MG HS Plug-In Hybrid 2021 Car Review

The second ‘new energy’ vehicle released by MG Motor, the MG HS Plug-In Hybrid has been released into the NZ market and has hit the ground running. They’ve seen 139 units sold to September this year, while the smaller ZS EV has seen 605 in sales since its launch late last year.

The best of both worlds

The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid unites impressive performance and technology with low-emission practicality. New hybrid technology provides access to electric energy, with the reassurance of a traditional engine to offer MG customers more choice in their day-to-day drive.
The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid has a top speed of 190km/h and dynamic acceleration, which achieves 0-100km in 6.9 seconds. Powered by a liquid-cooled Lithium-ion battery, the stylish, premium SUV has a pure electric driving range of 63km from a single charge. Using Intelligent Hybrid Energy Management, the vehicle intuitively identifies and adapts power output depending on the road conditions, whilst actively learning the driver’s individual driving style to adjust power and rationalise the battery ratio accordingly.

The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid’s total output from the electric motor with the 1.5L turbo combustion engine is 189kW of power and 370Nm of torque. This delivers an impressive 1.7L/100km combined cycle fuel consumption and 39g/km CO2 emissions.

As a plug-in hybrid, the model comes equipped with a standard 3-Pin Home Charger, with the charge port located next to the petrol intake, providing convenient home charging options to customers.

Stylish looks

The sleek lines, abstract 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and LED ‘London Eye’ daytime running headlights all allude to both a stylish and premium look - inside and out. The panoramic ‘Stargazer’ sunroof transforms the cabin into a spacious, light and enjoyable environment (whilst also keeping those young passengers entertained)

Exclusively available in top-of-the-range Essence specification (which happens to be the only model available in NZ), the HS Plug-In Hybrid boasts sporty metal trim pedals, one of the largest panoramic sunroofs in the SUV segment and heated, electrically adjustable leather sports seats with Alcantara trim.

The vehicle interior felt very premium, the stylish Bader Leather heated sport seats and striking red contrast stitching gives a comfort and feel well beyond the price tag.

Advanced technology

Entering the cabin via the handy keyless entry system, the model includes as standard a 10.1” multi-function colour touch screen with 1280p HD resolution, as well as built-in satellite navigation and integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the interior six-speaker 3D surround sound audio system allows for an immersive drive experience.

A premium 12.3" Virtual Instrument Cluster dominates the interior, offering a comprehensive display of the vehicle's performance and allowing the driver to control and monitor their drive with ease. Further, the vehicle has a 360° Surround View Camera, ensuring full visibility and control when navigating tight parking spaces or tricky maneuvers. Offering a sporty yet luxurious finish, the HS Plug-In Hybrid also includes customisable ambient lighting for a truly bespoke experience.

Safety technology

Continually committed to the highest standard of occupant safety, the new HS Plug-In Hybrid also comes with the brand’s Driver Safety Technology system - MG Pilot, which includes driver aids such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection, all providing robust protection to keep the driver focused on the road ahead.

The HS received a 5-star ANCAP rating in 2019, however the HS Plug-In Hybrid is yet to be rated by ANCAP at the time of writing. Rightcar has given the HS Plug-In Hybrid a 5-Star Vehicle Safety Risk Rating.

Following on from the popular MG ZS EV’s focus on battery safety and availability, the 16.6-kilowatt battery within the HS Plug-In Hybrid has also been developed to the highest quality and safety standards, in MG Motor’s own battery production facility.

Verdict

The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid represents a very well appointed medium size SUV with a touch of luxury at a very reasonable price. It’s a perfect entry point into the plugged in life. The HS Plug-In Hybrid is priced in between the two trim levels of the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV, which has a 55km EV only range.

The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid is available from $54,990 Driveaway and is backed with a 7-year, unlimited kilometre battery warranty and a 5-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, providing peace of mind to customers.

Focused on electric

As a company, MG Motor is devoted to leading the charge in new energy vehicles, with a goal to make them mainstream and accessible for all. This aim is shared by parent company, SAIC Motor, who in 2020 saw new energy vehicles sales total 320,000 globally, a year-on-year increase of 73.4 per cent. For new energy vehicles – that’s the second fastest growth rate in the world.

SAIC has invested heavily in electric as well as other new energy vehicle technologies, processes and battery production, making it one of only a handful of automotive manufacturers to own its EV supply chain.

Safety systems

• Six airbags
• ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution
• Forward Collision Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Lane Departure Warning
• Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)
• Blind Spot Detection

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

• AA Money - aa.co.nz/money
• AA Insurance - aa.co.nz/insurance
• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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