New MG HS vs Citroen C5 Aircross vs Mazda CX-5: verdict
The Citroen C5 Aircross and Mazda CX-5 are the best benchmarks for the new Chinese-built MG HS...
Our verdict
So, has the HS proved to be a pleasant surprise? It might well appear not, but although it’s last here, it’s by no means least. If you’re after a few luxuries, its generously equipped, plush interior will appeal, as will its gutsy engine and spacious rear seats. However, it’s hard to ignore such a small boot in this company, while the ride, handling and refinement are average. It’s expensive on PCP finance as well.
In second place is the C5 Aircross, an SUV that will appeal to those who want largely comfortable, quiet journeys and don’t want to break the bank. It scores strongly for the flexible rear seats and generous boot, too. Counting against it are its wallowy handling, cheapest-feeling interior and stingy standard kit.
That leaves the CX-5 to sneak its way onto the throne. You may have to work its engine the hardest and put up with a little fidget in its ride, but it has a classy interior and a spacious boot, along with a high-quality interior and the best-resolved handling. It’s proven to be the safest and most reliable here, too.
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1st – Mazda CX-5 - 4 stars
For Best driving position; most reliable large SUV; safest in a crash and has plenty of kit to prevent one; tidiest handling
Against Engine is gutless at low revs; jiggliest ride
Recommended options Metallic paint (£560)
Read our full Mazda CX-5 review
Find a great Mazda CX-5 deal
2nd – Citroen C5 Aircross - 4 stars
For Soft ride; flexible rear seats; biggest boot; punchy acceleration; quietest cruiser
Against Sloppy handling; Citroën’s mediocre reliability; the least standard kit; interior quality
Recommended options City Camera Pack (£200), metallic paint (£545), Safety Plus Pack (£200)
Read our full Citroen C5 Aircross review
Find a great Citroen C5 Aircross deal
3rd – MG HS - 4 stars
For Strongest engine; seriously well equipped; plushest interior; spacious rear seats
Against Pokey boot; dim-witted infotainment system; heaviest depreciation
Recommended options Metallic paint (£545)
Read our full MG HS review
Find a great MG HS deal
Specifications: Citroen C5 Aircross Puretech 130 Feel
- Engine size 3cyl, 1199cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £24,435
- Target Price £21,368
- Power 129bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque 170lb ft @ 1750rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 10.9sec
- Top speed 117mph
- Gov't fuel economy 44.2mpg (WLTP combined)
- Test MPG 35.7mpg
- CO2 emissions 119g/km
Specifications: Mazda CX-5 2.0 Skyactiv-G SE-L Nav+
- Engine size 4cyl, 1998cc, petrol
- List price £25,600
- Target Price £23,517
- Power 163bhp @ 6000rpm
- Torque 157lb ft @ 4000rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.9sec
- Top speed 125mph
- Gov't fuel economy 38.2mpg (WLTP combined)
- Test MPG 35.6mpg
- CO2 emissions 146g/km
Specifications: MG HS 1.5 T-GDI Exclusive
- Engine size 4cyl, 1490cc, turbo, petrol
- List price £22,995
- Target Price £22,995
- Power 160bhp @ 5500rpm
- Torque 184lb ft @ 1500-4400rpm
- Gearbox 6-spd manual
- 0-60mph 9.0sec
- Top speed 118mph
- Gov't fuel economy 37.2mpg (WLTP combined)
- Test MPG 33.7mpg
- CO2 emissions 148g/km
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