MG HS: 'I test drove the new MG - it might not be a British sports car any more but it stil feels racy'
The MG was synonymous with British sports cars but the car is still there… but now built in China and mainly consists of SUVs, and that’s not such a bad thing, says Steve Teale, who test drove the MG HS.
A time traveller would be confused. MG was – and still is to some – the very epitome of British sporting cars. Depending on your era, they are the MG TD and TF; or the MGB GT from a little later; or the MG Metros, Montegos and Maestros of the 1980s.
In fact, one of my earlier test drives was in a MG RV8 in the early 1990s. What a blast! This was no souped up supermini, it was a proper 3.9 litre sports with a beautiful engine.
In fact, it was one of the first powerplants which made me appreciate a burble – something today’s generation of EV users will probably never appreciate.
But today’s MG enthusiast is presented with a rather different set of models, built not in Oxford but in China.
And rather than two-seater sports cars, most are SUVs with just the stunning sports car Cyberster there for old time’s sake.
Sounds like a disaster? Not at all. These cars might not have the post-war appeal of the old British motor but they are selling very well, thank you.
Especially the MG HS tested here which majors on price but which is decent to look at and even better to drive. Surprised? Not as much as I was.
HS is available with petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains and delivers a smooth and comfortable driving experience, while providing a spacious and premium interior.
All models come with a decent amount of standard equipment and the car rivals the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq.
All come with equipment such as a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a reversing camera and a six-speaker audio system.
It is far from being a sports car but it does have something of a racy feel as it touches 60mph in 7.9 seconds, through a sophisticated two-speed auto transmission first seen on the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid.
Despite the strong levels of power, the MG HS Hybrid is still able to achieve 51.3mpg in addition to low CO2 emissions of 126g/km.
When it was launched MG said it would be a great addition to the family, blending performance and SUV practicality with a super-efficient hybrid powertrain that keeps running costs down.
Just like the recently introduced MG3 and MG ZS Hybrid models, MG was confident it will prove to be an extremely popular choice for both existing and new customers.
All its rivals are well appointed so the MG has to follow suit. All the generous equipment levels, excellent storage options, practical features and advanced safety features that have made the MG HS one of the UK’s most sought-after cars are available on the HS Hybrid+.
The MG HS Hybrid+ features two prominent 12.3-inch high-definition displays. The central display is dedicated to infotainment with live navigation services including weather, live traffic updates, access to Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The Trophy model features a 360 degree surround view camera with real-time visualisation of the vehicle and its surroundings, powered by the driver assistance systems, and wireless smartphone charging.
The second 12.3in virtual driver display offers two themes – light and dark – and three modes – Map, Digital, and ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems).
Each offers its own unique layout, focusing on either a rolling navigation display, a simplified display of only important information.
Throughout the interior there are quality materials with premium highlights creating a welcoming ambiance, underlined by some key touchpoints including a three-spoke steering wheel with improved switchgear, and a modern, shuttle-style gear shifter.
The extensive equipment offering extends to automatic full LED headlights with follow-me-home function, rear parking sensors, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, six-way adjustable electric driver’s seat and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat, air conditioning, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, electric parking brake with auto-hold function.
Safe and comfortable driving whilst making good progress is supported by MG Pilot which offers active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning system, blind spot detection with lane change assist, driver attention alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Door Open Warning as standard.
Boot capacity is 507 litres and there are options throughout the cabin.
HS Hybrid Plus can support up to 75kg on its twin roof rails and there’s a towing capacity of up to 1,500kg.
The HS is a popular motor. It was UK’s seventh best-selling car in the first quarter of 2025 with 9,738 registrations and sales are holding up.
Established in 1924, MG is one of the world's best-known automotive brands. Renowned for its affordable, exciting, innovative and stylish British sports cars, thousands of these much-loved classics are still being driven by passionate enthusiasts worldwide.
Today, MG offers motorists a comprehensive range of models to suit all needs. Both petrol and advanced, efficient hybrid powertrains are available in addition to accessible BEVs. Praised for its role in making electric motoring fun, useable and affordable, MG provides an award-winning lineup of electric vehicles.
Customers are supported by a 160-strong dealer network and a seven-year/80,000 miles MG warranty.
MG HS Hybrid: £29,495. The Trophy version starts at £31,995; A 1.5 litre Hybrid petrol engine (105kW), working with powerful electric motor (146kw), on board generator and large capacity 1.8kWh battery; Top speed not given but 0 to 60mph in 7.9 seconds; Economy 51.3mpg; Emissions 126g/km; Seven years/ 80,000 miles warranty