MG HS vs Nissan Qashqai

These two might appear to be unassuming SUVs at first glance, but dig deeper and they tell an interesting tale of just how quickly fortunes can change even for the giants of the automotive sector.

First is the Nissan Qashqai, decked out in white. A long-time sales success for a firm that at one time was the sixth largest automaker in the world but now threatened with insolvency. Its very first iteration may have been a pioneer of the SUV segment, but this latest updated iteration of the third generation of the model must now see to a host of rivals from new Chinese brands.

The MG HS's cabin is decidedly restrained, whereas the cabin in the Qashqai impresses with soft amber leather

And the MG HS, finished in silver, is just one such competitor. MG, of course, is not a new name in the industry (and the MG Rover Group itself is also no stranger to financial troubles), but this firm as we know it was only birthed after Shanghai-based SAIC Motor gained control of the marque in December of 2007. And the firm has since seen considerable sales success abroad, while its local lineup has grown considerably since the brand first arrived here in 2020.

Introductions aside, if you're looking for an SUV that will see to all the demands of your family, just which is the better pick?

Space available for rear passengers is noticeably greater in the MG HS, but you do get a panoramic sunroof in this 'Prestige' trim Qashqai

Space for all

Major differences first: And size is the first divider here. You won't need the benefit of being able place these two next to each other to figure that the MG HS is the larger vehicle.

But we'll save you a scroll through those spec sheets anyways: The MG HS stands 30mm taller and stretching out 230mm longer than the Qashqai. This larger size is apparent even from within, as passengers in the second row will find noticeably greater leg and knee room in the HS.

And there's more treats in store on the MG HS for your passengers. The seats and common contact points here are generously cushioned, and the infotainment system proved easy enough to navigate.

The infotainment systems in both cars are practically on par when it comes to intuitiveness, but general useability in the Qashqai is bolstered thanks to the use of physical controls for its air-conditioning settings

But the Nissan Qashqai more than makes up for its tighter cabin by bringing more style to proceedings. The adoption of Amber Nappa leather (an additional top-up option) and the use of a panoramic sunroof does well to lift the ambience and perceived material quality. And more critically, stands a world away from the widespread use of drab greys in the MG HS.

I was, however, no fan of the faux wood trim in the previous iteration of the Qashqai and ditto the redesigned trim piece on the centre console here. There's just a strange incongruity whenever you come into contact with it: Your eyes tell you it should be open pore wood, but your skin is saying that its definitively plastic.

We are giving the Nissan Qashqai additional points here, though, for its use of physical air-conditioning controls, although we do note that option to change the colour of its ambient lighting system is buried deep within the digital instrument cluster - a strange choice when practically every car we have seen places this within its infotainment system.

The ride in the MG HS is decidedly soft and cushy, but the more accomplished steering in the Qashqai makes it the better car to pilot

Power to play

Another significant divider between these two surfaces once you get behind the wheel.

Hop into the driver's seat of the MG HS and its passenger-leaning setup remains apparent. The steering here is entirely mute and a touch vague, making for an uninspiring drive.

Still, the way the HS rounds off sharp edges from the road is downright impressive, and its seven-speed dual-clutch transmission shifts with a slickness that feels outright premium, points which mean that all your friends aboard will have little to complain about.

The 1.5-litre engine in the MG HS is paired to one slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, while the Nissan's 1.3-litre comes paired with a CVT, the combination working well to deliver quiet drives as long as you don't push the car too hard

Which is more than can be said for the Nissan Qashqai. Paired with a CVT transmission, the 1.3-litre unit here is muted when you're simply cruising about town, but push it harder and it does become unpleasant to listen to. Make a sudden call for hard acceleration and it's also prone to hesitation before finally agreeing to propel the car forward.

It's a good thing that you get none of the droning that used to plague CVT drivetrains of an earlier generation in this Qashqai, and the ride here proves well-judged, with damping force deployed proving sufficient to inspire confidence through corners while still preserving general ride comfort.

Think about where your priorities lie before you select from either of these two excellent SUVs

All at sensible prices

And that brings us over to the issue of price. At $206,800, the Nissan Qashqai has the $218,888 MG HS pipped here, even though this 'Prestige' trim Qashqai as tested is the higher of the two equipment levels available here.

When you take this into account, it's truly hard to pick one over the other. We will say that if you're unconcerned with driving dynamics and prioritise cabin space and passenger comfort over all else, then pick the MG HS.

But the greater cabin and (just barely) more sorted drive of the Qashqai, and even its lower asking price (which is not something we are used to saying when we compare a product against a Chinese rival), perhaps speak of Nissan's greater experience as an auto manufacturer. And if these points weigh heavy on your mind, you really won't be doing much wrong with one of Nissan's more successful nameplates.

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