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The MG HS SUV launched in 2018 as a direct replacement for the MG GS and thanks to stock being readily available, it was the top selling new car in the UK in January 2023. It offers family travel at an attractive price point alongside a modern design and high level of equipment, which should make it a great option for most buyers.
You might be wondering, is the MG HS a good car? Read on in our MG HS review to find out more about the current model and its perk so that you can decide if it's the best choice for your needs.
The MG HS has a stylish and modern exterior design with a strong emphasis on aerodynamics.
It is purposeful from bumper to bumper with a hexagonal grille with chrome surround, swept-back headlights with LED daytime running lights, and a sculpted front bumper. The bumper is pronounced and has large air intakes, which can help to reduce engine temperature and improve fuel economy as well as giving it more presence on the road.
The side profile is characterized by its flowing lines and sculpted bodywork, while the rear is dominated by its large taillights connected by a chrome strip. There are revised dual exhaust outlets and complementing black plastic at the base which create a sporty and confident appearance.
There are also now seven colours to choose from, with Urban Grey being offered for the first time on the HS range. The range includes solid, metallic, and tri coat paints which gives variety and depth to the model and allows you to choose a colour and finish that suits your own style.
All of this confirms the HS as MG's largest and most luxurious SUV.
The interior of the MG HS is sleek and more modern than ever before thanks to a facelift on the model.
Two screens dominate the front of the cabin, one for infotainment and one for the driver's display. The 10.1 inch infotainment display offers USB and Bluetooth connectivity, integrated satellite navigation, and displays the view from the rear view camera.
The circular, turbine design air vents have been replaced by rectangular ones in the centre which help to modernise the cabin quality and there are a row of physical buttons placed below them for windscreen heaters and other similar functions, which many people prefer over a completely digital system.
It's an incredibly easy layout to get used to with driving controls in the centre, including the electric parking brake, and additional multifunction controls on the steering wheel to allow you to keep your eyes on the road.
Soft touch materials are used throughout the cabin, making it comfortable and easy to forget the price point of the HS. There's also clever additional storage throughout such as a covered compartment in the front with covered cupholders and the ambient lighting in Trophy models is ideal for softening the mood on longer journeys.
The front seats have manual adjustment in SE petrol models and 6-way electrical adjustment in all others which makes getting comfortable incredibly easy.
The HS's interior space is suitable for the whole family with the choice of three full seats in the back with three point harness for them all. The rear bench also reclines, a really unique feature that allows your rear passengers a little more comfort and space.
Alternatively, the two outer rear seats can benefit from using the built in armrest in the back of the middle seat for a little extra comfort or accommodate child car seats with their isofix fittings.
The MG HS offers 463 litres of boot space with all five seats in use although it lowers slightly to 448 litres if you opt for a hybrid version. Folding the rear seats down opens the space up to 1454 litres for the petrol engine and 1375 for the hybrid. In comparison the Dacia Duster gives you 445 litres, the new Renault Megane e-Tech has 440 litres, and the Ford Puma has 456 litres.
There's more than enough room in all MG HS models for shopping, a couple of suitcases, or a pushchair depending on your family and what travels with you.
The MG HS has two engine options: a petrol engine and plug in hybrid.
The 1.5 litre petrol engine comes as either a six speed manual gearbox or seven speed automatic gearbox and uses gasoline direct injection to increase engine efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. It will produce 162PS alongside 250NM of torque at 1500-4400rpm and a 0-62mph time of 9.9 seconds.
For comparison the plug in hybrid version has a ten speed automatic gearbox, also with gasoline direct injection, and produces a total of 258PS. The power is split between the 1.5 litre petrol engine, the same engine as in the petrol model, and an electric motor which drastically improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions.
The petrol MG HS has CO2 emissions of 168 g/km as a manual and 174 g/km as an automatic and the plug in hybrid model slashes this down to just 43 g/km, a reduction of 74% and 75% respectively. The combined mpg then also increases from 37.9 (manual) or 36.6 (automatic) to 155.8 in the MG HS PHEV, an impressive performance.
