MG HS 1.5T Luxury

MG's three-model return to the South African market has so far proven something of a hit-and-miss affair.

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Having been suitably wowed by the ballistic pace and presence of the scissor-doored Cyberster roadster in our March issue, we were left feeling a little divided by the MG ZS 1.5 Luxury that we tested in our April 2025 issue.

On the one hand, it represents a value-packed and broadly pleasant product but on the other, it felt every bit its 2017 vintage in terms of powertrain, handling and cabin execution. So, with the introduction of the HS - a model that was unveiled at last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed - we were presented with the opportunity to see what a more modern MG product has to offer.

It must be said that with the influx of Chinese models coming into the local market, we are seeing a cookie-cutter phenomenon when it comes to their designs; generally looking modern and neat, but ultimately quite 'samey'. Thankfully, the HS manages to cut quite a distinctive figure, incorporating strong haunches and a broad, scalloped bonnet that crowns sizeable LED headlamps and a prominent grille with scale-like louvres. The rear aspect is particularly pleasing, with the faceted 'shard' brakelamp lenses a UK-flavoured nod to the modern London skyscraper of the same name.