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Middle children are often the top achievers.
And that’s exactly what we have here with this MG HS Hybrid+ – the unassuming middle member of MG’s three-tier midsize SUV family.
MG offers its second-generation HS mid-size SUV with three powertrain variants, with the cheapest variants having a regular combustion engine petrol engine while the most expensive models have a so-called Advanced Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) setup Super hybridwhich can travel more than 100 km on battery power alone.
They lie in between Hybrid+ Here we examine the variants that have a more conventional petrol-electric combination, but neither have the headline-grabbing price of the entry-level variants nor the high-tech features of the super hybrids.
Still, there’s still a lot to like about the Hybrid+ models. So let’s take a look around…
Un-hybrid prices
Interestingly, MG has developed a unique – and aggressive – drive-away pricing strategy that it says positions the petrol models against used alternatives, hybrids against base competitors from mainstream brands and the plug-ins against simpler hybrids.
Like all three drive variants, the MG HS Hybrid+ is available in two trim levels, starting with the basic trim Excite That costs $42,990, while the flagship beings costs $46,990 drive away.
These sticker prices live up to this competitive promise and are equivalent to, for example, the entry-level Hyundai Tucson ($38,350 before on-road costs), the Kia Sportage ($38,490 before on-road costs), the Mitsubishi Outlander ($39,990 plus ORCs), the Subaru Forester ($43,490 plus ORCs) and the Toyota RAV4 ($39,760 plus). ORCs).
Standard equipment
The MG HS’s value for money is reinforced by a long list of standard features, even on the entry-level Excite, including:
- LED headlights and taillights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Keyless entry with push button start
- Fabric trim
- Electrically adjustable driver’s seat
- Air conditioning with rear vents
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Audio system with six speakers
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded satellite navigation
The Essence trim offers a variety of additional amenities and luxuries, such as:
- Front fog lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Faux leather trim
- Driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory function
- Electrically adjustable passenger seat
- Electric tailgate
- Audio system with eight speakers
- Wireless phone charging pad
Family size cabin
While all of the interior tech gadgets are attractive and provide a clean and modern aesthetic, the MG HS also gets the family-friendly basics just right, with plenty of space for five occupants.
Those sitting in the front seats enjoy generous head and shoulder room as well as an impressive view of the road ahead through the large windshield. You’ll also sit in two raised front seats that are both supportive and comfortable, and have plenty of handy storage spaces for small items in the dashboard, as well as deep door pockets that can accommodate large water bottles.
The dual screen setup provides the driver with all the necessary information clearly arranged in the instrument cluster and while the infotainment system houses most of the controls for vehicle settings and ventilation, the MG operating system has a logical menu structure that allows for easy navigation.
There’s plenty of legroom for backseat passengers and bench space for three, as well as rear air vents and two USB sockets.
The boot has a massive 507 liters of cargo capacity, which can be expanded to up to 1,484 liters when the 60:40 split/folding rear seat is stowed flat, and has room for a space-saving spare tire under the floor.
Five star security
The MG HS achieves a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest – and most stringent – testing protocols, thanks to a comprehensive range of advanced accident avoidance systems and driver assistance systems, including:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistant
- Lane change assistant
- Speed sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Monitoring driver attention
- Cross traffic warning and rear braking
- Door opening warning
- Tire pressure monitoring
- Seven airbags
Seamless powertrain
Under the hood, the MG HS Hybrid+ combines a 1.5-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with an electric motor that drives the front wheels via a special hybrid transmission.
The petrol engine alone produces an output of 105 kW and a torque of 230 Nm, the electric motor generates an additional 146 kW and 340 Nm, which corresponds to a maximum total output of 165 kW/340 Nm.
The electric motor is powered by a 1.83 kWh lithium-ion battery, which is recuperated by regenerative braking when decelerating.
Achievable efficiency in practice
The end result is a powertrain that delivers on its promise to reduce fuel consumption, with a claimed average figure of 5.2L/100km that is broadly representative of what can be achieved in real-world conditions depending on driving behavior, topography and environmental conditions.
With a 55 liter fuel tank it has a theoretical range of just over 1000km before needing refueling, increasing its value in terms of lower running costs and also making it a practical long distance cruiser suitable for family trips.
Furthermore, the MG HS Hybrid+ is comfortable and compliant to drive, with a positive steering feel and a sure-footed dynamic character.
Benchmark proof of ownership
The real highlight is MG’s world-class ownership credentials, with a standard seven-year unlimited kilometer warranty and roadside assistance, which can be extended to ten years (and 250,000km) if the vehicle is serviced according to the prescribed maintenance schedule across the MG dealer network.
Added peace of mind is also provided by MG’s seven-year, premium value service program, which requires regular servicing every 12 months or every 10,000km (whichever comes first).
CarExperts interpretation of the MG HS Hybrid+
The MG HS Hybrid+ may not have the eye-popping price of the entry-level petrol models or the smart all-electric range of the flagship super hybrid variants.
However, like most middle children, it is the most rational member of the family, offering optimal value for money as well as excellent road manners, realistic fuel consumption and first-class safety.
MORE: Explore the MG HS showroom
