MG has once again shocked the market with the attractive pricing and features of its new model.
The new HS sport utility vehicle launched on September 25 is priced at Bt919,000 for the C trim, Bt1.019 million for the D trim and Bt1.119 million for the top-of-the-line X trim. However, MG is offering a Bt34,000 discount (or equivalent in accessories) plus 4-year/120,000 standard warranty for the first 1,000 customers.
Earlier this year MG launched its first electric vehicle in Thailand, the ZS EV, which is priced at only Bt1.19 million, thanks to a China-Thai free trade agreement that allows for tariff-free import for the vehicle. It has since become a highly popular model for MG, with over 1,000 orders being placed since it was launched in late June.
Based on the MG X Motion concept, the HS was first introduced last year at the Beijing Auto Show, alongside its sibling the Roewe Marvel X.
The Thai market gets a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine that is E85-compatible that’s mated to a sporty 7-speed twin-clutch transmission. The maximum output is claimed at 162hp while 250Nm of torque is available from 1,700rpm, which are pretty outstanding figures. MG claims 0-100km/h acceleration in under 10 seconds, beating Japanese SUVs and even sedans within the same price range.
MG says the HS features a Euro Tuning suspension, with McPherson struts up front and multi-link format at the rear.
One of the main highlights of all new MG models is the i-SMART intelligent connectivity system that features Thai voice recognition and a host of other trendy functions. The display is on a 10-inch touchscreen on the center console and a 7-inch multi-function display on the instrument panel.
The HS also comes with a comprehensive list of safety features, passive and active. There are 6 airbags and 3D Around View Monitor, along with an intelligent driver assistance package that includes the following:
• Lane Change Assist (LCA)
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Intelligent High-Beam Control (IHC)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
The climate control system features air vents for the rear passengers, there is smart entry, and the tailgate is electrically-powered.
The interior features sports seats with Alcantara leather with red and black stitching for the top model. The rear seats can be reclined and folded, and there is a 64-color interactive ambient lighting system that can be set to match with the driving mode.
Pongsak Lertruedeewattanavong, vice president of distributor MG Sales (Thailand) Co Ltd, said, “For the past five years, MG has been working at our full capacity to prove Thai customers that we are determined to excite Thai automotive market with constant releases of new products with our outstanding innovations. For this year, we are expanding our reach with new products across various key segments to ensure MG can accommodate all needs of Thai customers.
“We made our breakthrough in Thai SUV market with MG GS released three years ago, followed by the MG ZS. These two models have been positively welcomed by Thai customers and they have successfully established the brand MG as a key player in B-SUV and C-SUV segments. The MG ZS is considered as our pinnacle in paving a way for a new vehicle segment in Thailand based on MG’s product specialty and this newly paved vehicle segment has been interested by Thai car owners since then. MG is certain that NEW MG HS announced today is going to be a new milestone of both our brand and SUV market of Thailand.”
i-SMART features
The voice recognition feature in Thai supports various daily commands such as making a call, controlling the audio system, adjusting the air-conditioning, opening or closing the driver’s side window, or even open or close the sunroof.
It can be used to facilitate trip planning by locating points of interest through navigation system.
The operating system can also be operated through a touchscreen at the console or via MG Mobile Application on compatible smart devices.
Smart Connect is a feature allowing driver to search for songs on online music streaming services, popular restaurants, tourist attractions, and hotels. It can also display latest news or traffic information on central screen too.
For security and maintenance, Smart Check provides a worry-free vehicle status update and basic inspection in just taps away. Through MG Mobile Application, it can lock or unlock doors, locate the vehicle, notify if things are not in pristine condition, locate nearby authorized service centers, and digitally record all maintenance history.
