A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.6
Practicality
4.3
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a practical family SUV that won’t break the bank at the petrol pump? The mg hs-plug-in-hybrid deserves serious consideration, offering genuine electric driving capability at a price that puts premium rivals to shame. This Chinese-owned British brand has created something rather impressive – a plug-in hybrid that actually makes financial sense for real families.
The HS delivers where it matters most: practicality and running costs. With 32 miles of electric range, most school runs and shopping trips cost mere pence in electricity. When the battery runs low, the 1.5-litre petrol engine seamlessly takes over, providing 258hp of combined power that feels more than adequate for motorway cruising and family duties.
Inside, you’ll find space that genuinely accommodates five adults comfortably, plus a boot that swallows the weekly shop without complaint. The interior materials won’t shame you in the office car park, while the driving experience feels refined rather than budget. Yes, it lacks the badge appeal of German competitors, but the seven-year warranty more than compensates for any perceived shortcomings.
For company car drivers especially, the tax benefits are substantial. The MG HS proves you don’t need to spend premium money to enjoy plug-in hybrid benefits, making it a genuinely smart choice for practical families.
What's the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid Like to Drive?
The plug-in hybrid SUV delivers smooth and refined performance around town. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine works alongside a 122hp electric motor for a combined output of 258hp.
Acceleration feels brisk with 0-62mph taking 6.9 seconds. The electric motor provides instant torque for confident overtaking and merging onto motorways.
Pure electric driving is whisper quiet and perfectly adequate for urban journeys. The 16.6kWh battery provides up to 32 miles of zero-emission range in ideal conditions.
The CVT automatic transmission can feel sluggish during hard acceleration. However, it suits the HS’s relaxed character perfectly for everyday driving.
Regenerative braking helps top up the battery during deceleration. The system feels natural and doesn’t require adjustment to your driving style.
Road holding is secure if not particularly engaging. The suspension prioritises comfort over sharp handling, making it ideal for family use.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.5L turbo petrol + electric motor
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Power Output
258 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
166 mpg
- Boot Space
- 370 litres
- Safety Rating
- 5 stars Euro NCAP
- 32-mile electric range, 7-year warranty, CVT automatic
Inside the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid: Comfort & Features
The MG HS offers impressive space for a car in this price bracket. Front seat occupants enjoy excellent head and legroom with supportive cushioning.
Rear passengers benefit from generous space and comfortable seating for three adults. The flat floor makes the middle seat more usable than many rivals.
Interior materials feel solid if not particularly luxurious. Soft-touch plastics are used in key areas with attractive stitching details throughout.
The driving position is commanding yet comfortable with good all-round visibility. Electric seat adjustment helps you find the perfect position quickly.
Storage solutions include a useful cubby under the centre armrest and large door pockets. Cup holders are well positioned and secure drinks effectively.
Cabin noise levels are well controlled at motorway speeds. The electric driving mode is virtually silent around town making conversations effortless.
The hs-plug-in-hybrid excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run an MG HS Plug-in Hybrid?
The MG HS plug-in hybrid delivers exceptional fuel economy when charged regularly. Official figures claim up to 166mpg though real-world results depend heavily on usage patterns.
Company car drivers benefit from low Benefit-in-Kind tax rates thanks to minimal CO2 emissions. The P11D value represents excellent value compared to premium alternatives.
Charging costs are minimal using a home wallbox during off-peak hours. A full charge takes around three hours using a 7kW home charger.
Insurance groups are reasonable for a car with this level of performance and equipment. The comprehensive security features help keep premiums competitive.
Servicing costs should be lower than traditional petrol engines due to reduced wear. The seven-year warranty covers most major components including the hybrid system.
For those considering how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, the MG HS represents excellent value with attractive monthly payments.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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mg hs-plug-in-hybrid
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Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
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Toyota RAV4
|
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £31,995 | from £36,755 | from £33,040 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.5L Turbo + Electric 258hp | 2.4L Petrol + Electric 230hp | 2.5L Hybrid 218hp |
| Power | 258 bhp | 230 bhp | 218 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 8.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 166 mpg | 139 mpg | 55 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 370 litres | 463 litres | 580 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | 32-mile electric range, 7-year warranty, Low company car tax, Spacious interior | 28-mile electric range, AWD capability, Established reliability | Self-charging hybrid, Proven reliability, Strong resale value |
MG HS Plug-in Hybrid Practicality & Boot Space
Boot space measures 448 litres with the rear seats in place. This reduces to 370 litres in plug-in hybrid form due to the battery placement.
The loading lip is reasonably low making it easy to lift heavy items. The wide opening and square shape maximise usable space for family luggage.
Rear seats fold 60/40 to extend cargo capacity for larger items. The flat loading floor makes it easy to slide long objects through the cabin.
Used MG cars typically hold their value well thanks to the generous warranty coverage. The HS benefits from strong dealer network support across the UK.
Towing capacity is limited to 1,500kg which restricts larger caravan or trailer use. Most family requirements should be adequately covered by this limit.
Interior storage includes numerous cubbies and pockets throughout the cabin. The door bins are large enough for water bottles and personal items.
“We’ve owned our MG HS plug-in hybrid for eight months and couldn’t be happier with it. The electric range easily covers my daily commute saving us hundreds on fuel costs. The interior space is fantastic for our growing family with plenty of room for car seats. Build quality feels solid and we haven’t experienced any of the reliability issues mentioned online. The infotainment system works perfectly with our phones and the sound quality is excellent. Charging at home using our wallbox costs virtually nothing during off-peak hours. Would definitely recommend the MG HS to anyone looking for affordable family transport with low running costs.”
The MG HS plug-in hybrid offers exceptional value for money in the competitive family SUV segment. Generous equipment levels and comprehensive warranty coverage make it particularly attractive to budget-conscious buyers.
Performance feels smooth and refined with adequate power for most driving situations. The electric range covers typical daily journeys reducing fuel costs significantly.
Interior space and comfort levels exceed expectations for a car at this price point. The practical boot and flexible seating arrangements suit family life perfectly.
While not the most prestigious or refined option available, the HS delivers everything most families actually need. The competitive pricing makes premium rivals seem overpriced by comparison.
Running costs are excellent when charged regularly making it perfect for company car drivers. The low tax rates represent significant savings over traditional petrol alternatives.