Pricing for this mid-sized family SUV is pitched in the £21,000-£33,000 bracket. That's good value, even if your point of comparison is merely a volume family hatch-based model like a Nissan Qashqai or a SEAT Ateca. But the HS is sized - and priced - to compete more with bigger, more complete mid-sized SUVs; Volkswagen's Tiguan, Mazda's CX-5, Ford's Kuga and Honda's CR-V. Opt for this MG and you're looking at a like-for-like saving of up to £6,000 over something like that.
On the mainstream model, just one single 1.5-litre petrol engine is offered but there's a DCT automatic option and two levels of trim - 'Excite' and 'Exclusive'. Even base 'Excite'-spec gives you 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push button start, a 10.1" colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and electric folding and heated door mirrors. Plus a rear parking camera, rain sensing wipers and sat-nav. Top spec 'Exclusive' gives you leather upholstery, front and rear LED sequential indicators, electrically adjustable heated sports front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic opening Skyroof. DCT versions also include driving modes including Super Sport and a customisable electronic opening tailgate.
The alternative 1.5-litre PHEV variant is priced from around £30,000 and is again available in 'Excite' and 'Exclusive' levels of trim.