The MG HS Petrol continues to be one of the most popular models in MG’s lineup, known for its blend of affordability, refinement, and modern technology. 

Join us as we explore how the 1.5-litre TGDi engine, refined cabin, and impressive features make the MG HS a standout SUV for both everyday driving and long road trips. Whether you're looking for a practical family car or an affordable yet well-equipped SUV, the MG HS Petrol offers exceptional value.

 

After a productive stop at BYD Stratstone in Birmingham, it was time to head back home to the Lake District. The moment we settled into the MG HS, it became clear that this SUV is designed with long journeys in mind. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 169 PS and 202 Nm of torque, providing more than enough power for motorway driving while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency. We were particularly impressed with how smooth and responsive the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) was during the drive.

 

MG has done a fantastic job refining the HS’s cabin, making it both comfortable and functional for long journeys. As we set off, we immediately appreciated how quiet and refined the cabin was. Road noise and engine sounds were kept to a minimum, even as we picked up speed on the M6. This level of refinement is usually found in more premium SUVs, making it even more impressive that MG has managed to deliver such a high level of comfort in the HS Petrol, which is one of the more affordable options in its class.

 

One of the first things you’ll notice about the MG HS Petrol is its striking exterior design. MG has subtly enhanced the SUV’s overall appearance, giving it a more assertive road presence without sacrificing the sleek, modern aesthetic that made it so popular in the first place.

 

At the front, the newly refreshed grille features a more intricate mesh pattern, which gives the SUV a more premium feel. The LED headlights have been reshaped to offer a sharper, more dynamic look, while the integrated daytime running lights (DRLs) add to the vehicle’s modern appeal. As we cruised down the motorway, the LED lights provided excellent visibility, enhancing both safety and style.

 

From the side, the MG HS Petrol maintains its muscular and aerodynamic profile, with subtle tweaks like the lower body cladding and new 19-inch alloy wheels adding to the SUV’s robust yet sporty character. The gently sloping roofline and pronounced wheel arches give the vehicle a strong stance, ensuring it stands out on the road.

 

At the rear, the MG HS has received a refreshed taillight design, featuring a more sophisticated LED pattern that not only looks great but also enhances visibility for other drivers. The dual exhaust tips and redesigned bumper round out the sporty character of the HS, ensuring that the SUV looks as good from the back as it does from the front.

If there’s one area where the MG HS Petrol truly shines, it’s the interior comfort. As we made our way out of Birmingham and headed north on the motorway, the cabin quickly became our sanctuary. MG has made several enhancements to the interior of the HS, focusing on both quality and technology to create a space that feels luxurious and comfortable.

 

The seats are upholstered in high-quality materials, and in our Trophy trim, we enjoyed the comfort of leather-style upholstery. The driver’s seat is 6-way power-adjustable, and the lumbar support and memory function ensured that we could find the perfect driving position with ease. Long journeys can often lead to fatigue, but the HS’s ergonomic seating kept us comfortable throughout the trip.

 

Rear passengers are treated to generous legroom and headroom, making the MG HS an excellent choice for families or those planning longer trips. The panoramic sunroof in the higher trims adds to the sense of space, flooding the cabin with natural light and making the journey feel less confined.

 

In terms of storage, the MG HS Petrol doesn’t disappoint. The boot offers a 507-litre capacity, which can expand to an impressive 1,484 litres with the rear seats folded down. This makes it perfect for road trips, allowing us to easily fit all of our luggage, gear, and shopping without issue.

 

In a world where technology can make or break the driving experience, the MG HS Petrol stands out for its impressive infotainment system and driver assistance technologies. The dashboard layout is clean and driver-focused, making it easy to access all the key controls without taking your eyes off the road.

 

The centrepiece of the interior is the 12.3-inch virtual driver information display, which supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This integration made it easy to connect our devices, access navigation, and control media through the intuitive interface. The screen is sharp and easy to read, even in bright daylight, and offers all the information you need at a glance.

 

The Trophy trim also comes equipped with a high-quality 8-speaker sound system, which provided a rich audio experience for the entirety of our road trip. Whether we were listening to podcasts, music, or using navigation, the sound system added an extra layer of enjoyment to the journey.

 

As we made our way from Birmingham to the Lake District, the MG HS Petrol delivered a comfortable and composed ride. The petrol engine is well-suited to both city and motorway driving, offering a good balance of power and fuel efficiency. With 169 PS on tap, the HS had no trouble overtaking slower traffic on the motorway, and the 202 Nm of torque made merging and acceleration feel effortless.

 

The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) performed seamlessly, delivering smooth and responsive gear changes. The DCT is particularly useful on long motorway journeys, where it helps keep the engine at optimal efficiency while maintaining a smooth and comfortable ride. Despite its size, the MG HS Petrol feels nimble and easy to handle, with light steering that makes navigating tight corners and city streets a breeze.

 

In terms of fuel efficiency, the MG HS surprised us once again. Official figures suggest that the manual version offers 37.2 mpg, while the automatic version delivers 36.2 mpg. However, on our road trip, we managed to achieve fuel economy in the mid-fifties, which is impressive for an SUV of this size. This level of efficiency makes the MG HS Petrol an ideal choice for those who need the space and practicality of an SUV without sacrificing fuel economy.

 

One of the standout features of the MG HS Petrol is its refined suspension setup. MG has tuned the suspension to offer a perfect balance between comfort and control, which was evident as we travelled over both smooth motorways and bumpy country roads. The suspension soaked up the imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and controlled ride even when the terrain wasn’t ideal.

 

Despite its focus on comfort, the MG HS still delivers confident handling. The SUV feels stable at higher speeds, and there’s minimal body roll when taking corners. The light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces, while the adaptive cruise control, part of the MG Pilot system, took the stress out of long motorway stretches. This feature maintains a safe distance from the car ahead and automatically adjusts the speed to match traffic conditions.

 

The MG HS Petrol is packed with safety and driver assistance technologies that make every journey safer and more enjoyable. The MG Pilot system includes a comprehensive suite of features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, traffic jam assist, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work seamlessly together to provide an extra layer of safety, particularly on long motorway drives.

 

The Blind Spot Detection system was particularly useful during our trip, alerting us to any vehicles in our blind spot when changing lanes. Rear Cross Traffic Alert also came in handy when reversing out of parking spaces, warning us of approaching vehicles from either side. In the Trophy trim, the Front Parking Sensor added an extra layer of convenience when navigating tight spaces, making parking and manoeuvring easier than ever.

 

As we finally pulled into the Lake District, the MG HS Petrol had proven itself to be an exceptional road trip companion. From the quiet and comfortable cabin to the smooth and efficient performance, this SUV offers everything you need for long journeys. The refined design, tech features, and practical interior space make it a strong contender in the compact SUV market.

 

For those in the market for an SUV that offers a perfect balance of affordability, comfort, and modern technology, the MG HS Petrol is definitely worth a closer look. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or need a reliable SUV for your daily commute, the MG HS delivers in all the key areas without breaking the bank.

 

@MG-Motor-UK #mg #hs #mghs #mghspetrol #mghsphev #hsroadtrip