MG HS test drive: a mid-size SUV at an attractive price

The first thing that catches the eye with the MG HS is its accessible price. Although it is not the most impressive SUV on the market for fuel economy or insurance ratings, its value for money makes it attractive for many families.

The MG HS is a mid-size SUV competing in one of the market’s toughest segments. Despite the challenges, it has stood out thanks to its accessible price and generous equipment. It also benefits from a seven-year warranty, which adds to its appeal.

Even at a competitive price, the MG HS faces stiff competition. Rivals include the Škoda Karoq, Nissan Qashqai, SEAT Ateca, and the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, which have improved significantly in recent years. Other stylish alternatives with upmarket cabins include the Peugeot 3008 and the new Renault Austral.

There is no pause in this sector, with a seemingly endless range of choices. The Opel Grandland shares much of its mechanical hardware with the 3008, making it a reasonable option, and the capable Mazda CX-5 is one of the best mid-size SUVs to drive.

The MG HS offers affordable luxury across the range, with all versions well equipped. The base “Explore” trim starts at €23,300 including VAT and includes a rear parking camera, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers and satellite navigation. The top “Exclusive” trim starts at €26,250 including VAT and adds a choice of two leather upholstery options (black or red and black), sequential LED indicators front and rear, electrically adjustable and heated front sport seats, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic “Skyroof” and 18-inch alloy wheels. DCT versions also include drive modes, including “Super Sport”, and a power tailgate.

The MG HS is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 160 hp, with a choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT automatic transmission. A plug-in hybrid version is also available, combining the same petrol engine with a 120 hp electric motor for a total of 254 hp and up to 50 km of pure electric driving range.

Equally suited to motorway runs and city driving, the MG HS reaches 0–100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h. Buyers can choose either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT that can also be shifted manually using paddles on the steering wheel (Exclusive). Whether shopping trips, domestic travel or long visits to friends or family, the MG HS is competent and confident in all environments.

Efficiency is key for any new car, and the MG HS is no exception. Official WLTP combined consumption is 6.21 l/100 km for the manual and 6.43 l/100 km for the DCT, giving more than 644 km of range on a full tank and fewer fuel stops.

With a maximum towing weight of 1,750 kg, the MG HS can handle active lifestyles, towing caravans, trailers or boats with ease. With maximum torque available between 1,500 and 4,400 rpm, the HS has the muscle to tow even on hills.

The Exclusive DCT also offers a range of drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport and a custom driver setting. A “Super Sport” button on the steering wheel quickly activates Sport mode and triggers red ambient lighting inside.

In Romania, MG Motor announced the start of sales for the HS, a C-segment SUV designed for quality time with the family. The MG HS offers buyers an interesting, high-quality alternative to conventional options, with a sporty exterior and an interior focused on family comfort, using pleasant-touch materials throughout the cabin. Combining high quality with competitive prices, the MG HS defines accessible luxury for new-car buyers in Romania.

The MG HS was designed for a purposeful, sporty look that fits European roads. At the front, the latest iteration of MG’s “star field” grille frames the brand’s largest badge to date. At the rear, twin exhausts and a lower bumper with an aluminium-effect finish add an elegant, sporty touch.

Piano-key buttons, air vents styled like jet turbines and soft-touch door panels add to the sense of comfort and quality inside. Rear passengers get adjustable backrests with plenty of space, two air vents, two USB ports and a central console that opens smartly to reveal storage and cup holders.

The MG HS benefits from the brand’s MG Pilot advanced driver assistance suite, standard on all trim levels, helping to create a relaxed, safe driving experience.

MG Pilot includes autonomous emergency braking. Below 20 km/h, the car can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision with a car, bicycle or pedestrian. Above 20 km/h, it brakes automatically to reduce the likelihood or severity of an impact.

Using a combination of radar and camera technology, MG Pilot is a strong companion on long distances and journeys. Lane keeping assistance intervenes if the car leaves its lane or the road, providing steering input to keep it on course. Blind-spot detection gives the driver a visual warning of vehicles nearby or in adjacent lanes.

MG HS DCT customers benefit from relaxed driving thanks to MG Pilot adaptive cruise control. By setting target speed and following distance, the driver lets MG Pilot adjust speed automatically to maintain a safe gap to the vehicle ahead. When the road clears, MG Pilot accelerates back to the set speed. When adaptive cruise is active, integrated steering assistance helps keep the car in lane above 60 km/h with minimal steering input. Intelligent speed limit assistance reads speed signs and displays the current limit to the driver.

The MG HS is far from the best car in its sector to drive, but it fulfils its brief as a spacious, affordable car. There is nothing flashy or glamorous about it, but it is comfortable enough and gets you from A to B with little fuss.

If you can ignore brand snobbery and forgive the plain looks and dull driving, this is a decent family car. Add MG’s seven-year manufacturer warranty and its appeal is understandable.