Looking solely at electric power and MG estimates that the maximum all electric range will be 32 miles combined and 44 miles for city driving, making it ideal for the school run, running errands, or a short daily commute. Many people are opting for a plug in hybrid as a bridge between an internal combustion engine car and an electric car.
Overall, the ride quality of the MG HS is a good compromise between comfort and handling. It's not the sportiest SUV on the market, but it's still fun to drive and comfortable on long journeys. If you're looking for a comfortable SUV with a soft ride, the MG HS is a good option.
Both engine versions come in the SE trim level and the Trophy trim level, with both bring excellent equipment to MG HS models. Older models used different trim level names so if you're looking at used options you may see the MG HS Excite or the MG HS Exclusive.
All models come with standard equipment including automatic bi-function LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear LED sequential indicators, an LED centre brake light, follow me home headlights, silver roof rails, rear parking sensors, 18 inch alloy wheels, front and rear aero wipers, and electric door mirrors which are heated and adjustable.
They also have a front centre sliding armrest with storage, a 10.1 inch colour touchscreen, DAB audio, sat nav, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, a rear parking camera, USB mobile phone charging, 4 USB ports, a trip computer, keyless entry with push start engine button, speed sensing locking, a full digital driver information display, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, a height and reach adjustable steering column, electric parking brake with autohold function, an auto dimming rear view mirror, and one touch front and rear windows.
Trophy models then add leather upholstery and sport style front seats with a one-piece back, an electric driver's seat with 6 way adjustment and lumbar adjustment, electric passenger's seat with 4-way adjustment, heated front seats, a 6-speaker audio system, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting, an rear privacy glass.
On both trim levels adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist is available only on automatic models whilst on Trophy trim levels steering wheel paddle shifters, metal sports pedals, driving modes, and a power tailgate are exclusive to automatic models.
The petrol SE model and the plug in hybrid SE models have a few differences in specification where the hybrid has some upgraded or additional features. This includes a 6 speaker sound system rather than 4 speaker, electric driver's 6-way adjustable seat with lumbar adjustment, a 360 degree parking camera, and dual zone air conditioning. The hybrid Trophy model also offers a 360 degree parking camera.
The MG HS has a five star safety rating from Euro NCAP which places it on par with similar sized models like the Nissan Qashqai and the Nissan ARIYA and sees it outperform the Dacia Duster and the Kia Niro with standard equipment.
Standard safety equipment includes anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, anti rolling protection, electronic stability programme, hill launch assist, hill descent control, seat belt reminder for all seats, and 4 sets of air bags.
The MG Pilot suite adds active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, intelligent speed limit assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, and intelligent high beam assist.
MG's seven year warranty is substantially longer than some others offered on the market with unlimited mileage in the first 12 months and then up to 80,000 miles across the remaining 6 years. As well as this there is a 7 year/80,000 mile anti perforation warranty and a 3 year/60,000 mile paint protection warranty.
This should give you peace of mind that MG believe in their product but also that you are covered by an extensive warranty should any problems arise whilst you own your MG HS.
One of the most attractive aspects of the new MG HS is its price. The MG HS cost starts at just £23,495 for the petrol model in SE trim and steps up to £25,995 for the Trophy trim level. There is an increase in price if you opt for the plug in hybrid model which starts at £31,095 for the SE trim and then moves up to £33,595 for the top spec Trophy version.
Equally, a used MG HS is incredibly good value for money as an already low price becomes lower. This allows you to take advantage of all the great equipment and technology that the MG HS comes with and save yourself some money at the same time.
Only the Dacia Jogger is a lower priced small SUV but the equipment options and finishes don't give you the same quality that the MG HS does. It also doesn't offer the same levels of equipment, particularly driver assistance systems, so if you are able to, spending the additional money on the MG HS is definitely worth it.
The MG HS, in both petrol and hybrid form, is an excellent choice to have a car that offers great equipment, lots of space, and a high safety rating alongside an incredibly competitive price.
For more information contact John Clark MG Dundee today. Our helpful team are always on hand to answer your questions, show you the MG HS range, an accompany you on a test drive of your chosen model.
