Capturing the magic of South Gippsland with the MG HS

As a photographer, the opportunity to test out new equipment is always exciting. So, when I was handed the keys to the MG HS Essence, one of MG’s most popular models, I was eager to see how it would handle my demanding schedule and large amounts of gear. I planned a two-day adventure down to the South Gippsland region to capture the beauty and magic that Victorian winter light offers. Along for the ride was my new road trip buddy, Cleo, my nine-month-old pup.

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My initial impression of the MG HS Essence was positive. I loved the bright blue colour and the panoramic roof, which made the interior feel airy and spacious. Loading the car, I was pleased to find that the rear seats folded completely flat, which is a photographer's dream. The space then had a huge loading platform for all my camera gear, lighting tripods, and other paraphernalia. I packed the back with all my equipment and our overnight luggage, leaving Cleo to ride up front. Fortunately, I had the ideal setup to keep her safe and comfortable in a designated dog bed with a harness and car restraint.

Setting off down the South Gippsland Highway, I aimed to arrive in time to capture the sunset over Western Port Bay. Engaging the cruise control was simple, and I found the lane distancing setting easily adjustable for maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles on the highway. As someone who is small in build and stature, I found the seat design to be particularly comfortable, with excellent lumbar support for the two-hour commute.

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Rolling through Grantville and onto my location, we were met with perfect sunset conditions, which only improved as the evening progressed. The vibrant colours of the sky provided a stunning backdrop for my photos, and the HS handled the journey with ease. I got some amazing shots with my little model that I’ve since made my phone wallpaper for good reason.

After the sunset shoot, I headed to my parents' house for a home-cooked roast and an early night, planning to catch the sunrise the next morning. At 6 am, the breeze was up before the sun, and I gathered my bags and Cleo for a brisk beach walk and some more photos at Cape Paterson. The MG’s heated seats were a welcome comfort in the early morning chill, and the temperature controls were easily accessible via the touchscreen.

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The sunrise wasn’t as epic as the sunset, but we still enjoyed a long walk, some doggo zoomies, and a strong coffee with a toasted croissant at the Kilcunda General Store – which is most certainly a requirement when an early morning shoot is involved. With some miles on the odometer, we twisted through rolling dairy country, navigating both paved roads and off-road gravel paths with spectacular views across to Phillip Island. We checked out the rolling sand dunes at Powlett River before heading to San Remo to grab some fresh fish and chips at the co-op.

As we rolled our way through the back roads towards the city, I reflected on the car’s performance. The MG HS Essence drove smoothly and handled various terrains without any issues, which is exactly what's needed from a work vehicle: no fuss. The 360-degree camera and blind spot monitor were particularly useful, providing excellent visibility and making manoeuvring effortless. One thing when on a shoot is how many times the car needs to be moved ever so slightly for the perfect positioning, and thanks to these features we nailed the placement on the first go most times.

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There were several features of the MG HS Essence that I particularly liked considering my line of work.

First the lumbar support in the seats was excellent, making long drives comfortable. The skylight roof added to the airy feel of the cabin, and the electric tailgate made loading and unloading gear hassle-free. The flat-folding rear seats created ample space for all my equipment, and the good vision throughout the vehicle ensured I always had a clear view of my surroundings.

Next, the car offered all the standard modern tech in a simple, user-friendly format. The infotainment system, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, made it easy to stay connected and entertained throughout such a long trip there and back.

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And another highlight of the SUV was how it seamlessly integrated practicality with comfort and technology. The car’s interior was designed with the user in mind, offering plenty of space for passengers and cargo alike. The thoughtful touches, like the height-adjustable seat belt meant that shorter drivers like myself can benefit.

Driving back to the city, the MG HS Essence handled the traffic with ease. The start-stop system worked smoothly, and the responsive steering made navigating busy streets a breeze.

I’m fortunate in my role to experience a variety of cars through work opportunities like this one. What's particularly interesting is finding cars that suit my line of work without causing any hassles. I can now check off the MG HS as a car I could definitely live and work with. From the ease of loading my gear to the comfort of the interior, the MG HS Essence delivers a well-rounded driving experience, perfect for both work and leisure. Whether you’re planning a road trip or navigating the daily commute, the MG HS Essence is more than capable of meeting your needs with a touch of style and sophistication.

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