MG HS

Engines and powertrains

The new MG HS is offered with three powertrains, all built around a 1,496cc turbocharged petrol engine and front-wheel drive. The HS Petrol produces 123 kW (about 165 hp) and 250 Nm and uses a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The HS Hybrid+ uses a hybrid-specific version of the engine rated at 105 kW and 230 Nm, a 146 kW traction motor and a dedicated hybrid transmission, for a combined 165 kW and 340 Nm. Its 1.83 kWh battery charges itself, so it never needs plugging in. The HS Super Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid with a 154 kW motor, a 24.7 kWh battery and a combined 220 kW and 350 Nm (nominal). MG quotes up to 135 km of electric-only range on the NEDC cycle. It charges through a Type 2 connector and takes about 4 hours on a 7 kW charger. All three need RON 92 petrol or better and have a 55-litre tank.

Size and practicality

The hybrids measure 4,670 mm long, 1,890 mm wide and 1,663 mm tall, while the Petrol is slightly shorter at 4,655 mm. All share a 2,765 mm wheelbase and 225/55 R19 tyres. MG’s spec sheets list ground clearance as 180 mm for the Petrol, 176 mm for the Super Hybrid and 167 mm for the Hybrid+. MG has not published a boot capacity for the Pakistani HS.

Equipment

Every new HS has seven airbags, including a far-side airbag, plus stability control, hill start assist, auto hold, an electric parking brake and tyre pressure monitoring. The MG Pilot suite covers adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, blind spot detection with lane change assist, front cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, door open warning and driver monitoring. Comfort features include a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, heated front seats, a memory driver’s seat with electric lumbar support, an electric passenger seat and PVC upholstery. There is a 360-degree camera with a transparent-chassis view, front and rear parking sensors, LED lights and power-folding heated mirrors. Inside are twin 12.3-inch screens, eight speakers, wireless phone charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on the hybrids) and MG iSMART. The Petrol and Super Hybrid are also listed with a power tailgate.

Warranty

MG gives a 5-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, and the high-voltage battery in the Hybrid+ and Super Hybrid is covered for 8 years or 150,000 km, whichever comes first.

Which variant to buy

In our opinion, the Super Hybrid is the best HS if you can charge at home or at work. It costs Rs 200,000 more than the Hybrid+ but adds a far bigger battery, genuine electric-only commuting and the strongest performance. If you cannot charge regularly, the Hybrid+ is the better fit, which is also MG’s own advice. The Petrol is the cheapest way into the new HS with very similar equipment, though we would expect it to use noticeably more fuel in city traffic.