MG HS Review: A Budget Heavyweight Enters Its Second Generation

While the MG badge may still evoke memories of the classic B roadster or the mid-engined F that briefly revitalised the brand’s sporting credentials, the modern reality is starkly different. Under the ownership of Chinese giant SAIC, MG has transformed into a volume powerhouse, and the HS SUV has quietly become one of its most significant assets. Despite largely flying under the radar, the model has secured its place on the fringes of the UK’s top five most popular new cars. By late 2024, sales had topped 28,000 units, comfortably outpacing household names like the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Polo, and even the Tesla Model Y.

This success isn’t limited to Britain. In Austria, the brand has rapidly expanded under the stewardship of Denzel, establishing a network of 40 dealers and aiming for a two per cent market share. With plans for a European factory on the horizon, the launch of this second-generation HS, arriving six years after its predecessor, signals MG’s intent to cement its position as a serious alternative in the C-segment.

Mature Design and Expanded Dimensions

To compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga, and Hyundai Tucson, the new HS has physically grown. The external length has stretched to 4.65 metres, while the wheelbase has been extended to 2.76 metres, giving the car a more substantial road presence. This size increase creates a more mature silhouette, aided significantly by the input of Jozef Kabaň, a designer whose portfolio includes work for Rolls-Royce, BMW, and Audi.

The styling overhaul is comprehensive. The front end is dominated by a wide, smiling grille sitting beneath slender LED headlights connected by a subtle black trim strip. At the rear, the design features an integrated roof spoiler and an LED light arrangement with an X-shaped graphic and a full-width light bar. While some critics might argue the look remains somewhat derivative, there is no denying the car looks sharper and more contemporary than the model it replaces.

Hybrid Technology and Performance

Beneath the bonnet, MG has heavily revised the powertrain options to cater to both fleet buyers and private owners without driveway charging. The headline act is arguably the Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), which boasts a near-25kWh drive battery. This allows for an official electric-only range of some 75 miles, a figure that places the HS in a highly favourable tax bracket—qualifying for just 5% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax for the 2024-25 year.

For those unable to plug in, the new ‘Hybrid+’ serves as a traditional full hybrid alternative. It utilises much of the same hardware as the PHEV but scales back the battery capacity to a more conventional 1.83 kWh. This system pairs a 105bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 199bhp electric motor. Although the combined system output of 224bhp is slightly down compared to the PHEV, the torque figures are nearly identical, with the Hybrid+ producing 340Nm against the plug-in’s 350Nm. Interestingly, both variants utilise a distinctive two-speed automatic transmission to manage power delivery.

Value Proposition vs. Road Manners

Despite the sophisticated powertrains, the driving experience remains a mixed bag. Pure petrol versions can feel underpowered, and the handling lacks the dynamic polish found in rivals like the Ford Kuga. Furthermore, the driver assistance systems can be intrusive and frustrating to operate. However, MG attempts to offset these dynamic shortcomings—and past concerns regarding reliability—with a compelling eight-year/80,000-mile warranty.

Ultimately, the HS plays its strongest card in the showroom. With prices starting from £25,995 and the tax-efficient PHEV available for little more than £30,000, it represents undeniable value. While it may not thrill keen drivers, the combination of generous equipment, vastly improved styling, and class-leading EV range for the plug-in model ensures the HS remains a formidable, value-focused contender in a crowded market.