2021 (21) MG HS 1.5 T-GDI PHEV Excite 5dr Auto

MG's HS PHEV gets a bigger battery and a smarter vibe. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Review

MG was the first budget brand to embrace full electric powertrain technology. It was also the first budget brand to offer plug-in hybrid tech - on the company's mid-range HS SUV, which we reckon is a very under-rated family crossover. Now that model's been significantly updated, with a bigger battery allowing for a vast increase in EV driving range. There's a smarter look and an upgraded cabin too.

Background

MG is one of Britain's fastest growing car brands and its progress has been helped by an early adoption of electrified technology, first in 2019 with the full-EV version of the compact ZS crossover and then, a year later with a Plug-in Hybrid variant of the larger HS model. The HS PHEV's launch was significant for the mid-sized SUV market, which by 2020 had seen a glut of Plug-in Hybrids launched, all at rather over-ambitious prices. This Plug-in HS wasn't inexpensive either, but its initial near-£30,000 price tag made it by far the most affordable car of its kind in its segment at launch. Gratifyingly, the updated version of that model we look at here (launched in mid-2024) isn't all that much more expensive - and now goes a lot further on a single charge. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

Quite a lot of work's gone into the PHEV powertrain here. As before, it's based around the ordinary HS model's turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but the previous rather small 16.6kWh battery pack paired with this unit has been replaced by a much larger 24.7kWh battery which, in concert with a high-efficiency 67kW generator delivers an electric driving range of up to 75 miles, a massive 43 miles further than before. The powertrain with its 6-speed DCT auto gearbox combines the 142PS 1.5-litre engine with a 210PS electric motor (up from 123PS before), allowing for a total output of over 300PS and a 0-62mph time of 6.8s (much the same as before thanks to the bigger battery's greater weight). 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, given the extra weight of all that electrical hardware, you shouldn't expect ride and handling to be cutting-edge, though typical family buyers will probably be quite satisfied.

Design and Build

Visually, there are no significant changes to the Plug-in version of this HS - unless you spot different badging and the extra charging flap. This revised model looks quite a bit sleeker than before, courtesy of a more striking front grille and restyled full-LED headlights. There's also shorter overhangs, a rising shoulder line and a slim glasshouse. At the rear, and echoing the design of the headlights, the LED taillights are linked by a central motif while an X-shape introduces a recognisable light signature at night. Compared to the outgoing model, this updated HS PHEV is 14mm wider at 1,890mm and 60mm longer at 4,670mm (15mm more than the standard model), yet its sleeker profile reduces its overall height by some 30mm. 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. MG has done quite a lot to change the cabin, adding two prominent 12.3-inch high-definition displays. The central display is dedicated to infotainment with live navigation services including weather, live traffic updates, access to Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Top 'Trophy' models also benefit from a 360-degree surround view camera and wireless smartphone charging as standard. The second 12.3-inch virtual driver display offers two themes - light and dark - and three distinct modes - Map, Digital, and ADAS. Each offers its own unique layout, focusing on either a rolling navigation display, a simplified summary of only the most important driving information, or a real-time visualisation of the vehicle and its surroundings, powered by the driver assistance systems. Otherwise, it's as before. 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 previously, interior space is class-leading (helped by a 45mm increase in wheelbase length with this updated model). That's 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, there's a decently-sized 492-litre boot (only 15-litres smaller than the conventionally-engined model) - that capacity measured up to the window line. Flatten the seat backs and that rises to 1,469-litres.

Market and Model

Pricing for this mid-sized family SUV PHEV model starts at around £31,500 for the base 'SE' version, rising to around £34,000 for the plusher 'Trophy' model. That can be up to £10,000 less than PHEV versions of rivals like the Ford Kuga or the Volkswagen Tiguan. And there's plenty of kit. Even base 'SE'-spec gives you full-LED headlights (with front and rear sequential indicators). 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 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear privacy glass, front fog lights, a powered tailgate and an upgraded 6-speaker audio system. Both models in the range benefit from an enhanced MG Pilot package, with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Warning as standard. DCT models also include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Cost of Ownership

We weren't especially impressed by the efficiency figures of the original MG HS PHEV, but this uprated version promises a vast improvement, as evidenced by the hugely improved 75 mile EV range and the fact that MG now says this car will fall into a much more favourable 5% Benefit-in-Kind taxation bracket. What about other running cost issues? Well, like all versions of this MG, this one comes 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 rivals offer longer packages, 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 currently has 160 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

We've complained for some time that pricing for mid-sized Plug-in hybrid SUVs is far too expensive. So the arrival of this upgraded HS Plug-in model is welcome. We're impressed by its better battery technology. And even more by the fact that MG has kept the price affordable. Do you really need to pay more for a mid-sized PHEV crossover than this? With other PHEVs in this class, you often feel that the manufacturers' hearts aren't really in it. That these variants are only really in the range to drive down the line-up's combined CO2 reading - and that the makers in question don't really care too much about how many they'll actually sell. In contrast, MG absolutely expects to shift this electrified HS in decent global volumes and has priced the car to do just that. Plug-in hybrid tech may not have a very long shelf life - some European countries reckon it might be banned by 2035 - but right here, right now, it's a great option for many family buyers. And if you agree, then you need to try this car.