MG, known for its budget-friendly offerings, jumped into the plug-in hybrid SUV game early with the HS Plus EV – initially known as simply the HS PHEV. But the MG HS isn’t as popular as its little brother, the ZS. Does it still present some appealing traits?
So far this year (through July), MG has delivered 1863 HS models to customers, according to VFACTS figures. That’s down 63.6 per cent, perhaps as customers wait for the new model to arrive. It sits in 14th position against a hefty field of 23 different models in its segment.
Just weeks before the new 2025 MG HS arrives, we thought we’d take one last look at the outgoing model to see if it’s worth picking up as a run-out bargain.
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: Specifications
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder plug-in hybrid
Electrical: 16.6kWh battery, 90kW/230Nm motor
Output (combined): 189kW / 370Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed auto + four-speed auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.5, 235/50
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1755kg
Power-to-weight: 9.28:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 1.7L/100km
Our consumption: 7.3L/100kmFuel tank/Fuel type: 37L/95 RON
Power efficiency: 111.17kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.73 seconds*
0-100km/h: 6.91 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.77 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.48 seconds at 147.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.720g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.88m in 3.08 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.195g*
Decibel at idle: 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 83*
Starting price: $45,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: How much does it cost?
Straight out of the gate, the MG HS Plus EV catches attention with its affordability. It’s offered in two forms, the Excite and the Essence (as tested), with prices starting from $42,990 and $45,990, respectively.
Nothing comes close in terms of entry price. The most affordable Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts from $57,290, the new BYD Sealion 6 plug-in hybrid starts from $48,990, and the Ford Escape PHEV starts from $54,940. Only the GWM Haval H6 hybrid is near, priced from $42,490, but it’s not a plug-in hybrid.
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: Interior & packaging
Step inside the MG HS Plus EV, and you’re greeted with a mixed bag of surprises. While the cabin boasts ample space for passengers and cargo, the build quality and materials leave much to be desired. The use of hard plastics and cheap finishes detract from what could have been a more inviting environment.
It all presents well, though, looking like a relatively modern SUV package. But the buttons feel ordinary and the really only two colours are used, with minimal textural changes. Additionally, the 10.1-inch touch-screen system is outdated and slow to load, while lacking intuitive traits found in rival offerings – including MG’s latest stuff.
As standard the Essence comes with a handy surround-view camera, sat-nav, multiple USB ports, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Digital radio is not available and the six-speaker sound system is pretty average, particularly for this top-spec Essence variant.
On the positive side, the seating position is comfortable, offering good visibility all around. Rear seat legroom is also very impressive for this class, especially for a plug-in hybrid which has to accommodate additional electrical hardware under the floor.
Boot space is measured at 451L, expanding to 1275L when you fold down the rear seats. There are no tabs to fold the seats from the boot area, and in fact the boot wall and floor are completely flat; no tie hooks or netting or anything to secure smaller items from rolling about. There is a small box under the floor for the charging cable, and a tyre repair kit.
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: Powertrain & handling
Equipped with an electrified powertrain, the MG HS Plus EV promises to deliver efficient performance suited for urban commutes and weekend getaways. However, reality doesn’t quite match up to expectations. While the electric motor provides adequate acceleration, the overall driving experience falls short of being smooth or refined compared with rival systems.
The 1.5-litre turbo produces 119kW and 250Nm alone, matched to a 90kW/230Nm electric motor. Combined, the system generates 189kW and 370Nm. It is quick when it wants to be, clocking 0-100km/h in a Vbox-verified 6.91 seconds during our tests.
However, acceleration is very twangy, slingshotting away every time. It’s actually hard to take off smoothly. Part of the blame is due to the combination of a six-speed auto and four-speed auto working together. Or, trying to work together. It seems overly complicated for its intended purpose. At least it doesn’t suffer the intolerable lag of its 1.5T and 2.0T AWD brothers, though.
The ride quality, albeit acceptable on smooth surfaces, suffers when faced with rough roads, with noticeable body roll and a lack of refinement. It boings over bumps and rarely feels settled. Additionally, the regenerative braking system feels abrupt and can be jarring, especially in stop-and-go traffic situations.
On the plus side, the HS Plus EV offers a respectable range of 63km from a full charge, making it a practical choice for daily driving needs. The 16.6kWh battery takes a Type 2 socket and needs about five hours at 7kW to fully recharge, or a bit over double that for a conventional wall plug.
Although the official average consumption is listed at just 1.7L/100km, that’s because the test only runs for a short period and if the battery is full at the start, then most of that testing period is done on electric power. In the real world expect a consumption rate of about 6-7L/100km. That’s still not bad considering its performance and 189kW output.
Interestingly, the overseas-only facelift HS that didn’t come to Australia features multi-stage re-gen system, which could’ve remedied some of the acceleration/deceleration smoothness deficiencies. The new MG HS due in a few months, with its longer EV-only range, may well address this.
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Affordability: The MG HS Plus EV comes with a competitive price tag, making electric mobility more accessible to a wider audience.
- Spacious interior: Ample room for passengers and cargo, helping it sit in a comfortable position between rivals.
- Full electric capability: Unlike conventional hybrids, this plug-in setup offers the potential to drive on electric power alone. Forever, if you want. And there is no range anxiety as the petrol motor will automatically kick in when/if needed.
2024 MG HS Plus EV Essence: Key considerations before you buy
- Interior quality: A decent design but let down by mono-tone styling and cheap-feeling materials and buttons.
- Mediocre driving dynamics: The driving experience falls short of being engaging, with noticeable body roll, slopping handling and crashing suspension over bumps, and a general lack of refinement.
- Outdated infotainment system: The infotainment system feels clunky and outdated, and is paired to a basic six-speaker sound system with no digital radio (even in top-spec form).
2024 MG HS Plus EV: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
- Price
- Quality look & feel
- Interior tech
- Powertrain performance
- Ride & handling
- X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
Final word
While it offers practicality and efficiency, it falls short in several key areas. The basic interior quality and mediocre driving dynamics detract from what could have been a more compelling package. Despite its shortcomings, the HS Plus EV may find a niche among budget-conscious buyers looking to make the switch to electric mobility without the range anxiety.
