” car brands, which is perhaps most evident in the more restrained yet modern and sporting design adopted by the HS. Avoiding the overly aggressive design cues unnecessarily employed by some crossovers, the HS’s proportions are instead athletic and contemporary, yet tempered with curves rather than brutal angles and edges.

Sitting with a confident stance and featuring muscular rear haunches, rugged front skid plate effect lip and dramatically squinting headlights, the HS’s design persona is, however, focused on its wide chrome grille, seemingly floating MG badge and studded mesh design. Behind its star-like grille pattern, the driven HS 30T Trophy variant is powered by a muscularly capable 2-litre turbocharged direct injection 4-cylinder engine derived from Opel’s SIDI Ecotec series. Positioned in a front-biased transverse configuration, it sends power rearwards as necessary to drives all four wheels, through a 6-speed automatic gearbox.

Bang for buck

Powerful and with plenty of torque on tap, the HS 30T’s engine outmuscles much of the competition and constitutes a significantly good "bang-for-the-buck” proposition. Developing 231BHP at just 5,300rpm and 266lb/ft torque throughout an abundantly rich 2,500-4,000rpm sweet spot, the HS 30T’s turbocharged petrol engine is a low-revving one that does its best work riding its mid-range avalanche of torque. Not too unlike a turbo-diesel in its low-revving characteristics, the HS 30T’s engine is, however, notably smooth, refined and quiet, and allows for swift estimated 7.6-second 0-100km/h acceleration and a 210km/h maximum.

Quick and confident hauling its 1.6-tonne weight on inclines and when overtaking and abundant in mid-range if not especially eager to reach for higher revs, the HS 30T is best launched from standstill by initially feathering the throttle rather than stomping it, to get past the brief moment of turbo lag typical of many powerful forced induction engines. Driven in its more aggressive Super Sport mode accessed through an enticing red steering-mounted button, the HS’s gearbox and engine become sharper and more responsive. Meanwhile, a stop/start button allows for improved fuel efficiency.

Confident and comfortable

Confident and comfortable on highway and at speed, the HS is a refined and reassuring long distance cruiser with terrific cabin and ride refinement. In town it is quite easy to manoeuvre through heavy traffic and confined parking garages, with its 360° camera and good turning circle. A forgiving ride that smoothes out, shrugs off and absorbs most lumps, bumps and imperfections in its stride, the HS Trophy’s 235/50R18 can be slightly firm over sudden, small but sharp bumps. Meanwhile over big bumps, the HS delivers better vertical control and fluency driven at an angle.

Not unlike the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and other similar SUVs, the HS might benefit from slightly firmer damper and spring rates over big bumps, but over sudden road dips, the HS’s vertical control was good, and it felt settled and buttoned down. Driven through brisk and demanding winding routes the HS’s steering proved well weighted and with enough feel and directness. Into corners, the HS was for the most part eager and reasonably well controlled body lean throughout. Meanwhile, its electric sports seats provided good cornering support and comfort over long distances.

Sporting sensibility

With stability controls on, the HS tended to brake the front wheels and shift weight and drive to the rear for a sportier, more adjustable instinct to nudge at the rear wheels. But with stability controls in low intervention "off” position, its instinct is for a hint of at the limit understeer, but with less interventions, one was able to better and more fluently explore the HS’s unexpectedly good handling characteristics. Inside, the HS offers a good driving position with intuitive and user-friendly controls and infotainment system within easy reach.

Thoroughly well-equipped package with plenty of safety and convenience features making for good value, the HS’s price point and in-class standout features are, however, its interior design and appointment. With a decidedly up-market feel, the HS is swathed with nice leathers and soft textures in prominent places, while design is tasteful and restrained yet distinctly sporty in flavour. Spacious inside for front and rear passengers and cargo, the HS’s impressive cabin could benefit from a slightly lower driver’s seat position or higher mounted rearview mirror for enhanced visibility for tall drivers.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 2-litre, transverse, turbocharged 4-cylinders

Valve-train: 16-valve, DOHC

Gearbox: 6-speed dual clutch automated, four-wheel-drive

Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 228 (231) [170] @5,300rpm

Specific power: 114.3BHP/litre

Torque, lb/ft (Nm): 266 (360) @2,500-4,000rpm

Specific torque: 180.5Nm/litre

0-100km/h: 7.6-seconds (estimate)

Top speed: 210km/h

Fuel consumption, combined: 8.6-litres/100km

Fuel capacity: 55-litres

Length: 4,574mm

Width: 1,876mm

Height: 1,685mm

Wheelbase: 2,720mm

Ground clearance: 175mm

Luggage volume, min/max: 463-/1,287-litres

Kerb weight: 1,630kg (estimate)

Suspension, F/R: MacPherson struts/multi-link

Steering: Electric-assisted rack & pinion

Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs/discs

Tyres: 235/50R18

Price, on-the-road, starting/as tested: JD27,500/JD33,000 (including comprehensive insurance and 6-year/200,000km warranty)