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. The interior itself 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. If you opt for the £500 tan leather, it looks really quite premium.
It won’t appeal to those who don’t like not having many physical buttons as MG has removed even more than the previous car. While the materials and cabin look great as a whole, we do have a few questions about its longevity, especially if used as a family car as there’s a slight element of faux premium about how the HS is built. Though of course, only time will reveal its durability. Volkswagen Group products such as the Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen Tiguan, which are much more expensive, feel sturdier and better built.
Infotainment and tech
The technology has taken a noticeable leap up with the HS, and it arguably has one of the smartest-looking cabins in its class, and is much more pleasant than a Ford Kuga, for example. Much of this is down to the crisp-looking tech, with the 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster of the same size neatly merged together.
Both are a welcome improvement compared to the old HS, which had a touchscreen that looked like a cheap tablet you’d buy off Amazon. The new touchscreen still isn’t as quick to respond as it could be, and there’s a lack of physical shortcut buttons.
The fact Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity aren’t wireless feels behind the times for a brand-new car, and if you’re using either, there’s no quick shortcut button to return to the climate settings, meaning it requires several presses of the screen just to change the temperature, which isn’t good enough in our opinion.
However, the HS generally has lots of technology, especially in the plug-in hybrid model. This is equipped with vehicle-to-load technology, which allows you to use the car’s 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.