MG HS review - Practicality, comfort and boot space
The MG HS offers plenty of passenger space, but its boot could be bigger
The HS offers great visibility for both driver and passengers, while MG’s strategy for loading the mid-size SUV with kit, means that family life is made just that bit easier. Useful touches such as rear parking sensors, keyless entry, cruise control and rain-sensing wipers are all standard, while the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach to help you find the perfect driving position, and there’s a digital driver information display behind the steering wheel.
Taking the step up to Trophy trim brings even more comfort and convenience, with electronically adjustable and heated front sports seats, dual-zone air conditioning and tinted rear windows. Spring for the automatic transmission in this spec and you also get a powered tailgate.
Size
Measuring 4,610mm in length and 1,876mm wide, the HS has a slightly bigger footprint than a Skoda Karoq, although it isn’t quite as large as a Ford Kuga. The HS doesn’t quite reach the height of the Kuga, either, measuring 1,685mm tall compared to the Ford’s 1,690mm.
Leg room, head room and passenger space
Rear legroom in the HS is more than generous. There’s easily enough for someone over six feet tall to sit behind another six-footer, while headroom is also decent. If needed, three adults could sit across the rear bench in reasonable comfort.
Boot
However, the consequence of MG prioritising rear passenger comfort over boot space is the rather dismal 463-litre load space – well behind the 521 litres offered in the Skoda Karoq or the Kia Sportage’s 591-litre boot. It’s the same story when you drop the HS’s 60/40 split rear bench, with the 1,454 litre load bay no match for the roughly 1,800 litres you get in a Sportage, Karoq or Hyundai Tucson..
However, the plug-in hybrid model offers even less luggage capacity due to the extra packaging needed to house its battery and electric motor. It has a 448-litre boot and 1,375 litres with its rear seats down.
Towing
The HS is rated to tow a braked trailer weight of 1,750kg, so will easily be able to take a decent-size caravan on a family trip. Bear in mind though, that the rating reduces to 1,500kg for the plug-in hybrid model.
