Hybrids are the way to go for that perfect blend of power and economy, and MG has struck a nice note in offering the small SUV market with their version of how a PHEV SUV should look. If looks were the only means of judging the little MG HS Hybrid, then it would win many hearts over because of the vehicle’s nice lines, awesome ‘Essence” grade interior and the loaded feature list.
First things first; let’s take a look under the hood. Strictly speaking, there is more to this small SUV than the engine under the bonnet because it also runs with a hidden away high-tech battery system. What sort of power and efficiency can we expect from the 2021 MG HS PHEV SUV? It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol-fed engine, together with a 16.6 kW liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery system that, in total, develops 189 kW at its peak and then a nice lusty 370 Nm of torque over a broad range of engine revs – perfect for daily commutes and quick passing manoeuvres. So to put these power output figures in perspective, they read very similarly to Saab’s 95 and 9000 Aero models of a few years back, which were quick cars. MG says that these outputs are good for a 190 km/h top speed (a bit off the Saab’s 245 km/h but then the MG HS is an SUV) and a zero-to-100 km/h sprint of 6.9 seconds (much more in line with an Aero Saab). Out on the road, the new MG HS PHEV sits nicely planted on the road, and with quality rubber the car sticks well to the road and offers nice feedback to the driver. The car is very fluent through the corners and with the 10-step gearing it really puts the power down smoothly. Around town MG’s hybrid SUV is zippy and easy to drive.
Where the MG wins hands down is in fuel consumption. MG say that the HS Hybrid can travel up to 52 km on full electric power and can deliver a fuel consumption figure of just 1.7 litres/100km on a combined cycle. Anything under 4 litres/100 km is impressive these days, and the best thing about this low consumption is that the hybrid vehicles work at their best in congested, built up environments where pollution from emissions can be a big problem. When more power is needed for those lengthy road trips with the family, then a hybrid vehicle like the 2021 MG HS PHEV/Hybrid shines again because it relies on the petrol motor to get the job done while recharging the battery system. They really are that good. As a plug-in hybrid, the new MG HS PHEV also comes with a three-pin charging point located next to the fuel cap for charging at home or at the office.
Comfort and style inside the new MG HS SUV is awesome, and because the Hybrid models boast the full Essence trim levels, you are very well kitted out with technology, style and comfort. The Essence boasts the high-spec trim, so you get to enjoy the MG HS at its best, with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot detection, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an impressive 10.1-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree camera, a customisable interior lighting system, and heated and electrically adjustable leather/Alcantara seats. Simply put, the MG HS PHEV has all the style and comfort you need for an excellent price, which is around the $47k mark.
Tall adults will find the rear seat space quite accommodating, and 463 litres of luggage space is available with the split-fold rear seats up; 1454 litres with them folded down flat.
The MG HS PHEV goes head-to-head with the likes of a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Subaru Forester Hybrid, both of which are handy off-road. However, the MG HS hybrid is considerably cheaper, arguably better looking on the outside and definitely sweet on the inside. The HS PHEV also gets an additional year of warranty over the other HS versions, though it’s capped at 160,000 km.
The 2021 MG HS AWD models include the:
For any more information on the new MG HS PHEV or, for that matter, any other new car, contact one of our friendly consultants on 1300 303 181. If you’d like some fleet discount pricing (yes even for private buyers!), we can submit vehicle quote requests out to our national network of MG dealers and come back with pricing within 24 hours. Private Fleet – car buying made easy!