Verdict
The MG HS makes the stronger value case: its 250 Nm turbo engine has 37 Nm more torque than the Mazda CX-5’s 213 Nm, and its 463-litre boot is 21 litres larger. It also brings a panoramic glass roof and powered driver’s seat. The CX-5 counters with a 162 hp 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 40:20:40 rear bench. Its RM439 annual road tax is far higher than the MG’s RM120, however. Choose the Mazda for its more useful cabin details; choose the MG for torque, cargo space and lower running tax.
Pick the Mazda CX-5 if dual-zone air-con, wireless smartphone connectivity and a 40:20:40 rear seat matter more than extra torque and boot space.
Pick the MG HS if you want 250 Nm, a 463-litre boot, panoramic glass roof and RM120 annual road tax for less money.
Key differences
- Price: Mazda CX-5 RM134,469; MG HS RM129,900.
- Engine torque: Mazda CX-5 213 Nm; MG HS 250 Nm.
- Boot space: Mazda CX-5 442 litres; MG HS 463 litres.
- Annual road tax: Mazda CX-5 RM439; MG HS RM120.
- Rear-seat split: Mazda CX-5 40:20:40; MG HS 60:40.
- Smartphone connection: Mazda CX-5 wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; MG HS wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
CX-5
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats
- RM4,569 dearer
- 37 Nm less torque
- 21-litre smaller boot
HS
- 250 Nm turbocharged torque
- 463-litre boot and panoramic glass roof
- Powered driver’s seat and lower RM120 road tax
- Single-zone automatic climate control
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 60:40 rear-seat split is less flexible
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM134,469 | RM129,900✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM120✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Direct Injection and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,490 cc |
| Horsepower | 162 hp✓ | 160 hp |
| Torque | 213 Nm | 250 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 83.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 13 | 11.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Dual-clutch Automatic (Dry) |
| Transmission Name | SkyActiv-Drive with Manual Shift and Sport mode | 7-speed, Twin-clutch Transmission |
| Gears | 6 | 7 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mazda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | — |
| Top Speed | 176 km/h | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,550 mm | 4,574 mm |
| Width | 1,840 mm | 1,876 mm |
| Height | 1,675 mm | 1,664 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Weight | 1,588 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 56 litres | 55 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 442 litres | 463 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental CrossContact LX Sport | Maxxis Bravo HPM5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Thailand (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available On Outer Two Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Front Seats Only | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Front Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 USB, 1 Wireless Charger | 1 Front, 4 USB |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 8.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 Speakers | 10.25" Touchscreen with Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 100,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 7 Years/Unlimited Mileage Warranty on Powertrain |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used CX-5 & HS for sale
CX-5 vs HS FAQ
Is the Mazda CX-5 or MG HS better?
The MG HS is better for torque, boot space, panoramic roof and lower road tax. The Mazda CX-5 is the better fit if you value dual-zone air-con, wireless phone connectivity and a more flexible 40:20:40 rear seat.
What is the price difference?
The Mazda CX-5 costs RM4,569 more than the MG HS: RM134,469 versus RM129,900.
Which has the larger boot?
The MG HS has the larger boot at 463 litres, 21 litres ahead of the Mazda CX-5’s 442 litres. The Mazda counters with a more versatile 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat, versus the MG’s 60:40 arrangement.
