MG HS - TopCarNews

MG HS (2019 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]

Summary

The MG HS is a budget mid-size SUV/crossover, which sits above the smaller ZS in the MG range. It was launched in the UK in late 2019.

So far, the MG HS has received better reviews from the UK motoring media than the ZS, although it still ranks 14th out of 18 mid-size family SUVs we have analysed to date. It’s main advantage over rivals is its very low price – the HS is a mid-size SUV for the price of a supermini hatchback from most other brands.

The low price is further enhanaced by decent equipment levels, and a lengthy seven-year new car warranty is also a plus point. However, its quality and driving experience are considered to be quite a way off the levels seen in most rivals.

Key specifications

Body style: Mid-size SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £21,110 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express

Model reviewed: plug-in hybridScore: 7 / 10“MG’s plug-in hybrid is spacious and practical, and comes with a keen list price and the security of one of the longest warranties in the industry. These qualities should outshine a fairly average driving experience to attract not only company car choosers but also private buyers.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“The HS delivers passenger space, a seven-year warranty and a purchase price to set it apart from most rivals, while the interior design and quality are a big improvement over previous MGs, too.”
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Auto Trader

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The HS is a big step up in quality from MG, and while it isn’t as accomplished in absolute terms as many of its rivals, it’s capable enough to be very tempting, thanks to high levels of equipment, a stonking warranty and very keen pricing. Opt for an MG HS and you’ll get a lot of car for your money.”
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Autocar

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The MG HS’ combination of impressive comfort and practicality, more than respectable performance, refinement and drivability, passable ride and handling and fairly surprising interior richness should amount to quite a lot more than most reasonable customers will expect from it.”
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Model reviewed: 1.5 GDI ExclusiveScore: 6 / 10“New compact SUV goes big on luxury feel and metal for the money but covers its budget roots out on the road with mixed success.”
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Car

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual ExclusiveScore: 6 / 10“MG talks about it being a rival to the Skoda Karoq, Mazda CX-5, Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, but those cars all feel more substantial and drive better than the MG HS. The more relevant comparisons are with the new SsangYong Korando and the Dacia Duster.”
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Car Keys

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The MG HS feels like a big step forward and a move that brings it closer to rivals than ever before. It no longer looks and feels like a ‘cheap’ option, but rather a crossover that deserves to do well against what might be considered as more mainstream rivals.”
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Carbuyer

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The MG HS SUV is an affordable, practical and well equipped family car, but rivals are better to drive.”
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Carwow

Model reviewed: Range overview“The MG HS is a practical family car that comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, but alternatives have more powerful engines that are cheaper to run.”
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Company Car Today

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual Exclusive“Like a well-made unbranded mobile phone, the MG HS offers a compelling package but also some irritations that will grate on a daily basis.”
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Daily Mirror

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual ExclusiveScore: 6 / 10“Though most people buy new cars using finance deals, they can be uncompetitive on MGs due to the cars’ quite heavy depreciation. So the HS, like other MGs, will appeal most to older cash buyers.”
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Honest John

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual“Proof that you don’t need to splash the cash to get behind the wheel of a spacious and comfortable SUV, the MG HS matches its pricier rivals for comfort and practicality while undercutting them on price.”
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Parkers

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“New range-topper is big on value, low on fun – but makes good family transport”
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The Sun

Model reviewed: Plug-in hybrid“There’s lots to like about the HS, not least the fact that it is reviving a great British name.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview“The MG HS is a big, family SUV priced like a Fiesta yet more sparkly than Strictly Come Dancing’s glitterball.”
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The Telegraph

Model reviewed: 1.5-litre petrol manual ExclusiveScore: 6 / 10“For a private buyer wanting a new car in this class, the MG HS, with its seven-year warranty, is worth a look but the case isn’t overwhelming.”
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What Car?

Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Not only does the MG HS offer excellent value for money, it also has a classy interior and punchy performance if you’re prepared to work the engine for it. Although its infotainment system is laggy and its engine rather coarse when pushed, it’s well worth considering.”
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Safety rating

Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2019

92%

ADULT OCCUPANT

81%

CHILD OCCUPANT

64%

VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

76%

SAFETY ASSIST

Read full Euro NCAP review

Eco rating

No eco rating

The MG HS has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP. As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP. Inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic, before resuming later in the year with an enhanced testing process.

If the HS is selected for assessment by Green NCAP, we will publish the results here.

Security rating

Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail

Date: March 2020
Model tested: Excite T-GDI

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Keyword: MG HS