Two of the most important newcomers to Australia over the last 12 months are the latest mid-size SUVs from MG and Hyundai.
Arriving in local showrooms during the last year are the second-generation Hyundai Kona and MG S5 EV. Both are fresh and new, with entry prices right in the five-seater heartland at around $40,000, and they come with the kind of cabin space and equipment now demanded by families.
The all-new Kona is bigger than before, creating more space for the smaller Inster EV underneath it as the South Korean automaker’s city-focused soft-roader, and it is offered with a choice of petrol, hybrid or fully electric powertrains.
The MG S5 EV is a landmark model for the Chinese automaker as the brand’s first dedicated battery-electric SUV , and a key part of a new model onslaught that will expand its portfolio and reinforce its ambitions to become a genuine 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 more than 7000 homes by being one of the first affordable alternatives to a Tesla, and it’s based on the same underpinnings as the award-winning MG 4 hatchback.
How much?
The MG S5 EV is available in two model grades, each with the choice 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 offered in three trim levels across all three powertrain options, with the ability to upgrade to the sportier N-Line treatment with the mid-spec Elite and flagship Premium variants, creating a much broader model range.
The petrol-powered models, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, are the most affordable, starting at $35,990 drive-away (for NSW buyers in the Sydney CBD) for the eponymous entry variant, and rising through to $49,307.95 plus on-roads for the most expensive Premium N-Line version, with the hybrid powertrain costing an extra $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 up to the fully electric variants brings a considerable price premium, with the most affordable model – the Standard Range with a 48.6kWh battery – costing from $54,000 plus on-roads, and the most expensive – the Extended Range Premium N-Line with a 64.8kWh battery – costing $71,000 plus on-roads.
So, from here on in, we’re going to compare 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 little more at $50,537.95 drive-away (for NSW buyers in Sydney CBD).
What do you get?
The basic equipment in both SUVs is much as expected, and includes everything from electric windows and air-conditioning to big display screens. But, typically of all new Chinese arrivals, the MG scores a range of ‘bells and whistles’ that will impress in showrooms.
Shared equipment across both 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 a few more luxuries including full leather interior trim compared to the MG’s mix of synthetic leather and cloth, plus ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and dual-zone climate control.
Both vehicles come with connected services, with smartphone apps allowing for remote access to certain functions while also sending automated notifications and alerts.
Are they safe?
The MG S5 EV scores a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest protocols whereas the Hyundai only has a four-star rating.
Standard safety features in both 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 in the Kona are protected by eight airbags, but the MG goes one step further with a centre airbag between the front seats that can reduce injuries for the driver and passenger in a side-impact collision.
What are they like inside?
The new Kona looks vastly more modern inside compared to its predecessor, thanks mostly to the big new digital screen which is well integrated into the dash, unlike many cars that look like they have an iPad stuck on top.
The seats are well shaped and comfortable, there is good space in the back seats for adults, and the boot is roomy in all three directions above a space-saver spare tyre.
So, the Kona is good, but the MG S5 is a generation ahead in terms of interior design and final finishing. It’s modern and inviting.
MG knows this is the stuff that gets people committed to its cars, so the shape and feel of the physical controls for the air-con and audio score highly, and it’s the same for the adjusters on the air vents.
There is lots of storage space in the doors, as well as a large bin in the centre console, which has become typical for EVs.
The back seat is roomy and so is the 453-litre boot, which is slightly bigger than the Hyundai’s 407L cargo capacity. But there is no spare, just a tyre inflator, which is could be a deal-breaker for drivers in pothole-riddled country areas.
What’s under the bonnet?
The EV package in the MG S5 is fairly standard, although it misses a ‘frunk’ in the nose because the space is used for the battery components.
All variants use the same 125kW/150Nm electric motor that drives the rear wheels, and feature lithium-ion polymer battery packs, with the larger 62kWh unit delivering up 425km of driving range on the WLTP cycle.
It has a higher maximum charge rate too, capable of utilising 150kW DC fast-chargers (compared to 120kW for the smaller 49kWh battery) and can replenish its battery from 30-80 per cent in just over 19 minutes.
The Hyundai, on the other hand, pairs a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a 1.32kWh lithium-ion polymer battery to produce 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 3.9L/100km.
Cost of ownership
Apart from charging costs, and fuel for its rival, the MG S5 is covered by the brand’s benchmark 10-year, 250,000km warranty (seven years and unlimited-km if the car 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 less of the wear-and-tear of a combustion package.
The Kona is covered by a standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that is extended to seven years if the vehicle is maintained according to the prescribed schedule through Hyundai’s authorised dealer network.
The Kona requires servicing every 12 months or 15,000km, with an average cost of $534 for the first seven years.
CarExpert’s Pick
Like playing the clowns at a fun fair, everyone is a winner here whichever direction you choose.
The Kona is a step up from the original and its vast range of powertrains and model grades also makes it easy to find the ‘goldilocks’ car for any buyer.
As a (very) affordable battery-electric SUV, the MG is clearly ahead in terms of 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 car for the brand and, with the company’s ongoing focus on value and customer satisfaction, it should not be overlooked.
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