Two of an important newcomers to Australia during the last 12 months are the most recent mid-size SUVs from MG and Hyundai.
Arriving in local showrooms throughout the last yr are the second-generation Hyundai Kona and MG S5 EV. Each are fresh and latest, with entry prices right within the five-seater heartland at around $40,000, and so they include the sort of cabin space and equipment now demanded by families.
The all-new Kona is greater than before, creating extra space for the smaller Inster EV underneath it because the South Korean automaker’s city-focused soft-roader, and it is obtainable with a selection of petrol, hybrid or fully electric powertrains.
The MG S5 EV is a landmark model for the Chinese automaker because the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV , and a key a part of a brand new model onslaught that may expand its portfolio and reinforce its ambitions to turn out to be a real top-five player in Australia.
It replaces MG’s original electric vehicle, the MG ZS EV, which landed in 2020 and won its way into greater than 7000 homes by being one among the primary reasonably priced alternatives to a Tesla, and it’s based on the identical underpinnings because the award-winning MG 4 hatchback.
How much?
The MG S5 EV is accessible in two model grades, each with the selection of either a 49kWh or 62kWh battery pack, with prices starting at $40,490 drive-away for the entry-level Excite and topping out at $47,990 drive-away for the range-topping Essence with the larger battery.
| Model | Drive-away pricing |
|---|---|
| MG S5 EV Excite 49kWh | $40,490 |
| MG S5 EV Essence 49kWh | $44,990 |
| MG S5 EV Excite 62kWh | $42,990 |
| MG S5 EV Essence 62kWh | $47,990 |
The Hyundai Kona is obtainable in three trim levels across all three powertrain options, with the flexibility to upgrade to the sportier N-Line treatment with the mid-spec Elite and flagship Premium variants, creating a wider model range.
The petrol-powered models, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, are probably the most reasonably priced, starting at $35,990 drive-away (for NSW buyers within the Sydney CBD) for the eponymous entry variant, and rising through to $49,307.95 plus on-roads for the costliest Premium N-Line version, with the hybrid powertrain costing an additional $4000 across the board.
| Model | Drive-away pricing* |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid | $41,027.95 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite | $44,117.95 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite N Line | $47,732.95 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium | $50,357.95 |
| Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line | $53,507.95 |
Stepping as much as the fully electric variants brings a substantial price premium, with probably the most reasonably priced model – the Standard Range with a 48.6kWh battery – costing from $54,000 plus on-roads, and the costliest – the Prolonged Range Premium N-Line with a 64.8kWh battery – costing $71,000 plus on-roads.
So, from here on in, we’re going to match the flagship MG S5 EV in Essence trim with the long-range 62kWh battery that costs $47,990 drive-away against the Kona Hybrid Premium that costs a bit more at $50,537.95 drive-away (for NSW buyers in Sydney CBD).
What do you get?
The essential equipment in each SUVs is far as expected, and includes every part from electric windows and air-conditioning to big display screens. But, typically of all latest Chinese arrivals, the MG scores a spread of ‘bells and whistles’ that may impress in showrooms.
Shared equipment across each models includes:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Power operated tailgate
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Panoramic sunroof
- Climate control air-conditioning with rear air vents
- Power windows
- Adjustable interior ambient lighting
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Heated front seats
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Leather interior trim
- Digital instrument cluster
- Infotainment touchscreen
- Embedded satellite navigation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Smartphone mirroring
- Wireless phone charger
The Hyundai adds just a few more luxuries including full leather interior trim in comparison with the MG’s mixture of synthetic leather and cloth, plus ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and dual-zone climate control.
Each vehicles include connected services, with smartphone apps allowing for distant access to certain functions while also sending automated notifications and alerts.
Are they protected?
The MG S5 EV scores a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under the most recent protocols whereas the Hyundai only has a four-star rating.
Standard safety features in each vehicles include:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- incl. pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go
- Lane Keeping Assistance
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver monitoring
- Door opening warning
- Speed sign recognition
- Automated high beams
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 360-degree parking display
- Tyre pressure monitoring
Occupants within the Kona are protected by eight airbags, however the MG goes one step further with a centre airbag between the front seats that may reduce injuries for the driving force and passenger in a side-impact collision.
What are they like inside?
The brand new Kona looks vastly more modern inside in comparison with its predecessor, thanks mostly to the large latest digital screen which is well integrated into the dash, unlike many cars that appear to be they’ve an iPad stuck on top.
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Hyundai Kona -
The seats are well shaped and cozy, there may be good space within the back seats for adults, and the boot is roomy in all three directions above a space-saver spare tyre.
So, the Kona is nice, however the MG S5 is a generation ahead when it comes to interior design and final ending. It’s modern and welcoming.
MG knows that is the stuff that gets people committed to its cars, so the form and feel of the physical controls for the air-con and audio rating highly, and it’s the identical for the adjusters on the air vents.
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MG S5 -
There’s a number of cupboard space within the doors, in addition to a big bin within the centre console, which has turn out to be typical for EVs.
The back seat is roomy and so is the 453-litre boot, which is barely larger than the Hyundai’s 407L cargo capability. But there isn’t any spare, only a tyre inflator, which is may very well be a deal-breaker for drivers in pothole-riddled country areas.
What’s under the bonnet?
The EV package within the MG S5 is fairly standard, even though it misses a ‘frunk’ within the nose since the space is used for the battery components.
All variants use the identical 125kW/150Nm electric motor that drives the rear wheels, and have lithium-ion polymer battery packs, with the larger 62kWh unit delivering up 425km of driving range on the WLTP cycle.
It has a better maximum charge rate too, able to utilising 150kW DC fast-chargers (in comparison with 120kW for the smaller 49kWh battery) and may replenish its battery from 30-80 per cent in only over 19 minutes.
The Hyundai, then again, pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electrical motor and a 1.32kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to provide maximum combined outputs of 104kW and 265Nm.
It drives the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and uses regenerative braking to recharge the battery. The Kona Hybrid has a claimed average fuel consumption of three.9L/100km.
Cost of ownership
Aside from charging costs, and fuel for its rival, the MG S5 is roofed by the brand’s benchmark 10-year, 250,000km warranty (seven years and unlimited-km if the automobile is serviced outside the MG dealer network), including free roadside assistance.
Service costs average $393 annually over five years, with intervals of 12 months and 25,000km, and fewer of the wear-and-tear of a combustion package.
The Kona is roofed by a typical five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that’s prolonged to seven years if the vehicle is maintained in keeping with the prescribed schedule through Hyundai’s authorised dealer network.
The Kona requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, with a median cost of $534 for the primary seven years.
CarExpert’s Pick
Like playing the clowns at a fun fair, everyone seems to be a winner here whichever direction you select.
The Kona is a step up from the unique and its vast range of powertrains and model grades also makes it easy to seek out the ‘goldilocks’ automobile for any buyer.
As a (very) reasonably priced battery-electric SUV, the MG is clearly ahead when it comes to value, running costs and aftersales backup, while the design work is great, and the crucial ‘liveability’ factor is high.
The MG S5 EV is already being judged as a landmark automobile for the brand and, with the corporate’s ongoing concentrate on value and customer satisfaction, it mustn’t be ignored.
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This Article First Appeared At www.carexpert.com.au
