As many of you know, we love a good road trip here at Planetauto – and when we get to go on in an MG, well then…it’s double the fun 😊
We had been invited to see the Seal U and the Yangwang U8 and U9 in Birmingham, and by pure luck, we had the new MG HS Petrol on review. Now, at the same time, we had come to the end of our long term review of the Maxus T90 EV, so we needed to drop this off before we got to Birmingham.
Once we left Liverpool behind and hit the M6, the MG HS Petrol came into its own. Powered by a 1.5-litre TGDi petrol engine, the HS had no trouble merging onto the motorway and keeping pace with the flow of traffic. For an SUV that’s in this price range, MG has done a commendable job with the suspension. It’s tuned perfectly to balance comfort with handling, soaking up any bumps in the road while still giving you confidence on the steering. The light steering made manoeuvring the HS easy in tight spots, but it still felt reassuring at higher speeds. You might not expect sports car agility, but the HS handles everything with ease, making long journeys a breeze. I could honestly say that these are some of the comfiest car seats I’ve ever experienced—both as a driver and a passenger.
Arriving in Birmingham, we made a stop at BYD Stratstone, which gave us the perfect opportunity to stretch our legs, take in the local automotive scene, and chat with a few enthusiasts. The MG HS drew a lot of attention for its refined look, and it wasn’t long before people were asking about the updated design.
One of the most noticeable improvements was the assertive stance of the car, which gives it an almost premium SUV appearance. At BYD Stratstone, the car fit right in among more expensive competition—a testament to MG’s efforts to elevate the HS both in terms of style and substance. The 19-inch alloy wheels were a talking point, as was the refreshed grille and LED light signature, both of which give the HS a more modern and high-end look.
We spent some time exploring the electric vehicle offerings at BYD Stratstone, but I have to admit, the MG HS Petrol held its own as a versatile and stylish option that felt just as comfortable on city streets as it did on the motorway.
After our stop, it was time to head back on the road, and the comfort of the MG HS’s interior made all the difference. MG has made several enhancements to the cabin, ensuring that the HS appeals to both families and tech-savvy individuals alike. The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, while the 12.3-inch virtual driver display gives you everything you need right in front of you. Whether it's navigating through the city or controlling media on long drives, the interface is intuitive and easy to use.
The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration worked flawlessly, and the 8-speaker sound system provided a richer audio experience, which kept the mood up as we made our way back. The Trophy trim is fitted with lumbar support and memory function on the 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Having been behind the wheel for a while, I appreciated how easy it was to find that perfect driving position.
One of the surprises during our trip was the fuel economy. Official figures suggest 37.2 mpg for the manual and 36.2 mpg for the automatic, but on the motorway, we managed to push it up into the mid-50s. The engine was well-suited for this kind of driving, offering a nice balance between performance and efficiency. The petrol variant certainly has the range and economy to make it a practical choice for both city and longer road trips.
MG has packed the HS Petrol with a range of advanced technologies, making it a standout in its class. One of the highlights is MG Pilot, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features that help make every drive safer and more convenient.
Standard across the range, MG Pilot includes:
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Perfect for motorway driving, it maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front and adjusts speed accordingly.
• Lane-Keep Assist: Keeps you centered in your lane, even on winding roads.
• Traffic Jam Assist: Reduces the stress of stop-and-go traffic by automatically controlling acceleration and braking.
• Automatic Emergency Braking: A lifesaver in urban environments, it steps in when a collision is imminent.
Additionally, blind spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert come in handy when manoeuvring in busy car parks, while the front parking sensor available on the Trophy trim made parking a cinch. The HS Petrol gives drivers peace of mind, whether navigating crowded streets or cruising down the motorway.
Overall, the MG HS Petrol delivers everything you could want from a stylish and practical SUV. It maintains the design cues that have made it popular, while the subtle updates give it a more assertive and premium look. The comfort, technology, and safety features make it a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers, whether you’re a family looking for a road trip companion or a professional seeking a reliable daily driver.
Our journey from Liverpool to Birmingham proved that the MG HS Petrol is more than capable of handling everything from urban driving to long motorway stretches. If you’re in the market for a well-rounded SUV that won’t break the bank, the MG HS Petrol deserves serious consideration.
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