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By Jonathan Crouch

The HS is the largest and most sophisticated MG we've seen. Jonathan Crouch takes a look at the revised version.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 79

HS here doesn't designate a super-fast rail route but MG's largest SUV, which is offered in both conventionally-engined and PHEV plug-in forms and here features now-smarter exterior styling, an updated cabin and a PHEV model with a larger battery. As before, it's one of the most spacious mid-sized SUVs you could choose, yet it retails for thousands less than you'd pay for comparably-shaped rivals. The usual MG formula in other words, backed up by the normal lengthy brand warranty.

Backgroundword count: 115

MG is one of the market's fastest growing brands, with many of its sales still being of its compact ZS SUV. This HS model was launched here in 2019 to slot in above that car, enabling the brand to hold on to family buyers who might have out-grown its smaller models. And to target new customers who previously would never have considered MG in this segment. These people are going to want a higher standard of luxury and sophistication than anything the brand has previously offered - and the HS range sets out to provide just that, updated in early 2023, then again in mid-2024 to create the car we're going to look at here.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 302

As before, the mainstream engine is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit, uprated in this improved model to 'new generation' form, which means total output rises by 7PS to 169PS and the 0-62mph time improves fractionally to 9.4s. As before, the top speed is 118mph and customers have the choice of either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT auto gearbox, which on top versions can also be manually controlled using the steering-wheel-mounted paddles. DCT versions also feature a series of drive modes including Eco, Normal, Sport and a driver customisable option. A steering wheel mounted 'Super Sport' button allows the driver to quickly engage Sport mode and it also illuminates the interior's red ambient lighting. You might worry about a petrol engine's relative lack of torque being insufficient for towing duties. This MG's unit develops 275Nm of pulling power, enough to allow it to tug along a braked trailer of up to 1,750kgs in weight - which should be enough for owners to haul medium-sized trailers, caravans, or boats. Because this is a front driven-only model, you shouldn't expect to be able to engage in any serious off road shenanigans - the relatively restricted ground clearance doesn't allow for that anyway. And you shouldn't expect ride and handling to be cutting-edge, though typical family buyers will probably be quite satisfied. As before, the alternative powerplant is a PHEV version of this same engine mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. In this Plug-in model, this unit works with a now-gutsier 105kW electric motor (up from 90kW) hitched to a four-speed drive unit and powered by a now-much-bigger 24.7kWh battery pack (up from 16.6kWh). Rest to 62mph takes 9.4s and when the battery pack is fully charged, a WLTP-rated pure electric range of 75 miles is apparently possible (up from just 32 miles before).

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