MG HS verdict
Should you buy one?
The new MG HS is a significant improvement compared to the previous car, and well worth considering if you’re looking for a well-priced family car. While previously many of its rough edges could be partly forgiven because of its low price, the new HS is a far better car and for not much more money than before.
While not as well-rounded as the best family SUVs, it’s an absolute steal considering most of its rivals are at least £5,000 more expensive. With generous equipment, decent road manners and a pleasant interior – and crucially a decent amount of space – the HS delivers where it matters.
What we like
Value for money remains the core reason to buy the HS. It’s around £5,000 cheaper than an equivalent Nissan Qashqai, and should prove affordable to finance too. The interior is a welcome improvement compared to before, as is the way it drives. But the plug-in hybrid is a revelation in terms of electric range and affordability. When the regular hybrid model arrives in 2025, the MG HS will be a very competitive car indeed.
What we don’t like
The regular petrol engine remains a slight weakness of the HS. It lacks the refinement, smoothness and efficiency of many rivals, and when paired with the automatic gearbox, isn’t especially pleasant. Some of the driver assistance systems are overly annoying, while the touchscreen could be improved by having physical shortcut buttons and by being more responsive.