MG HS review

The MG HS is the brand’s largest SUV and an alternative to the likes of the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq. MG might not quite have the same brand kudos as these cars, but it makes a pretty good first impression thanks to some fairly aggressive styling that borrows heavily from the similarly handsome MG ZS.

From the front, the MG HS’s chrome grille and broad headlights look sportier than on the more bulbous Renault Kadjar, while at the side there are just enough creases and contrasting trims to make sure it looks like a proper SUV, not a pumped-up hatchback.

The MG HS looks pretty smart on the inside, too. The dashboard has a single row of neat buttons, there’s a large free-standing infotainment display and you get plenty of shiny metal-effect trim around the air vents, on the doors and along the centre console.

You don’t get much in the way of choice with the MG HS – there are just three different trims and one engine to choose from – but at least even entry-level cars come with plenty of kit.

The MG HS’s cabin doesn’t just look the part, it’s plenty spacious enough for a family. There’s a generous amount of head and legroom in the front and rear seats, and the MG HS’s 450-litre boot is easily big enough to swallow a weekend’s worth of luggage.

At the other end of the car, under the MG HS’s bonnet, you get a 162hp 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic gearbox. This engine isn’t particularly economical, nor does it make the MG HS particularly nippy, either.

At least you get cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection as standard, though, but you’ll have to fork out for a top-spec car if you want a reversing camera, LED headlights and a panoramic glass roof.

We’ll have a full verdict once we’ve driven the MG HS. For now, see how much you can save on a new car by checking out our MG HS deals page or read our in-depth MG ZS review for more information on the HS’s smaller sibling.