First Drive MG HS Magnify i-Smart

First Drive MG HS Magnify i-Smart -  Cutting-edge technology games are very clearly utilized as the selling point of today's SUVs. More precisely in the realm of device connectivity and automatic control support. The contestants in the struggle of large SUVs to small crossovers even like believing that these two highlights are the most potent in recent times.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

Can be seen in the refinement of various existing models or the arrival of cute and modern players. In general, without comparing classes, arguably the most interesting of all current players is Wuling Almaz RS. It adopts internet-based connectivity between cars and smartphones that is comprehensive enough to set up an Advanced Driving Assist System (ADAS) and is sold with attractive price tag. Even the suv lineup in the premium strata is not necessarily as complete as him.

But maybe Almaz RS is not the only model that looks super sophisticated on the market. Because immediately paving a new product from MG that is no less interesting, no less great, and also remains a relatively affordable alternative. The MG HS Magnify i-Smart, sets up internet-based connectivity, voice command for feature operation, and complete ADAS support. It is planned that it will be inaugurated on June 2, 2021. But before that, I had the opportunity to try this British branded SUV.

What's New Is Just an Infotainment System

Basically, mg HS this one is not a new model. The name "Magnify" is used to assign a new variant level. Airs in the top layer of the MG HS atmosphere. It has not been said how much it will cost. Even so, it is expected not to reach Rp 500 million when referring to the current highest price at Rp 435.8 million with Jakarta OTR status.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

For the price of the Honda CR-V the middle variant but prepare a proposal for more attractive features from the most expensive type of the main player. How great is it? Later explained. But when viewed, at first glance there is no obvious difference from the existing version of the highest trim, Ignite. Still in the initial design phase of HS with the sensation of mazda-an, including the business of choosing fashion and trinkets completeness.

From the eyes to the feet it looks very familiar. Indicates an SUV carrying non-inferior supplies. Examples on the main lighting LED projector plus sein sequential integrated DRL. Also the rear combination light of the diode glow. The most noticeable is the black layer on the roof in the form of panoramic sunroof boosting style and prestige following the use of 18-inch rims of ash dwiwarna and alloy polish.

Without involving the role of the device first, the operation of access is very identical ignite trim. Offer all the facilities of the present. Call it a smart entry in the form of a button on the door. Can unlock without needing to be busy with a pants pocket. Arm muscles are greatly lightened when it comes to opening the trunk because with one touch the door can open or close electrically.

Enter the cabin, soft material play and red dominance over black instantly greet. Frenetic components of sporty sensations are not stripped away anyway. Including an electric bench style bucket seat intact to shortcut sport driving mode on the steering wheel.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

Modern sensations are then emitted with electrical and digital smells. Includes a complete electric parking brake auto hold function, a combination of screen instrumentation and needles, up to the touchscreen infotainment system as the center of control of various features. All of that then aired classy ambient lighting in the style of premium cars.

However, when I first glanced at the style of the entertainment interface, HS Magnify's unit was enough to amaze me. Play an elegant monochrome color selection that hints at more ability. Arguably, this is the main and only difference visually from ignite trim. Smartphone integration to dual zone climate control is available. The main difference is the existence of smart navigation maps in it. But not limited to style and navigational ability, it actually plays an important role in magnify differentiation.

Today's Supplements Are Successful in Making It Smarter

If departing from the eye is indeed fleeting like the usual MG HS Ignite with a new infotainment system. Even so, the "i-Smart" emblem attached to the trunk indicates that it is more than that. Serve internet-based connectivity until the driving assistant is active. Well, embedding the technology behind the body is guaranteed to provide a different driving experience.

The package itself is divided into four pillars, namely Smart Check, Smart Command, Smart Connect, and Smart Drive. The main highlight is the device connection through the MG i-Smart application. It gives smartphones the ability to access vehicle information and features without being hindered by distance – as long as each side of the car and smartphone has a stable internet connection.

How functional and what is it really necessary? Please value yourself. Smart Check offers capabilities such as Remote Vehicle Control. Smartphones can be used to power the engine and air conditioner before traveling, activating lights or horns to find parking positions, following operating the door lock. Its security is then maintained by a special password when operating the feature.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

From the smartphone can also check the condition of the vehicle through Remote Vehicle Diagnosis. Quite comprehensive from the status of the door, cabin temperature, to the tire wind pressure. Furthermore, there is a Geo Fence to limit the vehicle's area of motion. Will give a notification when penetrating the digital fence. Yep, at least it can bring calm when being left behind or used by other users.

To note, the reality of the relationship between smartphones and cars is not only smooth. Yep, because it depends on how well the internet signal catches each side. There are times when the operation cannot be executed due to a bad signal.

