2023 (23) MG HS 1.5 T-GDI SE 5dr DCT

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, an updated cabin and a PHEV model with a larger battery. 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 many of its sales still 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, updated in early 2023, then again in mid-2024 to create the car we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

As before, the mainstream engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit, uprated in this improved model to 'new generation' form, which means total output rises by 7PS to 169PS and the 0-62mph time improves fractionally to 9.4s. As before, the top speed is 118mph and 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. As before, 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 now-gutsier 105kW electric motor (up from 90kW) hitched to a four-speed drive unit and powered by a now-much-bigger 24.7kWh battery pack (up from 16.6kWh). Rest to 62mph takes 9.4s and when the battery pack is fully charged, a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 75 miles is apparently possible (up from just 32 miles before).

Design and Build

This revised HS 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 is 14mm wider at 1,890mm and 45mm longer at 4,655mm (4,670mm for PHEV models), 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. With the first HS update, MG didn't do much to change the cabin, but it has here, 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 with the conventionally-engined model, there's a decently-sized 507-litre boot (44-litres bigger than before) - that capacity measured up to the windowline. Flatten the seat backs and that rises to 1,484-litres. With the Plug-in version, that conventional boot area figure falls to 492-litres.

Market and Model

Pricing for this mid-sized family SUV is pitched in the £25,000-£27,500 bracket for the conventionally-engined model. Automatic transmission requires a £1,500 premium over the manual. Pricing starts from around £31,500 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; like 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 as we said, there's a DCT automatic option and two levels of trim - 'SE' and 'Trophy'. 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. All 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 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 37.2mpg and an WLTP-rated CO2 emissions figure of 168g/km. For the DCT auto, the figures are 38.3mpg and 173g/km. All these figures are fractionally better than before and they mean 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 now-improved 24.7kWh HS PHEV variant will deliver an all-electric range, WLTP-rated at up to 75 miles. What about other running cost issues? Well, all versions of this MG still 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 still isn't quite of the standard you'd find with more established brands. And the same is true of the base 1.5T model's 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, particularly in this updated form. 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...