The MG HS Core is a midsize SUV, and it’s being tagged as one of the most prudent buys in the market due to its small price tag of just $30,000. MG has a reputation for producing good value models, and SUV sales have never been better, so the HS Core comes at a great time.
For the price tag, there is an expectation that the SUV will have poor build quality, but that is not the case. It has a petrol engine and a choice of two transmissions, not to mention excellent cabin materials.
Let’s See What the MG HS Core Offers
Exterior
MG fitted the HS Core with automatic halogen projector headlights and LED daytime running lights. It appears sporty and very much in step with their Japanese rivals.
The MG SUV differs from the others in the segment by turning to curvy design elements, whereas the Mazda and Toyota have gone for sharp angles in recent years. The model has a combination of trendy with a dash of practicality.
It also features LED taillights and 17-inch alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, rear parking sensors, and a reversing camera. It does not have roof rails or fog lights, but these are the only features missing from the modern midsize SUV.
Performance
At the heart of the HS Core beats a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine rated at 119 kW for general city driving. It comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, but you can also opt for a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that would suit a slow driving approach, which is smoother during acceleration.
These options are available at the base level, with a 2.0-litre unit available at the top of the range. The 2021 MG HS Core has a fuel economy of 7.0L per 100 kilometres on average, and the engine is Euro 5 compliant with an emissions rate of 170 g/kilometre.
Interior
The interior of the SUV is also one of the significant strengths of the model. It has a fresh look with a lot of contemporary and trendy design elements. It has a 10.1-inch multimedia infotainment system complete with Android Auto, as well as Apple CarPlay.
The ride is comfortable and suitable for long distances, thanks to the adequate room in the rear. The legroom is sufficient, with only a slight hump on the floor. The same thing can be said about the headroom, which comfortably seats three adults in the back. Passengers in the back will also get to enjoy amenities like cup-holders but without 12-volt outlets or USB ports.
The cargo area has a high floor height and may offer more than 46 litres considering there is a lot of unused space between the floor and the top of the modest space saver below it. It can provide 1,287 litres to the window line should the rear seats be pushed back. The boot is also carpeted, which is a thoughtful addition.
Safety
The 2021 MG HS Core does not skimp on safety features, resulting in a 5-star ANCAP rating. It has an all-speed autonomous braking complete with detection features for pedestrians and cyclists. There is also traffic jam assist, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and active lane keep assist.
This midsize SUV has six airbags with coveralls in the front, side, and curtains. It also has ISOFIX and top tether child seat anchorages in the back, which is not a standard feature with most SUVs.
What Are the Common Problems with MG Core?
The MG Core Australia has not been around long enough to collect many reviews of common issues though there have been some complaints here and there. Most of these grievances concern the build itself rather than chronic faults.
For instance, many people complain about the MG Core SUV’s lacklustre performance, which is most likely because it is underpowered. It does have a six-speed manual transmission, but that can only do so much with a 1.5-litre engine.
The other issue is the lack of a diesel option, so there’s barely an alternative when it comes to the powertrain. Those who desire higher performance will have to get the top-of-the-range model.
The other problem is the slightly smaller boot than what its rivals offer. Considering the HS Core is a midsize SUV, there are expectations on the cargo capacity with a potentially large family. The SUV also does not have an off-roading bone in its body.
It is made for the suburbs and the city rather than the countryside. That is evident in the ride height and the fact the base model only comes in front-wheel drive, while the highest level is available with all-wheel drive.
There are chronic issues to consider, though these are not endemic enough to cause panic. There is a potential for the transmission to act up where it has delays on take-off. The dual-clutch transmissions may haunt the brand with a short lifespan.
There are a few symptoms to look out for, such as engagement delays, general harshness, and hard shifting. These are the primary signs that the gearbox has a problem.
Some of the causes of the issues may be premature wear within the clutch packs, leading to shuddering. The electronics may also have a problem, or the internals could be worn, so there are delays in selecting gears. In any case, it would be advisable to take any fault that is not inherent back to the dealer because it would probably be within the factory warranty period.
There is room for improvement within the MG Core Australia when it comes to the finer details, and it is most noticeable in the powertrain when it comes to tuning and calibration. The dual-clutch gearboxes are also a bit hard to get right, and this example needs more work for it to be perfect.
For the price and what it packs with it, you can’t beat the MG HS Core!
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