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By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 71

MG was the first budget brand to embrace full electric powertrain technology. In 2020, it was also the first budget brand to offer plug-in hybrid tech - you could have it on the company's mid-range HS SUV, which we reckon is a very under-rated family crossover. It's quick and can be driven in full electrified form for up to 32 miles. Here, we look at the 2020-2024-era versions of this model.

Modelsword count: 8

5dr SUV (1.5 PHEV) [Excite, Exclusive, SE, Trophy]

Historyword count: 134

The Chinese are coming - with a little help from British brand heritage. MG is one of Britain's fastest growing car brands and its progress has been helped by an early adoption of electrified technology, first with the full-EV version of the compact ZS crossover and now with this plug-in variant of the larger HS model. This is significant for the mid-sized SUV market, which has seen a glut of Plug-in Hybrids launched in recent times, all at rather over-ambitious prices. This Plug-in HS isn't inexpensive either, but its £30,000 price tag makes it by far the most affordable car of its kind in its segment. This Plug-in version of the HS sold until a new generation model was launched in mid-2024. It's the 2020 to mid-2024-era HS Plug-in models we look at here.

What You Getword count: 253

Visually, there's little to differentiate the Plug-in version of this HS from the conventionally-engined version - unless you spot different badging and the extra charging flap. At first glance, you wouldn't pigeonhole this as a model from a budget brand. In fact, there are elements of Mercedes GLC in its curved sculpted looks. At the front, the latest iteration of MG's stellar field grille frames the largest MG logo yet. At the rear, twin tailpipes and an aluminium lower bumper add a sporty finish. In 2023, the look was lightly updated with revised bi-function LED headlights, a bolder grille design and a re-styled front bumper Inside, if you class match the interior against, say, a Qashqai or an Ateca, you'll agree with MG that space is class-leading. Headroom's good too - even with the panoramic sunroof fitted. Up front, there's a much higher quality dash than you might be expecting. The seats could be a little more supportive and the indicator stalks feel a bit plasticky, but that's about it on the debit side. There aren't many buttons, most features re-located to a large 10.1-inch centre-dash infotainment touchscreen compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In the rear, there's room for a couple of adults to sit comfortably. Out back, MG has managed to package in the hybrid mechanicals without a significant effect on luggage room and as a result, there's a decently-sized 448-litre boot - that capacity measured up to the window line. That's 15-litres less than the ordinary HS model.

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