Review: 2025 MG HS Petrol & PHEV Driven

Hugely popular and importance SUV for MG just got bigger and better?

MG is truly on a roll, celebrating its 100th anniversary this year and marking it with the launch of several new cars, including their UK best-seller, the all-new 2025 MG HS. With over 57,000 units sold in the UK alone, the MG HS is now the eighth best-selling car in the country this year. This isn’t just a facelift; it’s a full-blown second-generation model based closely on the Chinese third-gen Roewe RX5 introduced in 2022.

The Basics: Price and Options

Let’s talk money. The new MG HS is priced between £24,995 and £33,995, depending on your choice of powertrain. You’ve got the petrol version, with a 1.5T engine pushing out 169bhp and 275Nm of torque. This gets you from 0 to 62mph in a respectable 9.4 seconds if you opt for the 6-speed manual, or 9.6 seconds with the 7-speed DCT auto. The Trophy version tested is priced from £28,995 with the 7-speed auto, though if you opted for the 6-speed manual it would be £27,495 (though the tan-colour leather upholstery is another £500).

For those looking for a bit more zing and a greener footprint, there’s the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) option. This combines a 142bhp 1.5 petrol engine with a 154kW electric motor for a total output of 370bhp and 569Nm, slashing the 0-62mph time to just 6.8 seconds. The price for the Trophy tested with the 2-speed auto is £33,940.

More importantly it offers an astonishing 75-mile EV-only range. This puts this in the 5% BIK tax benefit bracket for company car drivers.

The CO2 emissions drop to just 12g/km compared to the 173 of the petrol-only car, and comprehensively trounce its 37.2mpg combined fuel economy (in fact at over 670mpg, as a ‘most-of-the-time’ EV, you could potentially commute for weeks in the PHEV without using any of the petrol in the tank. Though the PHEV is about £6k more costly to buy.

Design and Dimensions

Visually, the 2025 MG HS has been given a sleek makeover. Slimmer headlights and a new grille are the highlights, adding a touch of modern elegance. It’s also grown a bit—14mm wider, 45mm longer, but 30mm lower, with a longer wheelbase translating to more interior space. Boot capacity has seen a boost too, now offering a generous 507 litres, up by 44 litres from the previous model. Oh, and for those days when your hands are full, there’s the wave-your-foot-and-hope-for-the-best boot opening feature. Handy, if a bit temperamental!

“The PHEV version slashes the 0-62mph time to just 6.8 seconds and offers an impressive 75-mile EV range.”

Tech and Gadgets

Step inside, and you’re greeted by two 12.3-inch displays. The infotainment system now includes live navigation services, live traffic updates, Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay plus an app to stay connected with your car. The Trophy models go a step further, boasting a 360° surround view camera and wireless smartphone charging as standard.

The virtual driver display is a techie’s dream, offering two themes and three distinct modes – Map, Digital, and ADAS. Each mode provides a unique layout, focusing on navigation, essential driving info, or a real-time visualisation of the vehicle and its surroundings.

Driving Experience

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty: the driving experience. The petrol version, with its 1.5T engine, is pretty straightforward. It’s smooth, quiet, and has enough grunt to make motorway driving a breeze.

However, it’s the PHEV that really steals the show when it comes to performance. The electric motor adds an extra layer of excitement, with instant torque giving you that quick off-the-line feel.

However, it’s not all roses. The PHEV’s extra weight is noticeable, particularly in the braking department, where it requires a bit more effort and the body control and rigid ride. The conventional petrol car has a more compliant ride and feels more settled overall.

“The petrol version is smooth, quiet, and has enough grunt to make motorway driving a breeze.”

Safety and Convenience

MG has not skimped on safety features. The enhanced MG Pilot package includes Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Driver Attention Alert, and more. Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist are standard on DCT models. This is a car that watches out for you as much as you watch the road.

Will it stay top of the charts?

The 2025 MG HS offers a fantastic blend of style, tech, and practicality. Whether you go for the petrol version or the PHEV, you’re getting a well-rounded SUV that’s keenly priced and packed with features. MG has certainly stepped up its game, and the HS is proof that you don’t need to break the bank to get a car that’s both good to drive and kind to the environment.

---

Follow all my channels https://linktr.ee/browncarguy
Get my book! https://amzn.eu/d/adFimgB
If you enjoyed this review sponsor my content from as little as £3 at
https://ko-fi.com/browncarguy
Big Thanks to my Supporters!
CraftLab (https://www.CraftLab.my)
Collecting Motors (https://collectingmotors.com)
Design5IT
Tom Conway-Gordon (https://www.instagram.com/anycoloursolongasits_black/)
And others! 🙏🏽☺️