2025 MG HS Essence Long Term

“Hey, this is just like the one we have at home.” Yes, the kids were onto it. 

We went on holiday in sunny Queensland recently, and the MG we picked up in Brisbane was just like the one we have at home. And just as MG is moving up the sales charts in New Zealand it is doing good business in Australia too. Year-to-date, its sales see it sitting in eighth place, just behind another Chinese maker, GWM. But it’s ahead of the likes of Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Honda. While its sales performance is slightly off this year over the Tasman, it’s more to do with model cycle changes that have seen it introduce new MG3, ZS and HS. But as the rise of GWM and MG shows, the Chinese brands are making inroads in Australia too. We saw plenty of BYD Sharks roaming about (BYD sales have doubled in Oz since its introduction), a heap of GWMs and MGs and even the new Geely EX5 prowling about.

MG’s HS suited us for our time away on the Sunshine Coast. Great to be on holiday while New Zealand was being lashed by wind, rain and plunging temperatures, by the way. The HS is a good size. Our three kids fit comfortably across the back row, minimal squabbling to be heard. The boot also swallowed our three large bags perfectly, with just enough room to spare on top for the carry-on luggage. 

Read more 2025 MG HS Essence Long Term report

Size matters when it comes to parking in tight apartment garages too. We waited patiently while a big Ranger made a 48-point turn as it edged slowly into its spot. Afterwards, the HS slid in without nearly as much fuss, guided by the helpful surround view camera of the Essence model. It’s also the one with sat nav, a feature we rarely use at home, given we know where we are going most of the time. The in-built system is easy to use and you can configure the driver’s screen to show a big map of where you are going which helps too. The directions however, could stand to arrive a little quicker, and it would be helpful if it showed you which lane to be in more definitively as well. But then it’s always nice to see a little more of the place you are traveling through when it gets it wrong and you have to make a slight detour. 

The 1.5T copes well with a full load, plying along comfortably on Queensland highways, and safely as we zoomed around at 110km/h. The state has roughly the same population as New Zealand but the road toll is lower. However, it was rare that we came across oncoming traffic when travelling about, highways often separated by a median barrier, at the least. The condition of the road surfaces is superior too, and major intersections are better controlled. But then they dig a lot of wealth up out of the ground over there. 

A car is a must on a family trip to the Sunshine Coast. It’s a big country and a vehicle lets you get around much easier than being bound to a bus. We know, we tried it last time, and wasted too much time getting about. For those tossing up between the Sunshine Coast and the Goldie, the former is a little more laid back, a better place to go for a relaxing holiday. The Gold Coast is a bit more action packed with its theme parks. We went to Australia Zoo this time, made famous by the late Steve Irwin. It is still family owned and well worth a visit. There’s a lot more on offer than just the crocs, koalas and kangaroos. 

There are other things to do on the Sunshine Coast, rainforest walks and the like, though Aussie World looked like a glorified Easter show, and we passed on Ginger World too; we were never a fan of Julia Gillard anyway. 

If none of that appeals, you can just kick back at your beach accommodations. The water is still warm at this time of the year, swims lasting an hour rather than minutes. The temperature isn’t so hot to be uncomfortable either, about perfect really. 

Apart from the punishing airfares, the trip across is family friendly and there’s little effect from the time zone on young ones’ sleeping habits. The sun does rise early in Queensland however. The beaches may be overdeveloped and some will deem it a high-rise hell but for those with families the apartments make for great accommodation, given they have all the amenities. 

And you will be amazed by how much more you get for your money when going to the supermarket. Not everything is cheaper, but overall your trolley is fuller for less. 

So overall, the Sunshine Coast gets a big thumbs up from us for a family holiday, as does the MG HS; great family SUV value, no matter which side of the Tasman you live on.