2021 MG HS Review: Snapshot of the Essence
The Essence is the top class of the MG HS midsize SUV range, and the only one available in either front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or an interesting plug-in hybrid.
The front-wheel drive variant is priced at $38,990, the all-wheel drive is $42,990 and the Halo PHEV is $46,990.
The most basic front-wheel drive model is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 119kW/250Nm mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine capable of 168kW/360Nm, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Finally, the top-of-the-range PHEV powers the front wheels with a combination of a standard 1.5-litre engine and a 90kW/230Nm electric motor, both mated to a 10-speed traditional torque converter automatic transmission.
All HS grades require 95 octane mid-range unleaded petrol, with front-wheel drive having an official/combined mpg rating of 7.3L/100km, AWD 9.5L/100km and PHEV just 1.7L/100km. .
Essence standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.1-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a semi-digital instrument cluster, built-in sat-nav, LED headlights and DRLs with animated LEDs, and an interior. ambient lighting, alloy pedals, push-button ignition with keyless entry, a power liftgate, power-adjustable heated front seats with a sportier synthetic leather design, puddle lighting for the driver's door, and a panoramic sunroof. The PHEV adds a fully digital instrument cluster and is available in the signature "Clipper Blue" livery.
Like all HS models, the Essence is equipped with the full MG Pilot safety package consisting of automatic emergency braking up to 150 km/h and pedestrian detection up to 64 km/h, lane keeping assist with lane keeping. Departure warning, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, automatic high beams, traffic sign recognition and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist.
There's plenty of room for adults in the front and back rows despite the high seating position, and the storage options are good too. Essence has dual adjustable back row air vents with two USB outputs.
Trunk volume is 451 liters (VDA), which is the lowest figure in the mid-size SUV segment. The all-petrol models save floor space, while the plug-in hybrid makes do with a repair kit and a cut-out under the floor for the included charger.
The electric motor of the PHEV is powered by a 16.6 kWh Li-ion battery pack, which is only suitable for an electric vehicle at a distance of just over 50 km, which can be charged at a maximum rate of 7.2 kW through the EU type 2 AC charging port.
The 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter turbo options are covered by a seven-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the PHEV comes with just five years and unlimited miles, with a separate eight-year, 160,000-kilometer lithium battery warranty. . At the time of writing, the limited price service has not yet been fixed.
