New MG HS PHEV SUV aims for class honours.

According to MG Motor, the second-generation MG HS is “the most important car it has ever launched” and, coming from a brand with over 100 years of car manufacturing experience behind it, that claim has to be taken seriously. The new MG HS is exclusively powered by a cutting-edge Plug-in Hybrid powertrain that promises impressive fuel efficiency, refinement and desirability.

Sporty & Dynamic, Inside & Out.

The new MG HS looks far sportier and more dynamic than its predecessor, and the exterior design clearly takes inspiration from the MG3 supermini and new ZS SUV. There is a larger and more prominent front grille, slimmer LED headlights, revised bumpers, sporty 19-inch alloy wheels and a new light bar that spreads across the width of the tailgate, and the well-proportioned 5-seat SUV looks very elegant from every viewpoint. The cabin in the HS PHEV is clutter-free and logically laid out, with all of the important driving controls situated within easy reach. The chunky gear selector has a nice, definite feel to it, and the flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel adds a dash of sportiness in its own right. The driver and passengers will benefit from the luxurious, stylish and spacious interior, packed with innovative technology. The thoughtfully-designed interior features high-quality materials and soft-touch surfaces which, along with comfortable seating, creates a truly pleasant environment. While the standard boot capacity of 507-litres in 5-seat mode will prove invaluable on shopping trips or family day’s out, the capacity can be increased to a cavernous 1,484-litres by dropping the rear seats. There are a pair of cupholders in front of the gear selector and a wireless phone charger ahead of it, plus some useful space under the armrest, along with a good size glovebox and spacious door bins.

Class-Leading Electric Range.

The HS PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 154kW electric motor and a 24.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Charging the battery from 0-100% can be achieved in four hours via a 7kW wallbox charger, or in seven-and-a-half hours via a three-pin domestic socket. With a class-leading electric range of up to 120km, and an overall driving range in excess of 1,000km on a WLTP combined driving cycle, the HS PHEV is sure to be easy on the pocket.

Generously-Equipped Trim Levels.

The new MG HS PHEV is offered with a choice of two generously-equipped trims – Excite and Exclusive, with advanced features like a 12.3” HD infotainment touchscreen and MG Pilot safety technologies as standard. Key standard equipment in Excite trim includes a drive mode selector, 19” alloy wheels, LED headlights & rear lights, daytime running lights, auto headlights, 6-speaker audio system, 12.3” Virtual Driver Information Display, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™, rear privacy glass, rear parking camera with sensors, and a 6-way electrically-adjustable driver’s seat. Additional equipment in Exclusive trim includes leather-style upholstery, heated front seats, hands-free tailgate, 360-degree HD camera, electric passenger seat with 4-way adjustment, dual zone auto air-conditioning, front parking sensors, 8-speaker audio system, satellite navigation with live services, and wireless smartphone charging.

Test Car Details

My test car was a new HS PHEV in range-topping Exclusive trim, and was finished in striking Charcoal Grey metallic paintwork. The petrol-electric powertrain delivers combined power and torque outputs of 307PS (302bhp) and 432Nm respectively, and this provides the car with punchy acceleration either when moving off from a standstill or when accelerating from lower speeds. The HS PHEV can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 6.8-seconds, on its way to an electronically-limited top speed of 164km/h (where permitted), and it can consume as little as 0.5 litres of petrol for every 100kms driven on a WLTP combined driving cycle. However, as is the norm for a vehicle with a PHEV powertrain, the actual consumption figure achieved will greatly depend on the type of journey being undertaken, along with other external factors, such as road and weather conditions. The powerful turbocharged petrol engine works seamlessly with the electric motor, and this combination delivers surprising performance for a family-oriented SUV. The HS PHEV’s impressive electric range provides drivers with real-world flexibility, and many commuters can potentially complete daily journeys without using any petrol at all. The powerful electric motor enables the car to drive like a regular electric SUV for surprisingly-long periods of time, making it very smooth, responsive and satisfying in urban settings. The HS PHEV is also impressively refined at motorway speeds, with very little engine noise evident in the cabin. Wind and road noise is well-contained too, thereby enhancing the car’s overall upmarket feel. It has to be said that the new HS PHEV is a huge improvement over its predecessor in virtually every area, and it is now a serious contender for class honours in the ever-increasing Plug-in Hybrid SUV market segment.

Verdict, Price & Warranty.

The new MG HS PHEV is an innovative SUV that challenges more expensive competitors with impressive specifications, a sporty exterior design, practical cabin, MG Pilot advanced driver assistance systems, and cutting-edge plug-in hybrid powertrain technology. With pricing from €40,995 for the Excite model, and from €43,995 for the Exclusive version, the new HS PHEV delivers premium features at an accessible price point. Thanks to an ultra-low Co2 emissions figure of 12g/km, annual road tax is just €140. All MG passenger cars are supplied with a 7-year/150,000km warranty for complete peace-of-mind.

Visit www.mg.ie for further information.