The crossover car segment has been increasing every year in Bangladesh as many opt for a bigger vehicle than a sedan.
According to BRTA data, 5140 new crossovers and SUVs have been registered only this year alone, compared to 3,565 in 2015.
As bigger cars often offer better safety and comfort compared to smaller options such as the Toyota Axio, Allion and Premio, the numbers have gone up quite significantly.
It was previously unthinkable to compare the vehicles, but now as the prices of crossovers have come down significantly, they are now within reach of many.
To put things in perspective, a brand new Toyota Axio costs Tk16 to 22 lakh depending on the spec, a Premio will set one back around Tk27 to 35 lakh.
Whereas, crossovers such as a Toyota CHR only costs around Tk30 to 36 lakh and the homegrown Proton X70’s high-spec version costs Tk42 lakh.
But the one that is really catching everyone’s eye is the MG HS.
The Chinese made British brand MG HS is priced around Tk37 lakh, brand new right from the dealership-- not too bad for a car with a tremendous heritage that links back to the British Royal family.
The HS is most appealing for its price and the number of features it offers at its price point is quite impressive to most buyers.
The aesthetic appeal of the car comes in a close second to the technological offerings.
Disrupting the mid-ranged SUV/Crossover market in Bangladesh soon after its launch in 2019, the HS promises the most value for your money.
The HS can be compared head-on against the Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson to name a few.
Driving experience
The MG HS comes with a 1500cc turbocharged petrol engine.
Even though there is an engine capacity of 2000cc for the international market, the brand only offers the 1500 cc variant for the Bangladeshi market.
The petrol engine is paired with a choice of two gearboxes: a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto, which also comes with paddles behind the steering wheel.
Though most customers are likely to prefer the automatic transmission here in Bangladesh and quite rightly so, as it suits the car well and makes it more fuel-efficient.
Some drivers who prefer the manual will surely be satisfied with how it performs as it combines a light clutch pedal action with a direct-enough gear change.
It’s also impressively quick to respond, even compared to the automatic transmissions offered in much more expensive rivals.
The suspension of the vehicle is also relatively pretty soft in the standard driving mode. This enhances the vehicle’s ride comfort.
The steering and brakes both feel well balanced, and the HS makes a comfortable, long-distance cruiser.
The crossover is great to go out on long trips with children in the backseat.
Like any modern crossovers, the MG HS will come with a host of safety technology features designed to prevent you from being involved in a crash.
The safety features include Active Emergency Braking, which will recognize an imminent collision and, if needed, it will automatically apply the brakes.
MG suggests this can avoid a low-speed crash (below 12mph) or decrease the effect at higher speeds. Impressively, this can also distinguish pedestrians and motorcycles – only other vehicles can be tracked by identical devices in competitors.
The MG HS scored a maximum five-star safety rating that includes a 92% score for adult occupants and 81% for children during the crash test by independent body Euro NCAP in 2019.
It was rated 64% for its protection of vulnerable road users and 76% for its safety assist features.
The interior
The HS comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes as standard.
The stalk mounted on the left side of the steering column is pretty easy to use once you take a quick look at the functionality.
The vehicle also features Adaptive Cruise Control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
Alongside these features, the high spec model of the HS features a 360° view camera, heated and electrically adjustable bucket seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
One of the biggest advantages of driving an SUV or a crossover is the higher seating positions, giving the driver a more commanding experience while driving.
There’s a reasonable amount of adjustability with the front seats, but, even in their lowest setting, some users have complained that the sitting arrangement is still fairly higher than what they’d like.
There are electric seat adjustment options, but only for the high-spec models and adjustable lumbar support is standard across the range, which helps in supporting the passengers’ lower back in long drives.
Apart from these features, the interior is quite spacious and the entire cabin is relatively much quieter than the competitors, giving the vehicle a more high-end feel.
There’s plenty of legroom in the second row, a competitive luggage space with 463 litres and 451-litre space for the hybrid version.
Two USB ports in that second row will keep the passengers’ devices charged up on the go and keep them occupied on long trips.
Efficiency
MG’s claimed fuel economy might not match its key rivals, but one should be able to travel more than 400 miles on a tank, the petrol tank has a capacity of carrying 55 litres of fuel.
An MG HS plug-in hybrid is also set to go on sale soon in the local market, which will be more efficient – particularly if you can charge it regularly and cover a lot of short journeys.
The MG HS isn’t just an outstanding vehicle; it’s reliable and in the crossover SUV category, it’s one that is packed with a ton of features that isn’t offered by any other brands at that price point.