MG HS: Great to look at, easy to live with and incredible value for money

People approach me constantly asking what car they should buy or seeking affirmation for the model they have already chosen.

Increasingly, I find myself recommending MG because they are always great to look at, easy to live with and incredible value for money.

And so it is with the latest HS. If you are looking for a substantial SUV, with great aesthetics, surprising performance and an affordable price tag look no further.

The previous model was attractive enough but the new grille and lights on the latest version make HS even better. The slightly smaller ZS looks the same and the new lines are eye-catching in the extreme especially the way the headlamps swoop round in to the grille. It is a car that you will be happy to park up and turn to look at in admiration as you walk away and many a bystander shares the same view.

Inside is a treat too with a new hi-tech dash that stretches from the inner edge of the passenger footwell to the driver’s door. In the centre it is touchscreen of course but below that is a row of switches for front and rear screen demist, the hazard warning lights, the fan and a home button, so you can easily access what you need to drive without taking your eyes off the road for too long.

The interior is very, very spacious and accommodating. It is well built and comfortable with great spec including a wireless phone charger carriage. The Trophy model includes dual zone auto air conditioning and heated front seats, an eight speaker audio system with Bluetooth, sat nav, Apple Car Play or Android Auto, USB ports and a 360 degree parking camera.

Nicely stitched materials and trim give an air of quality that belie HS’s modest price tag and the boot is huge, bigger still when you drop the seats. It is a deceptively big vehicle but is far from unwieldy. Quite the opposite, in fact on narrow roads and in towns the HS is a breeze to squeeze and park as you sit up high making it easy to be aware of your extremities.

It may be Chinese but you remain fully aware of its British heritage thanks to the octagonal badge that stares forth from the chunky steering wheel.

And it shares the spirit of MGs from yesteryear thanks to its great driving dynamics. The 1.5 litre turbocharged motor is spirited offering peppy performance from the off. If you are not careful HS will run away with you and the engine is perfectly mated to a sensitive seven speed auto that kicks down willingly to complete safe overtakes.

HS is a car you are going to enjoy driving in all environments. It takes the strain on the motorways, is nimble around town and is eminently capable cross country. Steering is sharp and the ride excellent. You can go deeply into bends knowing there’s plenty of grip from the attractive 19in alloys to get you round.

Economy is only ok at around the 40mpg mark but a more frugal option is on the way featuring plug-in hybrid technology. It’s more money of course but likely to be worth it for the better performance and economy.

HS also features a full raft of safety devices to prevent you from crashing and protect you if you do.

With an impressive seven-year/80,000 mile warranty it is plain to see why it’s so compelling to recommend the new MG HS. But don’t just ask me, go and have a drive of it yourself.