MG HS interior, tech and comfort
- Interior looks and feels very modern
- Quality can feel a bit faux premium in places
- Main touchscreen could be improved
How is the quality and layout?
MG continues to improve at an impressive rate, and the MG HS’s interior is a great showcase of how much the brand has matured. The cabin looks fantastic and very modern. It’s got the on-trend twin digital displays that merge a large touchscreen with the instrument cluster. Hyundai and BMW have done similar and to look at it, it’s fantastic.
There’s a new, more ergonomic gear selector that’s a welcome improvement, as is the stylish dashboard and textured door trim. Also, if you opt for the £500 tan leather, we reckon it looks really quite premium.
It won’t appeal to those who prefer physical buttons, as MG has stripped back the cabin even more than the previous car’s. And while the materials used in the cabin look great as a whole, we’ve got a few questions about their longevity. We’re concerned the rigours of family life could soon take the shine off the HS’s faux premium atmosphere.
Only time will reveal its durability. Still, we should flag that Volkswagen Group products such as the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan, which are much more expensive, feel sturdier and better built.
Infotainment and tech
Cabin technology has taken a noticeable leap up with the HS. It has arguably one of the smartest-looking cabins in its class, (it’s much more pleasant than a Ford Kuga, for example), much of which can be attributed to the crisp-looking tech.
The merged 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument are welcome improvements compared to the old HS, which had a touchscreen that looked like a cheap tablet available on Temu. The new touchscreen still isn’t as quick to respond as it could be, and we hate the lack of physical shortcut buttons, but it’s a night and day difference across the generation change.
However, the fact Apple CarPlay and Android Auto aren’t wireless feels behind the times for a brand-new car. Also, if you’re using either, there’s no quick shortcut button to return to MG’s native climate settings, meaning it requires several pokes, scowls and menu scans just to adjust the temperature. That isn’t good enough in our opinion.
We should praise the HS for its technology, though, especially at its price point. The plug-in hybrid model is particularly impressive as it’s equipped with vehicle-to-load technology. This allows you to use the car’s electrical power to charge or run other electrical devices – such as a coffee machine or TV. It’s a feature that’s quite commonplace on EVs now, but the HS is one of the few plug-in hybrids that have this ability.
Comfort
- Electric driver’s seat as standard
- Soft and supple seats
- Memory and easy access function on top-spec models
Comfort has taken a noticeable step up with the MG HS. An electric driver’s seat is standard on all models, and is ideal for quickly getting to your required position. It doesn’t offer as much adjustment as a Skoda Karoq, for example, but most adults should be able to find a comfortable position.
On the top-spec Trophy version you also get additional lumbar support, memory function and easy access, making it ideal for those with more restricted mobility. Like the outgoing MG HS, it’s expected this new model will be a popular choice for those able to access the Motability scheme.
