MG HS Hybrid+
An irresistible choice?
Words by Mark Slack
With the news that Spain has benefitted over the original home of MG for the company’s first return to Europe it seems a good point to have a look at one of MGs best selling models. With few exceptions the MG HS Hybrid+ ticks every box you could want for a spacious, comfortable, well equipped and value for money SUV.
The HS range offers petrol, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid power options with the base of a 1.5-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, 16-valve petrol engine. There’s 6-speed manual, DCT 7-speed auto and a sophisticated 2-speed automatic gearbox that works with the electric motor on the hybrid models. Lots of choice and cleverly offering something for everyone whether you’re an EV fan, a halfway house PHEV or HEV or a dyed-in-the-wool petrol driver.
Two trim levels in the Hybrid+ – SE and Trophy – with lots of standard equipment on both models and prices starting from £29,495. Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear privacy glass, rear view camera, LED lights, power driver’s seat, powered and heated door mirrors, adaptive cruise control and auto lights and wipers. Move up to the £31,995 Trophy and the list grows even longer.
The practicality of the HS is excellent with big ticks in the headroom, legroom front and rear, oddment stowage plus luggage space. It’s also a very nice place to be and in Trophy form you can specify a tan interior that has 12/10 in the looks department. Plenty of adjustment means most drivers should find a comfortable position and the seating is extremely comfortable.
The only downside – as with so many cars – is the fact there is too much touchscreen and not enough physical buttons. The touchscreen in the HS is also a little slow to respond. This was an issue with the first MGs and I thought they had resolved it but it seems to have reappeared.
On the road the Hybrid+ is a delight with firm but sufficiently compliant suspension, refined and smooth power delivery thanks to the amalgam of petrol and electric power and sufficient performance to pass slower traffic with alacrity.
The HS Hybrid+, especially with the right colour choice and that Trophy model tan interior looks a far more expensive car than it is in reality. Even in lead-in SE form it’s a great purchase for anyone looking at family transport or outdoor pursuits owner. It may not hold its value to the degree European rivals will but looking at the initial price and the package as a whole it’s an almost irresistible choice.
Words by Mark Slack
