APRIL MOTORING: MG HS PHEV Exclusive

Launched in 2019, the HS is a bid by MG to get into the higher end SUV market. Quite the ambition considering that 40% of new car registrations in the UK are vehicles of this class. MG must be doing something right as the HS was named the best-selling car of January 2023, which can be added to their existing trophy cabinet. This example is the range-topping ‘Exclusive’, with a hybrid system, writes George Loveridge.The HS has a stylish and contemporary look with 18” Hurricane diamond cut alloy wheels accompanying a Farringdon red body. Daytime LED running lights accompany the legendary hexagonal ‘MG’ badge on the front grille, which incidentally is the largest MG badge to ever be fitted to one of their vehicles. The front end of the vehicle is sporty but not aggressive and houses plenty of gadgets, as does the rear, and wing mirrors.

An advantage of the Exclusive model is a 360-degree camera system. Cameras are situated underneath the wing mirrors, and on the front and rear bumpers; providing the driver with a full view of anything surrounding the vehicle.

Equally as useful and impressive is the MG Pilot system, on offer are: Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keep assist to name a few! In English, the, MG Pilot, allows for a virtually self-driving vehicle. Once activated on the motorway, and providing you keep your hands on the wheel, the car will keep its position, accelerate, and decelerate accordingly and will even change lanes if safe to do so after indication. Cruise control on another level. Autonomy is all very well and good, but traditionally MGs have always been a driver’s car. So, is this one?

Don’t be saddened by the ‘PHEV’, standing for Petrol Hybrid Electric Vehicle. You get the best of both worlds. On hand is an admirable 258bhp combined from a 1.4 litre engine and a 90kW electric motor. Torque is respective too with 370Nm of it. Managing this front wheel drive power is a 10-speed automatic gearbox which provides effortless gearchanges that you cannot even notice.

Pulling onto a motorway is fast, silent and efficient. Performance wise, at least, the new age MG driver is well catered for. The steering is very light but extremely compliant and gives you enough feedback to push on into the corners, and because the HS has the batteries located at the back of the vehicle under the boot, there is a sublime weight distribution. Expect to corner flat with very little understeer. A 4WD option would be nice, however this might just tip the already lardy HS over the 2.5 tonne mark.

You can push on in the HS too without getting upset about range anxiety. The 55-litre fuel tank is more than enough for most cars, but with the added benefit of the 32-mile electric range you can utilise two methods of propulsion. Furthermore, the HS’s regenerative breaking has up-to three different intensities, allowing you to recharge on the move, or at least while slowing down.  Personally, my favourite element of hybrid driving is that you can often arrive at your destination with a higher range than when you started. By default, the car is in EV mode at slower speeds, and will engage the petrol engine when more go is required, but you can just stick the car in EV mode and enjoy 32 silent miles.

Inside, the HS has a real quality and premium feel. The Exclusive model, again, having all of the toys and amenities. A choice of mood lighting is available making the HS feel even more luxurious at night. Hugging the driver and passenger are the ‘EV’ sport seats which could almost be mistaken for racing bucket seats, this application however featuring black leather and red stitching. The sporty theme continues with brushed metal sport pedals and on the multi-function steering wheel which has a flat bottom, and is wrapped in leather, stitched in red. The wheel is really rather chunky and would not be out of place on something a lot more performance derived. The hexagonal badge faces the driver and sits in the middle of the standard ICE controls and MG pilot levers and switches.

Overall, the cabin is light, airy and well thought out. A panoramic sunroof allows light to flood in, and exposes plenty of cubby holes and storage opportunities. You get a clutter-free centre console which houses a 10.1 inch LED infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Unfortunately, the system itself is rather slow despite looking state of the art, and should you have to live with it one would get quite tired of its sedate pace. Heated seats and dual zone climate control is perfectly situated on piano like keys which become familiar after using them a few times. Rear passengers get twin USB ports and vents, along with a very sophisticated arm rest holding two cup-holders.

A concession that all hybrids have to make is in regard to boot space. 463 litres are not to be sniffed at, however the underfloor storage is only enough for the charging cables. The rear seats fold flat and provide just shy of 1500 litres of space.

The George Loveridge Verdict:

Very nice, I would very much like one in my garage. The performance and handling are spot on and never leaves you wanting more. An exterior to be proud of, and an interior that you would want to live in. Over long journeys the 10-speed automatic gearbox does the job perfectly and the seats are very forgiving and supportive. Bags of storage, practical, and the hybrid system works brilliantly.  As aforementioned, the infotainment system really ought to be better at this price point. When entering post codes into the satellite navigation, it can get rather testing. A 4.5 hour charging time for only 32 miles is questionable and irritating. However, the MG HS PHEV overall is a very impressive vehicle and is deserving of the awards it carries.

Price as tested: £33,595

Lead in price: £31,095

Average fuel consumption: 55mpg

Range (electric): 32 miles

Range (fuel): 359 miles

Engine size: 1490cc

0-60: 6.9 seconds

Performance 9
Handling 8
Transmission 10
Noise 8
Economy 9
Ride and Comfort 8
Accommodation 8
Styling 8
Brakes 9
Finish 7
TOTAL = 84%

www.mg.co.uk/new-cars/mg-hs-plug-in-hybrid

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