MG Motor UK Hs 1.5 T-GDI Hybrid+ SE 5dr Auto

Ten Second Review

We think the ideal MG HS is this one, the Hybrid+ variant. This efficient, powerful self-charging Hybrid version of the Chinese brand's mid-sized SUV offers a really strong combination of value, efficiency and practicality.

Background

Throughout the life of its model line, the MG HS mid-sized SUV has always been a good car looking for its ideal engine. For most of its time on sale, it's offered consumers a choice of an affordable but old-tech and woefully inefficient 1.5-litre petrol unit; or a PHEV version that's more appealing but comes with a price premium that rather dilutes this MG's value proposition. The ideal powerplant would be something in between these two extremes - and that's just what we got with this Hybrid+ model. As the name suggests, it's a self-charging Hybrid - of the proper full-Hybrid (rather than mild hybrid) kind. The engine in question much the same as the one we've already seen (and been impressed with) in the brand smaller ZS SUV and MG3 supermini. So does it create the ideal HS? Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

When this Hybrid engine first arrived in the little MG3 supermini, we were surprised at its prodigious power output. But that, MG explained at the time, was because the plan was to use it in larger, heavier models. Like this HS. And, sure enough, with 225PS on tap, this 1.5T Hybrid unit suits MG's mid-size crossover very well. As in the ZS and MG3 Hybrid+ models, the engine works in harmony with a powerful electric motor (146kW), an on-board generator and a little battery. That battery is just 1.8kWh in size, so it's not going to take the car very far on its own, but that's not the point of a self-charging Hybrid, where the EV element is just there to support the engine, not to supplant it. That total output figure is a little more than you get in the smaller ZS Hybrid+, and it facilitates a slightly quicker 0-62mph time of 7.9s en route to 118mph. It all works via a sophisticated 2-speed auto transmission first seen in the Plug-in Hybrid version of this car. There's no 'EV' button like you'd get in, say, a Toyota RAV4 in this segment to force a battery-driven drive setting around town. But unlike some other mid-sized Hybrids, you can select from three levels of brake regeneration to keep the lithium-ion cells topped up. The fiercest of these - 'High' - slows the car off-throttle quite noticeably. Get beyond the city limits and the powertrain automatically switches to a Parallel Hybrid setting which is where for the first time, the petrol engine then sends its power direct to the wheels, in combination with the electric motor via an auto gearbox.

Design and Build

Visually, there are no significant changes to the Hybrid+ version of this HS - unless you spot different badging. This is the third version of the HS design we've seen in the UK - and it's by far the most striking-looking, with its confident front grille and beady full-LED headlights. There's also short overhangs, a rising shoulder line and a slim glasshouse. At the rear, and echoing the design of the headlights, the LED tail lights are linked by a central motif while an X-shape introduces a recognisable light signature at night. You expect plenty of metal for your money from an MG and you'll not be disappointed here. Don't be put off by the fact that an HS isn't much cheaper than, say, a Nissan Qashqai; it's quite a lot bigger than one of those - though there are still only five seats. Inside, there are two prominent 12.3-inch high-definition displays. The central monitor is dedicated to infotainment, with live navigation services including weather, live traffic updates, access to Amazon Music and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Top 'Trophy' models also benefit from a 360-degree surround view camera and wireless smartphone charging as standard. The 12.3-inch virtual driver instrument display offers two themes - light and dark - and three distinct modes - Map, Digital, and ADAS. Each offers its own unique layout, focusing on either a rolling navigation display, a simplified summary of only the most important driving information, or a real-time visualisation of the vehicle and its surroundings, powered by the driver assistance systems. There are more high-quality soft-touch materials than you'd expect for the money being asked and not much button clutter. The seats could be a little more supportive and the indicator stalks feel a bit plasticky, but that's about it on the debit side. As previously, interior space is class-leading (helped by a 45mm increase in wheelbase length with this updated model). That's something you'll especially notice in the rear where there's vastly more space than you'd get in a Qashqai or something else in this segment comparably-priced, say a SEAT Ateca. It's possible to fit three adults here, which is unusual in this class. Headroom's good too - even with the panoramic sunroof fitted. Out back, there's a decently-sized 507-litre boot (15-litres bigger than the PHEV-engined model) - that capacity measured up to the window line. Flatten the seat backs and that rises to 1,484-litres.

Market and Model

Pricing for this mid-sized family SUV HS Hybrid+ model starts at around £29,000 for the base 'SE' version, rising to around £31,200 for the plusher 'Trophy' model. To give you some perspective, that's about £3,000 more than the conventional 1.5-litre unelectrified version of this model; but about £2,500 less than the PHEV plug-in derivative. You can see why MG needed this Hybrid+ variant to fill the gap. And there's plenty of kit. Even base 'SE'-spec gives you full-LED headlights (with front and rear sequential indicators). Alongside air conditioning, satellite navigation, a rear parking camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and a leather steering wheel. Plusher 'Trophy' specification also includes 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear privacy glass, front fog lights, a powered tailgate and an upgraded 6-speaker audio system. Both models in the range benefit from an enhanced MG Pilot package, with Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Door Open Warning as standard. DCT models also include Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.

Cost of Ownership

If you've previously been looking at a non-plug-in MG HS, we can understand why you might have been put off by the efficiency stats. The ordinary un-electrified 1.5-litre petrol manual model can manage only 37.2mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 168g/km (or 38.3mpg and 173g/km as an auto); these are all figures well behind the curve in this car's segment. But with this Hybrid+ variant, it's very different, those stats improving to 51.3mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 126g/km - far more like it. What about other running cost issues? Well, like all versions of this MG, this one comes with an impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty as standard - which is better than most rival brands can offer. You might be aware that rivals offer longer packages, but MG still reckons its deal is preferable because it's backed by full factory support throughout, whereas direct manufacturer support for rival warranties declines the longer they go on. In many cases they don't go on too long. Many competitors still limit you to a three year back-up package; a few offer five years. MG does better: this is the brand putting its money where its mouth is. The warranty is fully transferrable to future owners. Additionally, there's a six year factory warranty against rust, while a year's breakdown cover is also part of the deal. The MG dealer network is growing all the time - the brand currently has 160 outlets in the UK. At those outlets, a full digital service record of checks and maintenance provides the customer with complete transparency and full access to the service history of their vehicle.

Summary

Going forward, this Hybrid+ version will probably be the best-selling HS derivative - and it deserves to be. Which bodes well for the Chinese brand because at the launch of this important variant, the HS was already Britain's seventh best-selling car. In this form, it's impressively efficient and far more powerful than its more expensive segment rivals. In an ideal world, you'd probably rather have an HS PHEV, but the Hybrid+ offers a useful saving of one of those - and its lighter weight will promote slightly more agile handling. In short, this car might be the mid-sized family market's best kept secret. You read it here first.