First drive: 2025 MG HS Hybrid+
Sometimes, I wonder if carmakers can sense “disturbances in the force.”
When I tested the top-spec MG One LUX this month, I wrote about how it was a stylish and sprightly compact crossover, but seemed rather anachronistic among electrified rivals. Just days later, MG Philippines lent us a compact crossover with a hybrid-electric powerplant for a preview drive.
The company’s impeccable timing isn’t mere coincidence – the upcoming MG HS Hybrid+ is the third major player in a fast-growing segment composed of the BYD Sealion 6 DM-i and the more recently launched Ford Territory Hybrid. Put another way, Filipinos just can’t get enough of big cars that have the prudence and pep provided by hybrid powertrains.
Given that MG is the Philippines’ top-selling Chinese carmaker, as of press time, will this new model help cement its dominance in the electrified age?
Edgy style
The all-new HS Hybrid+ looks substantially better than its non-electrified predecessor, which I found to be more like a supersized ZS.
Indeed, this big MG looks aggressive and sporty, contrasting considerably from the friendly lines of the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Territory Hybrid. Swept-back LED headlights dominate the hoodline and extend into the fenders, balancing out the enormous scowl of the black front grill and faux brake ducts.
Down the side, elements of the MG One remain like the high beltline and bulging fenders, which accommodate black, 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Alenza tires. Instead of a black roof, MG has opted for a cleaner contrast with gloss-black paint on the wheel arches, lower doors and side mirrors.
At the rear, the first thing that captures your attention is the intricate C-pillar that leads your eye to the steeply raked rear windscreen. Indeed, the tailgate has a coupe-like appearance thanks to the large protrusion above the Tesla-esque LED taillights (a treatment similar to the MG4 battery-electric hatchback).
Overall, the HS Hybrid+ definitely stands out among the vast majority of blob-like crossovers, building upon the stylistic legacy of the handsome MG One.
Capacious cabin
Inside, passengers are treated to an interior lined in plush, black leather and soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door cards.
Like the MG One, the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into one seamless unit – the latter offering a clear view of the 360-degree camera system that is immensely helpful because of the considerable blind spot created by the large side mirrors.
Other nice features include the powerful dual-zone climate control system, a panoramic moonroof and the supportive, electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory. However, I wish that the functions were not buried in rather complicated submenus (the seat-memory switches are in the screen instead of the doors).
I would have also liked a more adventurous interior – although the customizable LED light strip on the dashboard is attractive, the Sealion 6 DM-i is still a more exciting place to sit in with its light-colored upholstery and air-conditioned seats. But like the BYD, the 441-liter cargo capacity of the HS Hybrid+ is only average for the class.
Happily, this all-new model has done away with the MG One’s rather fiddly touch panel for the lights, locks and mirrors, opting for traditional controls in the door.
Strong, frugal power
I enjoyed driving the MG One because of its throaty gasoline engine, which is a turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 pumping out 168 horsepower and 275 Newton-meters of torque.
This excellent motor has been mated to a 1.8-kWh battery pack and an electric motor for a combined output of 222 horsepower and 340 Newton-meters of torque. Gone is the MG One’s lackluster continuously variable transmission, superseded by a 2-speed hybrid transmission that is not only smoother, but also more responsive when you need full power.
Indeed, the HS Hybrid+ maintains its sporting character by being noticeably faster than the Sealion 6 DM-i and the Territory Hybrid. Thankfully, you get powerful brakes with a rather spongy pedal, along with quick steering that could use more feel even in the heaviest Sport setting.
Suspension-wise, this big MG is closer to its BYD rival by offering a smooth ride with acceptable body roll. However, I feel that the dampers should be stiffer as the excessive stroke makes the car porpoise more than the Sealion 6 DM-i (which could make some passengers carsick).
One great addition to the HS Hybrid+ is the comprehensive MG Pilot active-safety suite, which comes with a bevy of life-saving features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Braking.
More choice for us
Our short ride with the all-new MG HS Hybrid+ showed a very promising (but very wallowy) crossover that can take on the likes of BYD and Ford.
A full test will allow us to further explore things like fuel consumption and expressway performance. MG Philippines has yet to release the final pricing for its big hybrid, but I’m expecting it to come in under the P1.7 million mark when it officially launches this month.
And given that MG Philippines seems to be capable of reading my mind, perhaps it has a two-seat sports car that I could test? Hehe.
