UK Drive: MG has gone upmarket with its HS SUV

Ever since MG made a return under Chinese ownership, the brand has been associated with value for money.

It offers an eclectic mix of different vehicles in its product portfolio, including small hybrids, SUVs and one of the world’s first electric two-seater sports cars.

Now, the firm is going upmarket with the latest iteration of its HS SUV. It offers improved powertrains, updated styling and a new interior. But, is it any good? We’ve been finding out.

Everything about this second-generation car is new. Its exterior design has been completely overhauled, while the interior now features plusher materials throughout.

It’s bigger and more practical than the outgoing car with a larger boot capacity and extra rear seat space.

For the first time, MG is offering the HS with a plug-in hybrid option, which the firm claims will offer one of the best-in-class for electric driving ranges.

MG provides the new HS with a choice of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

We’re driving the standard 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produces 168bhp. It allows the car to go from 0-60mph in 9.4 seconds and tops out at 121mph.

The plug-in hybrid model features the same 1.5-litre petrol engine, but is mated to a 24.7kWh battery pack and electric motor. MG claims this model can achieve up to 75 miles on electric power alone.

A choice of manual and automatic transmissions are available and a regular hybrid variant joining the range later this year.

The HS provides a comfortable and relaxing driving experience. On the motorway, there is little intrusion into the cabin from wind and tyre noise. The seats are very comfortable and do a good job of supporting your lower back, and the suspension provides a smooth and supple ride – making the car ideal for longer trips.

The handling is vague and lacks communication, and the steering in ‘normal mode’ feels artificially heavy. Also, the brake pedal is spongy and doesn’t inspire the most confidence when driving at higher speeds.

Our test car comes fitted with an automatic gearbox, which tends to hesitate on acceleration. Forward visibility is also a problem due to the thick front A-pillars and door mirrors creating a large blindspot.

It’s hard to make SUVs look individual and unique due to their boxy and square designs but MG has tried to differentiate this new HS from the old model by completely redesigning its appearance.

At the front, the car features the firm’s latest chrome slatted radiator grille while the LED daytime running lights and headlights have a wraparound design, too.

The car’s side profile includes gloss black wheel arch mouldings and an air vent strip that runs from the front doors to the front wings.

At the back, there is a single light bar that runs the width of the tailgate. Finally, the silver roof rails and large diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the new look.

The interior of this latest version is a vast improvement over its predecessor. MG has focused on making the cabin feel premium with a leatherette effect on the door cards and dashboard. The materials used lower down look and feel cheaper with hard plastics, which is a shame.

There are two 12.3-inch touchscreens, which are clear, slick and easy to use. However, the climate control settings are buried within the infotainment screen making it tricky to operate them on the move.

Storage is good with two cup holders, large front door bins, a decent glove box, a small storage box next to the steering wheel and a centre armrest with a hidden cubby hole.

In the back, rear passengers will find it easy to get comfortable with lots of head and legroom. The centre seat won’t be a problem either, due to the almost completely flat floor.

Boot space stands at 507 litres and this expands to 1,484 litres when the rear seats are folded. There is a completely flat loading bay, making it easier to slide heavier items to the back, and the overall space is large and square.

MG offers the HS in two different trim levels. The range consists of SE and Trophy, with both versions fully loaded with equipment.

Prices start at £24,995, with all models coming with a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a rear parking camera.

We’re driving the top-of-the-line Trophy which comes in at £27,495. It boasts heated front seats, a powered tailgate, an eight-speaker audio system, a wireless phone charger and a 360-degree surround camera.

If you want the PHEV variant, prices increase to £31,495 for the SE and £33,995 for the Trophy.

Like with all MG’s, the HS comes with the firm’s standard seven-year or 80,000-mile warranty.

At first glance, the HS just looks like another SUV. But, take a closer look and you’ll find this new model excels in many areas.

It looks good, comes with plenty of standard equipment, it’s comfortable, smooth and is very practical. It isn’t the sharpest to drive in this sector, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you want a car that offers great value for money, and comes with a long warranty, too.