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Middle children are often the over achievers.
And that’s exactly what we have here with the MG HS Hybrid+ – the unassuming middle member of MG’s three-tiered mid-size SUV family.
MG offers its second-generation HS mid-size SUV with the choice of three powertrains, with the most affordable variants featuring a normal internal-combustion petrol engine, while the most expensive grades have an advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) setup called Super Hybrid, which can drive for more than 100km on battery power alone.
In between are the Hybrid+ variants we’re reviewing here, which have a more conventional petrol-electric combination but don’t have the headline-grabbing price tag of the entry-level variants, nor the high-tech features of the Super Hybrids.
That said, there’s still a lot to like about the Hybrid+ models. So, let’s take a look…
Un-Hybrid pricing
Interestingly, MG has developed a unique – and aggressive – drive-away pricing strategy that it claims positions the petrol models against second-hand alternatives, hybrids against base-level rivals from mainstream brands, and the plug-ins against simpler hybrids.
As it is with all three powertrain choices, the MG HS Hybrid+ is available in two equipment levels, starting with the base-grade Excite that costs $42,990 drive-away, while the flagship Essence costs $46,990 drive-away.
Those sticker prices live up to that competitive promise, matching the likes of the entry-level Hyundai Tucson ($38,350 before on-road costs), Kia Sportage ($38,490 before on-roads), Mitsubishi Outlander ($39,990 plus ORCs), Subaru Forester ($43,490 plus ORCs, and the Toyota RAV4 ($39,760 plus ORCs).
Standard equipment
Amplifying the MG HS value for money equation is a long list of standard equipment, even in the entry-level Excite, which includes:
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Keyless entry with push-button start
- Cloth trim
- Electric adjustable driver’s seat
- Air conditioning with rear vents
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Six-speaker audio system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Embedded satellite navigation
The Essence trim brings a host of additional conveniences and luxuries, such as:
- Front fog lights
- Panoramic sunroof
- Synthetic leather trim
- Driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment and memory functions
- Electric adjustable passenger seat
- Power tailgate
- Eight-speaker audio system
- Wireless phone charging pad
Family-size cabin
While all the techno gadgetry inside the cabin is attractive, and provides a clean and modern aesthetic, the MG HS also gets the family-friendly fundamentals just right, with plenty of space for five occupants.
Those in the front seats are treated to generous head and shoulder room, as well as a commanding view of the road ahead through the large front windscreen. They are also perched in a pair of elevated front seats that are both supportive and comfortable, and have plenty of convenient small-item storage spaces in the dashboard, and deep door pockets that can accommodate large water bottles.
The twin-screen setup provides all the necessary information for the driver clearly in the instrument cluster and, while the infotainment system houses most of the controls for vehicle settings and ventilation, MG’s operating system has a logical menu structure that is easy to navigate around.
For back-seat passengers, there’s plenty of legroom and enough space across the bench for three, plus rear air vents and two USB power outlets.
The boot has a cavernous 507 litres of cargo carrying capacity that can expand up to 1484L when the 60:40-split/folding rear seat is stowed flat, and houses a space-saver spare tyre under the floor.
Five-star safety
The MG HS scores a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating under the latest – and most stringent – testing protocols, thanks to a comprehensive array of advanced crash avoidance systems and driver aids, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane keeping assistance
- Lane change assistance
- Speed sign recognition
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver attention monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert and braking
- Door opening warning
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Seven airbags
Seamless powertrain
Under the bonnet, the MG HS Hybrid+ links a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor that drives the front wheels via a dedicated hybrid transmission.
The petrol engine alone produces 105kW of power and 230Nm of torque, and the electric motor generates an additional 146kW and 340Nm, for maximum combined outputs of 165kW/340Nm.
Energy is supplied to the e-motor by a 1.83kWh lithium-ion battery pack that is recuperated through regenerative braking when decelerating.
Achievable real-world efficiency
The net result is a powertrain that delivers on its promise to reduce fuel consumption, with a claimed average figure of 5.2L/100km, which is largely representative of what can be achieved in real-world conditions, depending on driving behaviour, topography and environmental conditions.
With a 55L fuel tank, it has a theoretical driving range of just over 1000km before needing to be refuelled, which adds to its value in terms of lower running costs and also enables it to be a convenient long-distance cruiser suitable for family road trips.
On top of all of that, the MG HS Hybrid+ is comfortable and compliant to drive, with positive steering feel and a sure-footed dynamic character.
Benchmark ownership credentials
The real kicker is MG’s best-in-class ownership credentials, with a standard seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assistance, which can be extended to 10 years (and 250,000km) when the vehicle is maintained according to its prescribed servicing schedule within the MG dealer network.
Also providing additional peace of mind is MG’s seven-year capped-price service scheme, with regular maintenance required every 12 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first).
CarExpert’s take on the MG HS Hybrid+
The MG HS Hybrid+ might not have the attention-seeking pricetag of the entry-level petrol-powered models or the electric-only driving range smarts of the flagship Super Hybrid variants.
However, like most middle children, it is the most rational member of the family, offering a sweet spot that delivers plenty in terms of value for money, along with excellent on-road manners, realistic fuel consumption, and cutting-edge safety.