The first time MG brought the HS nameplate to the Philippine market, it was a neatly styled, competent, but hard to love compact SUV. Apart from its budget conscious pricing, it didn’t offer much in terms of emotional appeal. For its second coming, the brand turned to a brand-new platform and incorporated a full hybrid powertrain from the get-go. Though not exactly transformative, these developments have managed to close the gap dynamically and tech-wise, while keeping the HS’s value-oriented positioning.
With gas prices as high as they are, the decision to fit a full hybrid powertrain under the MG HS’s hood is timely. Compared to its setup in the MG 3 and MG ZS, the HS Hybrid+ here packs 224 horsepower and 340 Nm. What’s more, the ingredients have been thoroughly reworked with the generator being turbocharged (versus normally aspirated), while the dedicated hybrid gearbox getting one less gear (two versus three). If anything, only the size of the lithium-ion battery’s been retained at 1.83 kWh.
The resulting car is a clear step up from its smaller siblings, as it should be. The hybrid implementation on the ZS and the MG 3 are good, but on the HS, it’s stellar. Simply put, it’s responsive and effortless to drive in everyday use. Sensible pedal application will result in smooth power delivery. It tries to default to all-electric propulsion, and even if the gas engine must turn over, the switch is nearly imperceptible. What’s surprising is that this setup seems to produce even better mileage (16.4 km/L versus 15.2 km/L) compared to the hybrid ZS at similar average speeds (17 km/h).
There may be switchable drive modes and customizable levels of regen braking, but don’t ever mistake this for a remotely sporty SUV. True enough, mash the throttle, and the MG HS will comically chirp out of traffic junctions for a split-second. After that, an overzealous vehicle stability control kicks in, keeping you in check and pointed in the right direction. Whew.
What’s more, the MG HS’s suspension is clearly calibrated more for comfort. Save for larger potholes and sharper road cuts, the ride is tidy and well-sorted. Of course, this has been done at the expense of handling as it tends to tip or lean more when pushed. The high center of gravity is compounded by steering that has no interest in communicating what the front wheels are doing. All in all, it makes piloting the HS tricker than it should be.
With a P 1,398,888 price tag, the MG HS is just P 70,000 more than the smaller, less powerful ZS Hybrid which doesn’t make a whole lot of financial sense. This implies that you might stand to get something with lots of rough edges or not much equipment. That’s far from the truth. You simply get more car on the HS. Yes, there are still some hard plastic bits here and there, but overall, there’s far more supple materials in play here and more thoughtful touches used throughout.
Starting with the basics, the MG HS’s steering wheel, seats, and pedals are all positioned thoughtfully. Although the tiller itself is awkwardly big and awkwardly avantgarde with its square shape, at least there’s plenty of adjustment. There’s even a memory preset, which, oddly enough, is buried deep in the infotainment screen. However, visibility is mixed. It’s easy to see straight out, but the angle of the front pillars hamper vision making it hard to place through tight turns.
The MG HS offers a pair of screens—one positioned behind the steering wheel and another serving as the infotainment. Thankfully, unlike their execution on the ZS, the driver’s screen is simply laid out and easy to understand. However, the responsiveness could be snappier. The situation’s the same with the center screen which still requires tons of screen taps for basic commands. Want to change temperatures, for example? If you have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto running, you’ll need to exit that first then adjust the temp on the home screen. Proper steering wheel controls could have helped, but the iffy square joystick interface is terribly flimsy.
And that segues to a bigger complaint. Instead of being helpful, the MG Pilot system is irritating. The ADAS will sound off at every single opportunity, becoming a stressful distraction as opposed to being a helpful tool. The speed limit recognition is the biggest offender getting the signs wrong an overwhelmingly majority of the time. Sure, it can be turned off, but it must be done via the menu system and at the beginning of every journey. Hopeless.
On the plus side, the MG HS isn’t lacking in space. There’s tons of head and leg room at the front, and the couple distance is wide enough as not to bang elbows. There’s also plenty stuff for knick-knacks too. The same goes for the rear occupants with plenty of space to accommodate three adults. Unfortunately, save for the 60/40 split-folding mechanism, there are no party tricks here with the fixed recline and all.
As a product, the all-new MG HS represents a good step forward for the brand. While its overall character hasn’t really evolved much, at least they’ve managed to integrate a heightened sense of style and much more tech under the hood.
The same technology, however, also proves to be its main source of annoyance. This compact SUV won’t sate you in anyway, but it does make practical sense. Its price point means more savings in the bank and add an extremely generous warranty (unlimited mileage, baby), shows you that there’s no need to begrudge anyone for choosing this over another compact SUV.
