MG HS +EV Review

There’s very few cars on the market that offer this level of value for the price, which might have you wondering what, if any sacrifices are buyers making when opting for an MG? Let’s take a look at the MG HS lineup and see how it stacks up against its tough rivals in the midsize SUV segment, as well as how the plug-in hybrid electric HS EV stands up to its competition. 

Starting Price: $29,990

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MG HS +EV (PHEV EXCITE) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check MG HS +EV car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The MG HS lineup kicks off from $29,990 for the entry-level HS Core, while stepping up to the HS Vibe brings the price to $31,990. The HS Excite and HS Excite X are priced at $34,990 and $37,990 respectively, while the HS Essence and Essence Anfield receive pricetags of $38,990 and $40,690 respectively. 

Topping the petrol lineup is the MG HS Essence X, which is priced at $42,990, while the plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) HS Plus EV Essence receives a price tag of $47,990. 

Keep in mind that while these prices are subject to change, they do include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

What Features Does the MG HS Have?

MG’s entry-level HS Core comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys, and receives keyless entry & start, a reversing camera with rear-mounted parking sensors, cloth upholstery, LED tail lights and daytime running lamps, an electronic parking brake and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a four-speaker sound system. 

Stepping up to the HS Vibe adds an upgraded six-speaker sound system, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, as well as faux leather upholstery. 

MG’s HS Excite and Excite X come fitted with 18-inch alloys, and receives LED headlights, a powered boot lift, dual-zone climate control, satellite navigation, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, ambient lighting and alloy driving pedals, while the HS Essence and Essence X receive a surround-view camera, sports seats and a panoramic sunroof, while the HS Plus EV receives a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.  

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys 

• Keyless entry & start 

• Reversing camera with rear-mounted parking sensors 

• Cloth upholstery 

• LED tail lights 

• 10.1-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Blind-spot monitoring 

• Rear cross-traffic alerts 

• Fog lights (Vibe)

• Leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever (Vibe)

• Faux leather upholstery (Vibe)

• 18-inch alloys (Excite X)

• LED headlights (Excite X)

• Dual-zone climate control (Excite X)

• Ambient lighting (Excite X)

• Powered boot lift (Excite X)

• Surround-view camera (Essence X)

• Sport seats (Essence X)

• Panoramic sunroof (Essence X)

• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display (HS Plus EV) 

MG HS Plus EV Colours

The MG HS Plus EV range is available in a choice of eight colours, including York White, Diamond Red Metallic, Surfing Blue Metallic, Black Pearl Metallic, New Pearl White Metallic, Sterling Silver Metallic, Phantom Red Metallic and Brixton Blue Metallic. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

While the name might be a bit confusing, the MG HS Plus EV is actually a petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, otherwise known as a PHEV. 

That means that under the bonnet, there’s a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine paired with an electric motor at the front end, with power to the e-motor supplied by a 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack. 

The end result is a power output of 189kW and torque figure standing at 370Nm, which translates to some instant and impressively lively acceleration on the road. MG says the compact lithium-ion battery pack offers up to 63km of all-electric driving range, which depends on your driving style and the conditions. 

Overall, the power delivery and the amount of torque pushing you off the line is extremely positive for the price. 

There is also a regenerative braking system that captures energy lost during braking, which works well in slowing the car down and capturing that energy back into the battery,  however, it lacks the multi-level adjustment of some of its PHEV peers. 

In terms of everyday driveability, MG has given the HS Plus EV a fairly weighted steering rack that can make some low-speed maneuvers and parking a bit of a chore, but overall it’s a user-friendly package. 

Finally, the suspension fitted to the HS Plus EV is remarkably soft, which works wonders at ironing out the road, but makes the body prone to significant body roll through the corners, and is a sign that the body could do with some stiffer anti-roll bars. 

Overall, though, for the money, the HS Plus EV is an impressive addition to the midsize SUV segment, powered by a fuel-efficient and powerful plug-in hybrid engine.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Stepping inside the HS Plus EV greets the driver and front passenger with a spacious cabin filled with a handful of practical elements that make it a worthy addition to the demanding midsize family SUV segment. 

Up front, there’s a heap of headroom for tall drivers and adjustable driving position, although the bulky A-pillar can eat up forward visibility at times, while the high-definition 12.3-inch digital driver’s display looks great and is user-friendly to navigate through menus. 

The overall quality, fit and finish of the interior is perfectly acceptable when you factor in the price tag, but there are some signs of cheaper plastic and hard touchpoints that your hands, arms, and even knees are likely to find over long drives. 

Thankfully, though, the HS redeems itself when it comes to practicality, with a heap of storage options in the front of the cabin including three storage areas in the central tunnel alone, and additional large door bins. 

Move to the rear of the cabin and you’ll find a comfortable benchseat featuring a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats, with more than enough room for tall rear passengers that add to the family-friendly nature of the HS platform. 

Even with the sunroof, there’s no issues with headroom in the rear of the HS, while legroom is perfectly suited to a growing family, although not segment-leading. Practical touches include a set of air vents and USB chargers for the rear of the cabin, and a folding armrest with storage and cupholders. 

Finally, the HS Plus EV has a boot rated at 451L which is perfectly acceptable for the segment, and is only slightly less than the 463L you’ll find in the boot of the standard HS in spite of the added electrical infrastructure. 

Is it Safe?

The MG HS Plus EV is yet to receive an official ANCAP safety rating, although the car on which it is based was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2019, scoring 92% for adult protection and 83% for child protection. 

As standard, MG packages the HS with its full suite of MG Pilot safety equipment, which bundles autonomous emergency braking, lane keep and lane departure assistance, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alerts as standard. 

Considering its price tag, this is an impressive amount of safety equipment as standard and makes the MG HS Plus EV an attractive value for money offering in the context of safety.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

MG says that its plug-in hybrid HS is rated at just 1.7L/100km on a combined cycle, so long as there is electricity in the 16kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers around 63km of all-electric driving.

Our Verdict: Is the MG HS Plus EV Worth it?

While some Australian buyers might remain skeptical on the HS plug-in hybrid EV, it remains an impressive midsize SUV from pretty much every angle you look at it. 

The powertrain is powerful yet fuel-efficient, the entertainment and safety equipment lists are long, and the space and practicality inside the cabin match what’s on offer in some of its more established rivals, making for an undeniable value for money offering in the midsize SUV segment. 

As a result, we can’t help but recommend you add the MG HS Plus EV to your midsize SUV shortlist, particularly if you’re looking for a clever plug-in hybrid engine. 

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year, unlimited KM warranty 

2. 12-month/10,000 service intervals 

3. 1.5-litre turbo-petrol paired with e-motor and 16kWh battery

4. 63km all-electric driving 

5. Fuel economy of 1.7L/100km 

Pros

• Outstanding seven-year ownership program 

• Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid medium-sized SUV 

• Impressive equipment lists for the price 

• Comprehensive safety equipment list

Cons

• Short service intervals 

• Unsophisticated ride quality 

• Rough petrol-to-electric transition at times

• Cumbersome infotainment system

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

MG HS EV Competition