Skip advert
Advertisement

MG HS (2018-2024) - Engines, performance and drive

Power seems reasonable enough on paper, but the 1.5-litre petrol engine is noisy and needs to be revved hard

Engines, performance and drive rating

3.5

How we review cars
Pros
  • Cheap to buy
  • Good safety kit
  • Plug-in hybrid model
Cons
  • Not the most exciting drive
  • CO2 levels too high
  • Rivals have bigger boots
Find your MG HS
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Just so you know, this is an older review of the 2018-2024 MG HS. If you are interested in information about the engines in the latest MG HS, or news of upcoming MG models, please follow the links provided.

MG engineered a new platform for the HS, using MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link suspension set-up at the rear. It feels softly sprung, and deals with the typically scarred UK roads in an acceptable fashion. Where the HS falls down is its lack of decent body control at higher speeds, with the car struggling to maintain composure over grooves and off-camber sections of tarmac at higher speeds. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The steering off-centre is vague, which only adds to the problem. The HS doesn’t inspire the same confidence from behind the wheel or innate feeling of agility as the Mazda CX-5 or Skoda Karoq, both of which are better suited to those looking for some driving inspiration on a family day out. That said, the HS is comfortable enough, and some drivers will appreciate the high driving position and good forward visibility. However, we found the view out the back wasn’t so good using the low-mounted rear-view mirror.

If you like a quiet cabin, you may want to focus on maintaining a light touch with the right foot. At low revs, the 1.5-litre engine is civilised enough and can provide plenty of power, but go beyond 4,000rpm, and you’ll find power drops off significantly, and the noise builds to an irritating level that continues even at a motorway cruise.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A-Class

2022 Mercedes

A-Class

68,835 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £13,000
View A-Class
CLA

2022 Mercedes

CLA

51,758 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £22,625
View CLA
Range Rover Velar

2021 Land Rover

Range Rover Velar

18,555 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £31,000
View Range Rover Velar
X1

2022 BMW

X1

47,138 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,200
View X1

The optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (a six-speed manual is standard) provides smooth gear changes, but is rather sluggish in its responses, and that could be very frustrating at times when you need a quick burst of power – like when you go for an overtake. Even in the sport drive mode setting, it refused to change down a gear, worrying us that the HS would stall going up a steep incline. Paddles are provided behind the steering wheel in order for you to attempt to control the gearbox manually.

The DCT auto’s driving modes comprise of Eco, Normal and Sport settings. The latter can be accessed at the push of a bright red ‘Supersports’ button on the steering wheel that looks ridiculously out of place in this mid-size family SUV.

0-62mph acceleration and top speed

A simple 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine sits under the HS’s bonnet. In the regular model, it produces 160bhp and 250Nm of torque; enough to sprint from 0-60mph in 9.9 seconds, according to MG, and reach a top speed of 118mph. 

plug-in hybrid version is also available, which combines the power from the 1.5-litre petrol unit with a 120bhp electric motor for a total output of 254bhp and 370Nm of torque. The official acceleration stats are predictably more impressive, with 0-62mph taking 7.1 seconds on paper, but the HS PHEV never entirely lives up to the claimed time. It’s quick enough for most situations, though, and it will cruise along at motorway speeds without complaint.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,137 off RRP*Used from £15,564
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,640 off RRP*Used from £14,895
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £3,331 off RRP*Used from £9,700
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival
Citroen Holidays - front

New Citroen Holidays 2025 review: a cheaper and cheerful VW California campervan rival

The new Citroen Holidays is the perfect option for those that want to camp on a budget
Road tests
15 Apr 2025
Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance
Czinger teases 21C's carbon fibre bodywork

Carbon fibre could be banned as EU classifies it as a hazardous substance

Particulates emitted by the disposal of carbon fibre can be harmful to both machinery and human health
News
14 Apr 2025
How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints
Polestar 3 - front full width

How green are electric cars? The truth about EV environmental impact and carbon footprints

New figures from Polestar cast light on the big questions around EV sustainability and environmental impact compared to petrol cars
News
15 Apr 2025