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2026 MG HS Hybrid+ |
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| Bottom Line | |
| Pros | Good value for money, smooth hybrid system, roomy interior. |
| Cons | Dynamics still lacking, in-car electronics woes, over nannying safety system. |
| TL;DR | It won't sate you in anyway, but it makes a whole lot of financial sense. |
| Ownership | |
| Year Introduced | 2025 |
| Warranty |
7 years / Unlimited kilometers, 8 years / Unlimited kilometers (High-Voltage Battery) |
| The Basics | |
| Body Type | Compact SUV |
| Seating | 5 |
| Engine / Drive | F/F |
| Under the Hood | |
| Displacement (liters) | 1.5 |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged |
| Fuel Delivery | Direct Injection |
| Layout / # of Cylinders | I4 |
| Maximum Output (PS @ rpm) |
143 @ 5,500 196 (Electric Motor) 224 (Combined) |
| Maximum Torque (Nm @ rpm) |
230 @ 4,000 340 (Electric Motor) 340 (Combined) |
| Fuel / Min. Octane | Gasoline / ~95 |
| Transmission | 2 DHT |
| Cruise Control | Yes, Adaptive |
| Fuel Economy (km/L) @ Ave. Speed (km/h) | 16.4 km/L @ 17 km/h |
| Fuel Tank Size (L) | 55 |
| Dimensions and Weights | |
| Length (mm) | 4,670 |
| Width (mm) | 1,980 |
| Height (mm) | 1,665 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,765 |
| Curb Weight (kg) | 1,656 |
| Suspension and Tires | |
| Front Suspension | Independent, MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, Multi-link |
| Front Brakes | Vented Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Disc |
| Parking Brake | Electronic, w/ Auto Hold |
| Tires |
Bridgestone Alenza 001 225/55 R 19 V (f & r) |
| Recommended Tire Pressure (PSI) | 37 all |
| Wheels | Alloy |
| Safety Features | |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) | Yes, with EBD |
| Traction / Stability Control | Yes |
| Parking Sensors | Yes, Front & Rear |
| Parking Camera | Yes, 360-degree |
| Front Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR w/ pre-tensioners x 2 |
| Rear Seatbelts | 3-pt ELR x 3 |
| ISOFIX Child Seat Anchor | Yes |
| Advanced Driver Assist System |
Forward Collision Warning Active Emergency Braking Front Cross Traffic Alert Lane Departure Warning System Lane Keeping Assist System Emergency Lane Keeping |
| Other Safety Features |
Hill-start Assist Control Hill Descent Control Blind Spot Detection Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
| Exterior Features | |
| Headlights | LED, Auto High Beam |
| Fog Lamps | Front & Rear, LED |
| Light Operation | Automatic |
| Wiper Operation | Rain-Sensing |
| Tailgate | Electronic |
| Interior Features | |
| Steering Wheel Adjust | Tilt/Telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Material | Leather |
| Seating Adjustment (driver) | Electric, 6-way, w/ Memory |
| Seating Adjustment (front passenger) | Electric, 4-way, w/ Memory |
| Seating Surface | Leather |
| 2nd Row | 60/40 Split Folding |
| 3rd Row | None |
| Sunroof | Panoramic |
| Multi-Information Display / Size | Yes, 12.3-inch |
| Convenience Features | |
| Power Steering | Yes |
| Power Door Locks | Yes |
| Power Windows | Yes |
| Power Mirrors | Yes, w/ Fold |
| Rear View Mirror | Auto-dimming |
| Proximity Key | Yes |
| Climate Control | Dual Zone, w/ Rear Vents |
| Audio System |
Stereo USB Type A USB Type C Bluetooth |
| Wireless Charger | Yes, Front |
| Infotainment Display / Size | 12.3-inch |
| Smartphone Connectivity |
Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto |
| # of Speakers | 6 |
| Steering Controls | Yes |
Would you consider the suspension damping too soft making it uncomposed/boaty just like the Sealion 6?
ReplyDeleteGood question. I never felt comfortable pushing the MG HS, but I did the Sealion 6. Likely, it's down to the BYD's slightly better steering (more precise/accurate), while the MG's was numb and inconsistent.
DeleteInteresting. Will wait for your EX5 hybrid review!
DeleteFunny how RG hates ford but is so interested in Chinese cars 💀
DeleteChinese cars don’t use exploding engines like the dreaded ecoboost
DeleteIs the territory hybrid better?
ReplyDeleteIt's Chinese vs Chinese.
DeleteNope. The MG HS+ has better sales and reviews, like in the UK, while the Territory Hybrid is a dud in its home market (China).
DeleteAgree on this. Sir Uly mind answering this...
DeleteHaven't driven the Territory Hybrid yet, so until I do, I can't comment on that.
DeleteSo far what are the best Chinese vehicles to drive and own? Are they really worth it? Are they reliable? Not looking down on Chinese but seems like all they do is copy other automakers. They don't have their own identity. They copy and make them of lower quality so they could sell. The Chinese just keeps selling without caring about reliability, quality, and ownership. Seems like the Chinese love building disposable cars.
ReplyDeleteThe Chinese have overtaken everyone when it comes to NEV's. The Americans are the new laggards now.
DeleteNot looking down eh...
Delete@anon 11:13
DeleteExactly. Guy sounds like he's asking in good faith then proceeds to dump on Chinese cars. 😅
People like him are going to be in for a surprise when in a few years (maybe 2-3) those cars start developing a solid reputation after years of ownership.
Maybe in a decade or two
DeleteYeah, that’s exactly what they said with geely, 2 to 3 years daw. Now look at them 😆
DeleteGeely is doing fine right now. The cars themselves experience the normal kind of problems that ICE cars have but they had a parts problem that they fixed with a change of management. Try and search for complaints now and you'll see halos wala na except for dealer specific issues where people say you should use other dealers if you can.
DeleteNot true especially with EV cars. They're ahead of Japanese as well as Americans in this regard.
ReplyDeletengl this looks crazy stylish
ReplyDelete