A pretty good feature is located in the Travel Plan. You can prepare a time plan and travel destination before leaving. One more ability in the form of MG Touch Point to find out where the nearest MG service is located.

Further to Smart Command, this plot will facilitate travel while increasing the potential for driving safety. Not foreign, indeed. The vehicle can respond to the command of English-language sounds from the driver in the operation of the feature. Just call the assistant by saying "hello MG".

It can't recognize Indonesian but that doesn't mean it's a little ability. Sixty standard samples are provided to set up infotainment systems, vehicle features (windows, sunroofs, air conditioners, etc.), telephone, radio, music, and navigation. But besides that, the system is also intuitive. You can also recognize everyday languages such as "I'm cold", "I'm hungry", and others.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

Yes, hungry vents to MG voice assistants will be responded to with a selection of restaurants nearby. It is included in the third pillar, MG Connect. The system can display travel guides and smart navigation through Point of Interest (POI) determination. All based on the internet. Meanwhile, smartphone integration can be done via Apple CarPlay or EasyCon for the Android operating system. All of this can be enjoyed in the new infotainment system at HS.

Try an Active Driving Assistant

ADAS technology seems to be mushrooming to lower castes. Transmitted to one by one models on the market without the need for exorbitant ransom. MG HS Magnify did not escape the spread. Wrapped in MG Pilot technology that falls under the fourth pillar of i-Smart, smart drive. Without lingering, I invited HS Magnify from the preview location at The Springs Club Gading Serpong, Tangerang.

One other new function can be enjoyed directly on the infotainment system when exiting the parking lot. MG HS Magnify is much more capable of blind spot detection. Because it is not limited to blind spot area indicators and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as in the Ignite variant. It adopts exterior cameras on various sides to display 360-degree images. Moreover, the left and right side blind spots of the front wheel are opened respectively with the addition of fender animation. Open the inner eye to areas that are difficult to monitor in order to maintain the exterior health of the car from the recklessness of the driver. Impressive, it makes it feel quite premium.

Brought forward, the i-Smart offers ride-load lightening inside and outside the city. Yep, the sensor and camera suite allowed HS to adopt the Adaptive Cruise Control feature. Just press the button at the end of stalk cruise control, the constant rate following the adjustment of speed with the vehicle in front of it is able to provide. But in addition, its function can also be used when traveling or at low speeds through Traffic Jam Assist.

The movement of the car in front can be followed well automatically up to a predetermined speed. Even so, the execution is not as smooth as the disopiri chauffeur Rolls Royce most experienced in the world. Especially when braking, there is little doubt as to how strong the caliper bite should be given to the system. Just a little bit is without feeling a disturbing pound. Towards a sense of natural control just hasn't arrived yet.

Not limited to lightening the burden of the driver, the system can also improve safety. Help avoid the risk of wretched front crashes with the presence of Forward Collision Warning (FCW). Not trying to be direct but quite calming when he found out he had pre-harm help. Meanwhile, other support in the form of Intelligent High-beam Control that can set the lights away so as not to dazzle other drivers.

The guard post driving position in one lane does not miss enlivening this new variant HS technology package. These include Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, and Lane Keep Assist. It said it needed to cross the speed limit of 60 kph in order to activate the system. Because it rotates in a dense area, it is rather difficult to go constant in that number.

At least I can get an idea of his ability. Of course, to be able to drive in one lane needs a road sign that is read because the logic of the car based on the patron mark. When switching lanes without activating the indicator, immediately the system provides audiovisual warnings along with steering wheel vibrations so that the driver can immediately be aware of the direction.

It's still a fun SUV

Despite all the technology, MG HS Magnify is still a comfortable SUV and happy to be invited to drive. From the composition of the supporting handling favors unchanged. The front MacPherson Strut suspension arrangement and rear Multi-Link are on a rigid but not hard spectrum. It will not feel floating, believed to be passionate when taken to a winding mountain area.

MG HS Magnify i-Smart

Same with the drive. Although not being the most powerful unit in a medium-extraction monococcal SUV is quite enough. Relying on a 1,500 cc turbo four-cylinder unit can produce 162 PS of power at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm at 1,700-4,400 rpm. Making it even more interesting is the utilization of a 7-speed DCT power distributor. Make the gear shift feel deft and on target. Not to mention embedded car response regulator with three driving modes.

Extra connectivity support and ADAS clearly complement the MG HS's main weapon for alluring. Basically, it can be concluded as an alternative that should not be escaped from the main players sedimentation. It's about the price and the reward. If it is really priced at less than Rp 500 million, less interesting what? It offers additional technology in addition to features that are actually quite complete and classy. If in doubt, there's nothing wrong with trying first. We just wait for certainty how interesting MG HS Magnify i-Smart at the launch moment later.