24 MG HS

The HS is the largest and most sophisticated MG we've seen. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Review

HS here doesn't designate a super-fast rail route but MG's largest SUV, which is offered in both conventionally-engined and PHEV plug-in forms and here features now-smarter exterior styling. As before, it's one of the most spacious mid-sized SUVs you could choose, yet it retails for thousands less than you'd pay for comparably-shaped rivals. The usual MG formula in other words, backed up by the normal lengthy brand warranty.

Background

MG is one of the market's fastest growing brands, with almost all its sales currently being of its compact ZS SUV. This HS model was launched here in 2019 to slot in above that car, enabling the brand to hold on to family buyers who might have out-grown its smaller models. And to target new customers who previously would never have considered MG in this segment. These people are going to want a higher standard of luxury and sophistication than anything the brand has previously offered - and the HS range sets out to provide just that, especially in this lightly revised sleeker-looking form.

Driving Experience

As before, the mainstream engine is a 162PS 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit that only drives through the front wheels. It's a reasonably willing thing, capable of 0-62 miles per hour in 9.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 118mph. Customers have the choice of either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT auto gearbox, which on top versions can also be manually controlled using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. DCT versions also feature a series of drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport and a driver customisable option. A steering wheel mounted 'Super Sport' button allows the driver to quickly engage Sport mode and it also illuminates the interior's red ambient lighting. You might worry about a petrol engine's relative lack of torque being insufficient for towing duties. This MG's unit develops 250Nm of pulling power, enough to allow it to tug along a braked trailer of up to 1,750kgs in weight - which should be enough for owners to haul medium-sized trailers, caravans, or boats. Because this is a front driven-only model, you shouldn't expect to be able to engage in any serious off road shenanigans - the relatively restricted ground clearance doesn't allow for that anyway. And you shouldn't expect ride and handling to be cutting-edge, though typical family buyers will probably be quite satisfied. The alternative powerplant is a PHEV version of this same engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In this Plug-in model, this unit works with a 90KW electric motor hitched to a four-speed drive unit and powered by a 16.6kWh battery pack. The combined power output is 258PS. When the battery pack is fully charged, a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 32 miles is apparently possible, which in urban conditions MG says can be stretched as far as 43 miles.

Design and Build

This revised HS looks quite a bit sleeker than before, courtesy of revised bi-function LED headlights, a bolder grille design and a re-styled front bumper. At the rear, a new bumper design, revised dual exhaust outlets and LED taillights complete the styling update, alongside a smarter 18-inch diamond cut wheel design. You expect plenty of metal for your money from an MG and you'll not be disappointed here. Don't be put off by the fact that an HS isn't much cheaper than, say, a Nissan Qashqai; it's quite a lot bigger than one of those - though there are still only five seats. As before, the overall styling's pretty straightforward, taking the family look lately established with the compact ZS and applying it to a wider, squarer shape. Inside, MG hasn't done anything much to change the cabin, though the brand claims that the 10.1-inch centre-dash infotainment screen has been upgraded with enhanced hardware, allowing faster and smoother functionality. It continues to be compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone-mirroring. There are more high-quality soft-touch materials than you'd expect for the money being asked and not much button clutter. The seats could be a little more supportive and the indicator stalks feel a bit plasticky, but that's about it on the debit side. As before, interior space is class-leading, something you'll especially notice in the rear where there's vastly more space than you'd get in a Qashqai or an Ateca. It's possible to fit three adults here, which is unusual in this class. Headroom's good too - even with the panoramic sunroof fitted. Out back with the conventionally-engined model, there's a decently-sized 463-litre boot - that capacity measured up to the windowline. With the Plug-in version, that figure falls to 448-litres. Fold the 60:40-split rear bench with the conventional model and capacity rises to 1,454-litres.

Market and Model

Pricing for this mid-sized family SUV is pitched in the £23,500-£26,000 bracket for the conventionally-engined model. Automatic transmission requires a £1,500 premium over the manual. Pricing starts from around £31,000 for the Plug-in Hybrid version. Either way, that's good value, even if your point of comparison is merely a volume family hatch-based model like a Nissan Qashqai or a SEAT Ateca. But the HS is sized - and priced - to compete more with slightly bigger, more complete mid-sized SUVs; Volkswagen's Tiguan, Mazda's CX-5, Ford's Kuga and Honda's CR-V. Opt for this MG and you're looking at a like-for-like saving of up to £6,000 over something like that. On the mainstream model, just one single 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered but there's a DCT automatic option and two levels of trim - 'SE' and 'Trophy'. Even base 'SE'-spec gives you bi-function LED headlights (with front and rear sequential indicators for the first time). Alongside air conditioning, satellite navigation, a rear parking camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and a leather steering wheel. Plusher 'Trophy' specification also includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear privacy glass and an upgraded 6-speaker audio system. MG Pilot, the company's comprehensive package of safety equipment, is available across the range as standard - equipping the HS with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Intelligent High Beam Assist.

Cost of Ownership

We didn't expect the HS to deliver class-lading efficiency stats and in its conventional form, it doesn't. It gets pretty close to the class standard though. The 1.5-litre petrol manual model manages a combined WLTP combined cycle figure of 37.9mpg and an WLTP-rated CO2 emissions figure of 168g/km. For the DCT auto, the figures are 36.6mpg and 174g/km. All of this means that this car could return up to around 400 miles from every tank - though you'll need to restrain your right foot a bit to get close to that figure. MG reckons the HS PHEV variant will deliver a combined cycle fuel economy reading of 155.8mpg and 43g/km of CO2. We briefed you in our driving section on the all-electric range, WLTP-rated at 32 miles - or 43 miles in urban conditions. That's of course when the battery is fully charged, a process that will take 4.5 hours when the car is plugged into a 7.4kW wall box charger, the type of thing that you'll need to get installed in your garage. What about other running cost issues? Well, all versions of this MG come with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rival Kia offers a seven-year 100,000 mile package, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand expects to shortly have 120 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle.

Summary

If you've previously looked at the kind of spacious mid-to-large-sized SUV your family needs, then looked away when you've seen the asking prices, then this MG HS is for you. It's certainly the case that the cabin finishing isn't quite of the standard you'd find with more established brands. And the same is true of the efficiency figures and the handling. But there's not as much in it as you might think and the potential list price savings here are substantial. If that matters, then we think you'll find plenty to like about this HS. It's practical, well equipped and even quite nice to look at. You'll just have to get used to explaining to your neighbours what it is...