Top-spec MG HS Essence priced from $36,990

UPDATED: 19/06/2020

MG MOTOR has revealed the flagship Essence variant of its HS mid-sized SUV ahead of its introduction to the Australian market next month, priced from $36,990 plus on-road costs – $4000 upstream of the now mid-spec Excite.

Originally slated to land here in April, the Essence is underpinned by the same front-wheel-drive set-up as the entry-level Vibe and previously mentioned Excite and is powered by the same 125kW/250Nm turbo-charged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine.

Drive is still sent to the road via the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with the only difference laying in the longer standard equipment list.

Based on the already generous spec of the Excite, the Essence adds a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, red interior option and sportier seats.

For reference, the Excite comes as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, electronic tailgate, Super Sport drive mode, paddle gear shifters, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, LED head- and tail-lights, LED ambient lighting, multifunction leather steering wheel and ‘partially virtual’ instrument panel, Bluetooth audio, 10.1-inch infotainment screen, keyless entry and push-button start, four USB ports (two front, two rear), auto-dimming rearview mirror and a cooled centre console storage compartment.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard across the range.

Just like the rest of the range, the Essence carries a five-star safety rating thanks to the MG Pilot safety suite, electronic traction and stability control, ABS brakes, active yaw control, electronic brake-force distribution, hydraulic brake booster, brake disc wiping, hill-hold control, automatic headlights, reversing camera and six airbags.

MG Motor Australia chief executive Peter Ciao said the HS had already proved a popular addition to the brand’s line-up.

“Moving into the second half of the year, this range-topping yet value driven model is one we’re excited to bring to our customers, with a range of additional features we know they’ll enjoy,” he said.

While the range may now be complete in terms of trim levels, there are still more variants on the way for the HS with a far more potent 2.0-litre turbo, all-wheel-drive version set to touch down in the fourth quarter of this year as well as two plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants and a battery-electric version.

Speaking exclusively to GoAuto at the HS media launch in February, Mr Ciao said there would “be a great choice” of powertrains for customers once all the variants have arrived.

“If you want to have the feeling of a pure-electric vehicle when driving, we’re a good choice, but if you worry with a pure-electric vehicle about charging it up, we’ll still give you a traditional power choice,” he said at the time.

While no details have been revealed yet as to the hybrids or EV, the force-fed 2.0-litre – already available overseas – churns out 170kW and 370Nm and should return a combined fuel economy of 8.2L/100km compared to the 1.5-litre’s 7.2L/100km.

So far this year ending May, MG has shifted 801 examples of the HS, accounting for a slim 1.5 per cent share of the increasingly crowded sub-$60,000 medium SUV segment.

2020 MG HS pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs