Happy to be blue

My blue holiday season began when I laid my eyes on the blue MG HS, which I drove happily around metro Manila and beyond for a break.

2022 was a grand blue year, as Argentina had won the World Cup (behind GOAT Messi) and the Ateneo Men’s Basketball team (UAAP) regained the crown. The blues had it.

And then came the blue MG HS. I had been looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the latest global model in MG Philippines’ growing stable of vehicles, since I first saw it driving by a large billboard of the snazzy SUV on SLEX.

“Our mission at MG Philippines is, and has always been, to offer superior quality products and to serve the evolving mobility needs of the Philippine motoring public,” said Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, president and CEO of MG Philippines, at the launch. “The new MG HS is the embodiment of the high standards in design, quality, technology, safety, and value that we at MG Philippines perpetually aim to uphold as a brand. This first quarter of 2022 was significant because this model headlines the arrival of other modern, global, MG vehicles that we intend to launch throughout the year. We at MG Philippines are primed for a very eventful 2023.”

There is a great level of driving excitement behind the wheel of the MG HS. Once inside I was transported into a car-world mode, which is always a delightful place to be in.  The comfortable, sport-style seats with a multitude of red stitching on them and the thick, flat-bottom steering wheel are signs that this SUV was really designed with a sporty feel in mind.

I read the brief that came with the MG HS as I sat in the driver’s seat and began to get a feel of the modern SUV.

First to lighten my mood was the MG Sport Bucket driver seat with 6-way power control that comfortably hugged my body. Having good and comfortable seats are musts because we all know how important being seated comfortably can be, as we spend so much time in our vehicles because of the traffic-laden streets of the metro and nearby provinces.

As I put the driver’s seat in the best position for me, the dashboard of the HS distracted me. The dash is ergonomically designed for easy access, and is highlighted by the vehicle’s 12.3-inch Virtual Driver Information Center and large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system. I played around with the control buttons and was happy to see that this SUV is equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multimedia functionality.

Of course, to make my drive even more fun was the large panoramic Stargazer Sunroof that offered a clear view of the sky above — what a view.

Lastly, not to be missed was the adjustable ambient lighting system that allowed me to change the cabin’s interior lighting color to suit my mood. It was when I fixed the lights to suit me that I knew I was in for a fun and comfortable drive.

The Power Within

As I started, with the push of a button, the 1.5 inline-4 DOHC turbocharged gas engine roared to life. I took in the powerful engine as I sat and listened to the SUV roar. I noticed that the engine is mated to a smooth-shifting 7-speed Twin-Clutch Sportronic Transmission.  As my eyes traveled the dashboard, I saw that the MG HS is equipped with driver aids such as a Blind Spot Detection System, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, EPS 3-mode Adjustable Steering, push start-stop functionality, an electronic parking brake with auto hold, and a proprietary “Sport Mode” that allows for crisper steering and throttle response.  I smiled.

By then I knew I was ready to drive — even if it was the middle of a Saturday afternoon and I knew that the streets would be filled.

I was heading for nearby Nuvali for a dinner — off I went.

Let's Go

I left my home, ready to face whatever traffic jams and bumpy roads came my way. I began to notice people glancing at my 2022 HS stunner. Its swooping bodylines and athletic stance give the HS a sporty profile, while MG’s signature Stardust Grille completes the vehicle’s athletic and distinguished look.

As I got to the last major stoplight before entering SLEX I played around with the light switch as the streets were loaded and motorbikes took control of every little space beside and in front of me.

I saw that lights up front illuminated my path with 9-Crystal Lighting units and powerful LED headlights, with sequential turn-light functionality (also featured on the vehicle’s taillights.) The HS also rolled in style with its 18-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels.

The drive on SLEX was smooth, with the SUV meeting every challenge I gave it while behind the wheel. I stopped on a dime, shifted lanes and did start and stop moves as I drove — the MG HS was just great and made me feel that I was in good control at every turn.

The traffic on SLEX was stop and go that Saturday, so I had time to continue reading the brief. The MG HS SUV has also received international recognition in markets where MG vehicles are available, and has bagged multiple awards over the past couple of years for its numerous product wins, premium features, and excellent value for money. These recognitions include the 2021 Compact SUV of the Year, OneShift by Carousell COTY Awards (Singapore), 2021 SUV of the Year, SGCarMart COTY Awards (Singapore) and 2020 Car of the Year and Best Subcompact Crossover, Middle East COTY Awards (Middle East).

I was impressed.

Almost There

I spotted Nuvali’s restaurants coming up, although there was one more major stoplight before I turned left in to the parking area. It was then that my stomach began to make its presence felt.

As I waited for the light to turn green there was one more thing I remembered: how good value for money the MG HS is. Every MG vehicle is supplemented by MG Philippines’ premium aftersales offers and services. This includes a 5-year or 100,000km warranty (whichever comes first) to set your mind at ease, and MG Hero Services, which provides 24/7 roadside support through the MG Philippines hotline.

MG owners can also download the My MG mobile app, which allows them to easily schedule vehicle service appointments from the convenience of their smartphones. They can also use the app to book a visit from a Mobile Garage service caravan that provides MG owners with vehicle home service for major technical issues.

These services might not seem important with a new vehicle, but they come in handy when we need them.

I finally arrived at the parking area of Nuvali and was excited to go out and eat.

But before I rushed to the restaurant, I took one last glance at this cool blue looker before me. It is hard not to admire its looks. After all, the MG badge is synonymous with freedom, dynamism, innovation, individuality, and affordability. It represents a new wave of vehicles that allows drivers and passengers to enjoy a distinctive automotive experience.

MG is a traditional UK brand established in 1924 and an icon of British automotive history with a long-respected sporting heritage. As I looked, I was reminded that today, MG has become a global brand with the financial backing of SAIC Motor, one of the world’s largest auto manufacturers and exporters, and a high-ranking Fortune 500 company.

My mobile phone beeped and I was told that the folks I was set to meet for the holidays were ready to order — a sign that I should stop gawking and start walking to the agreed eating place. I was happy to have arrived in Nuvali in spite of the traffic I had to drive through to get there.

Driving the MG HS was a breath of fresh air because it dealt with bumps on the road and the swerving motorbike drivers remarkably well — the good braking system and smooth engine saved me.

Drive on.