Why Channel 10's Hunted chose the MG HS as its pursuit vehicle

MG’s HS SUV has become an unlikely star in Network 10’s new hit show, Hunted – being chosen as the cops’ pursuit vehicle for tracking down the crims.

Hunted Australia, 10’s new real-life thriller series, challenges 18 ordinary Australians to operate in pairs as ‘Fugitives’ who are on the run from a team of elite investigators – all of whom have previously worked in the Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force or British Intelligence.

The Australian version of the original British series, which began in 2015, premiered last week to become the biggest new show launch of 2022 – drawing in peak audiences of more than one million viewers per episode.

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Unlike the UK version however, which used the Volvo XC90 wagon as its weapon of choice, in the Australian series the Ground Hunters drive around in the MG HS SUV, which was said to have been chosen for its “power and endurance”.

“We chose the HS because it is sleek and stylish, great value and carries plenty of technology for investigators who are accustomed to having cutting-edge surveillance tools available to them,” an MG spokesperson said.

The HS range is powered by a choice of two four cylinder turbo engines: either a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol making 119kW of power and 250Nm of torque, or a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol producing 168kW/360Nm.

The 2.0-litre AWD powertrain is available on all grades except the entry-level Vibe, and is mated to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, while the 1.5-litre is paired with a six-speed dual clutch.

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MG’s lineup also includes the HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid, using the 1.5-litre donk combined with a 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor capable of producing 90kW/230Nm and mated to a 10-speed auto.

Grades range from the base-spec Vibe, through to mid-level Excite and Excite X, before rounding out with the Essence and Essence X – as featured in the show with its more luxurious two-tone leather sports seats.

However that premium cabin comes at a cost for the Hunters, who would be getting 9.5L/100km out of the HS Essence X on the combined cycle – meaning plenty of fuel top-ups needed for all that back and forth chasing across Victoria. Though highway driving would get them a more palatable 7.5L/100km, they’d be better off in the lower-spec Essence which has a claimed 7.3L/100km combined or 6.2L/100km highway rating.

Produced by Endemol Shine Australia, Hunted continues, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights, at 7.30pm on 10.