15/01/2025 The Irish car market is saturated with mid-size SUVs so do we really need another one? Chinese owned, historic brand MG has added the HS to its fleet of value for money electrified vehicles. It is an impressive family sized plug-in hybrid that in no way hints at its relative budget price point of €41,000. When you look at the specification and add up all the equipment, the HS plug-in hybrid represents excellent value for money that European rivals would find hard to match.
The MG HS is a PHEV so it has a rechargable battery that allows the car run on electricity alone. The big difference with the HS is that the battery is reasonbably big for a PHEV and can deliver up to 120km of driving range from a full charge. This is a very impressive figure as it means that daily driving in the HS could be done as an EV – on electricity alone. The electric power is assisted by a 1.5 litre petrol engine that willingly kicks in should you need xtra power or run out of battery. It is possible to do over 1000 km in the HS from a full tank of fuel and a full battery.
It used to be easy to spot a Chinese car – not anymore. In truth most of the best European designers have been snapped up by Chinese firms to help design product to appeal to our taste (or notions!). The exterior of the HS has a premium look to it. Its styling is acceptable and in many cases better looking than some European rivals. There are nice design touches around the exterior, which hint at some premium brands. I can see bits of Porsche and Jaguar design to name just a couple. This Chinese styling ‘homage’ we scribes used to joke about but in fairness to MG the HS looks really well thought out.
Inside, the cabin seats five in comfort. It is impressive thanks to a near premium level materials, fit and finish. Again the impression the car gives off is one of being a far from budget offering. A black interior is standard with our test car having, to my eyes at least, a questionable tan leather interior. That said, I had passengers comment on the car’s premium feel. As a five seat mid-sized SUV of course it is spacious. If you fold the seats down there is 507 litre boot that is expandable to 1484 litres with the rear seats down. There is plenty of head, leg and shoulder room and oodles of creature comforts.
On the road the MG HS is quick with 220hp/350nm on tap but also unremarkable to drive – apart from intrusive ADAS systems (although they are more tolerable in the weightier HS than in other lighter MGs). The car is reasonably swift and the automatic powertrain fairly smooth. The hybrid battery has a 24.7kWh capacity so you can spend most of your time in EV mode in traffic, tipping along nicely with no emissions.
The HS is a connected car. I have often joked about modern cars listening in to your every word – especially Chinese brands. In truth, sitting in any of todays ‘connected cars’ you’re never far away from being tracked, listen-to or monitored. The upside is the connectivity in the MG HS is excellent. If you step above the ‘Excite’ base model and get the hybrid ‘exclusive’ version you get heated front seats, a smart tailgate, an impressive audio system, 360 degree parking camera, wireless phone charging and dual zone air-conditioning for just €44,000. Should things go wrong, the MG HS is backed by a seven year warranty.
In a short space of time MG has built up a loyal customer base in Ireland through a well regarded distributor. The MG HS plug-in hybrid is an immpressive car at a price point only the likes of BYD’s Seal U can rival. It’s packed with technology and that excellent 120km (real world 80/90km) range allows HS drivers transition to perhaps their next car being a full EV without the stress or strains of charging/charger anxiety. MG is on a roll at the moment with excellent offerings like the MG 3 and 4 – both excellent value for money. The two-seat Cyberster convertible is the brands stunning looking halo model, and with the HS joining the range alongside the ZS and the MG 5 it has never looked better for MG in Ireland. Michael Sheridan
