Category Archives: MG

electric, MG, Motoring

MG performance with premium quality

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MGS6 Trophy

By Bill McCarthy

In recent years MG has built an impressive UK presence. It has now ventured back into the premium sector with models in the ‘6’ range. Premium to the point that two out of three variants are over £40,000 and subject to the £410 annual Expensive Car Supplement on road tax.

The MGS6 EV is a case in point. A large SUV, it offers distinctive styling, excellent range from its 77kWh battery, and a host of hi-tech gadgetry – which can sometimes become annoying, but more on that later.

This top-of-the-range, twin-motor model is currently priced at just a fiver short of £44,000. There are two trims, SE and Trophy, both offering long range and rear-wheel drive, except in the case of this twin-motor model.

This model delivers a truly exhilarating drive, with the dual motors punching out a maximum of 361bhp to rocket the vehicle to 60mph in just five seconds. Add to this a claimed maximum range of 329 miles, and it’s quite a package.

It’s not all about performance, though. It certainly looks the part – sleek and sporty, yet aerodynamically efficient. The front design features an active grille shutter, and ultra-slim headlights that deliver an almost predatory look. Also included are aero wheel covers, which are claimed to add nearly 30 miles of range. In profile, the sporty look is rounded off with a full-length panoramic roof, a full-width light bar at the rear, and stylish 20-inch alloy wheels.

Exterior Design

The stylish interior of the MG6 EV, showcasing the advanced infotainment system and a sleek design.

Interior and technology

The interior has a real high-end feel, with ambient lighting, and powered and heated suede-style seats on either side of the floating centre console, which features storage space and a phone charging mat. 

Two screens dominate: a 12.8-inch HD touchscreen and a 10.25-inch display delivering real-time information to the driver. The touchscreen controls major functions like infotainment, connectivity, various apps and navigation functions. This model also features a Head-Up Display (HUD) and a 360° HD Surround View Camera.

The display itself is clear enough, but it is far from perfect. It is not alone in this; as technology moves on, more functions are added and are not always displayed most intuitively.

The MG Pilot Safety Suite, accessed via the touchscreen, controls the driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection. It can be distracting, as can the constant bings, bongs and voice alerts, which are difficult to turn off. I really struggled with the overspeed limit warning, which would sometimes activate at speeds over just 20mph.


Having said that, and to make life less distracting for the driver, there are still plenty of physical controls, including those on the multi-function steering wheel. Otherwise, it’s hard to criticise, as occupants enjoy huge amounts of head and legroom and the ambient lighting and panoramic roof make the interior a pleasant experience.

On the road

On the road, the car delivers blistering acceleration, mated with decent handling for an SUV, with little evidence of leaning into corners , even with a softish ride. The claimed range is one of the closest to the real-world range I have tested and I estimated around 270 miles against a WLTP figure of 301 for this model.

Drivers can tailor the car’s behaviour with five drive modes and a true one-pedal driving mode.

Practicality and Charging

This is a proper family-sized vehicle offering space, space and more space. The 674 litre boot is class-leading and can be extended to 1,910 litres with the seats folded for van-like capacity. In addition, the front ‘frunk’ offers an impressive extra 124 litres. A vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power household electric items, like a grille or kettle.

Charging is on the slow side compared to competitors. Both variants support rapid charging, going from 10% to 80% charge in approximately 38 minutes using a 150kW DC fast charger.

Verdict

A fine blend of style, space and startling performance and practicality that proves MG can play with the big boys – just be prepared to mute the irritating safety aler

Factfile

  • MGS6 Trophy Long Range

  • Price: £43,995

  • Mechanical: 351bhp, 77kWh battery and twin motor driving all wheels via an automatic transmission

  • Max Speed: 124mph

  • 0-62mph: 5 seconds

  • Combined MPG: 301

  • Insurance Group: 42

  • C02 emissions: 0g/km

  • Bik rating: 3%

  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles

MG, Motoring, SUV, SUV/4X4

Why the MG HS stands out among modern SUVs

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MG HS Trophy

By Bill McCarthy

The growth of MG since its revival under Chinese ownership is nothing short of remarkable, to the point that its been the fastest or one of the fastest growing brands in the UK in recent years. Owned by the giant SAIC, the brand now offers a range of good-quality cars with hugely tempting price tags.

From the latest, simply brilliant MG3 hybrid, up to the range-topping HS, there’s something on offer for most requirements. They are a growing and noticeable presence on the road with tempting deals available.

MG standout value

With a starting price under £25,000 and backed by MG’s impressive seven-year, 80,000-mile warranty, the revamped HS is a standout vehicle with an almost budget price in the competitive SUV market. It is available in petrol, like this model, or PHEV versions. There are two specifications—SE or Trophy—both offering an excellent array of standard kit.

The SE comes with adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, 19-inch alloy wheels, parking sensors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

For those of us who love the bells and whistles, the tested Trophy trim adds a premium eight-speaker sound system, wireless charging, selectable drive modes, dual-zone climate control, a hands-free power tailgate, and rear privacy glass.

Design and road presence

The latest model is bigger and much better looking than its predecessor. It features a longer wheelbase, which delivers even better cabin space. It looks the part: more handsome, with sleek glass panels, a prominent new grille, and a slim headlight array that gives it real road presence.

Performance and power

It combines striking design with its latest petrol powertrains, offering a blend of performance and efficiency, depending on your driving manners. This model featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 169PS and 275Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds. It was paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

It’s economical. I managed nearly 42mpg, comfortably beating the official 38-odd mpg. However, the turbo unit can be raucous when pushed hard, and the auto gear change can be a bit jerky, particularly when pulling away. 

Ease off with the right foot, and it’s an altogether more refined experience. It’s not one for the boy racers, but a practical family-orientated SUV that’s most at home motorway cruising. The ride is stable and only gets upset on poor road surfaces, otherwise occupants can enjoy a comfortable journey.

Premium interior feel

Inside, the HS is the best yet, offering a premium feel with high-quality fixtures and fittings and leather upholstery—a real bargain for such a big, well-equipped vehicle. 

Earlier MGs had a more fragile, coarse finish, but this is on another level, feeling solid with soft-touch finishes, though some hard plastics remain.

It boasts smart, dual 12.3-inch high-definition displays in a single array for infotainment and driver information. One irritation is the constant barrage of warning clicks and chimes. Many can be turned down in volume or switched off entirely through the infotainment system’s settings menus, but some critical safety warnings, thankfully, cannot be fully disabled.

Practicality and safety

Boot space has increased to 507 litres, with a maximum of 1,484 litres available with the seats folded. This model featured a powered tailgate; the seats fold with one touch, but removing the parcel shelf proved frustrating and difficult to get back in place.

Standard safety technologies include a full airbag complement and the MG Pilot suite with Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Detection. The entry-level SE model starts at £24,995 and comes well-equipped with LED headlights, parking sensors, keyless entry, and dual-zone climate control.

Verdict

With a starting price of under £25k, the HS  is hard to fault. There are niggles, and the engine can be a bit raucous under hard acceleration, but it is well-equipped and backed by that lengthy warranty. And it really looks good.

Factfile

  • Price: £27,495
  • Mechanical: Combined 169PS 1,498cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via seven speed DCT auto transmission
  • Max speed: 118mph
  • 0-62mph: 9.4 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 38.2 WLTP
  • CO2 emissions: 173g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 25
  • Warranty: 7yrs/80,000 miles