Approaching the third decade of the twenty-first century, what does MG have in store for us? Nothing short of a taste of cars of tomorrow. And tomorrow arrives with a spirit of swift satisfaction.
Motoring pleasure, of course, has many faces. Better still when the face in question has a familiar look. British motorists rightly revere traditional brands – more so in today’s globalised world. Brand loyalty is a belief in continuity of dependable purpose. Pleasure taken not only for the sake of it, but also as a requirement in order to perpetuate motoring passions that go back a long way.
Few brands are as productive of smiles per mile as MG. That sporting pedigree once pitched at the young enthusiast has survived the turmoils of time and today is represented by cars pitched at enthusiasts of all ages who retain a young-at-heart zest for vivacious velocity so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the UK’s top selling cars.
Heads might shake at the thought of an MG family SUV but only a brief acquaintance is needed to convince you that the octagon badge has found a new and appropriate home.
On a bright winter day I advanced upon a car that gleamed with all the lustre of promise. Recognisable at once as a medium sized SUV with all the capability that implies, it stood out from the crowd for two immediate reasons. First the singularity of individualistic purpose evident in its striking revised design with a more purposeful frontal appearance and slight increase in overall size, making for a more athletic look. Second, that evocative badge: a defiant signifier of proper credentials, like Dents gloves or Tootal cravats.
I was keen to see what this MG would mean to me. More to the point: was it able to deliver
‘What’s it like inside?’ I hear you ask. A quick glance around the cabin of this top of the range £28,190 Trophy variant shows that it’s much improved over the previous model: and there is slightly more room too. You get heated seats and loads of intelligent touches to keep you comfy, connected and safe. It has a quality feel, (as you would expect with a car boasting a 7 year warranty) and it is well equipped with all the usual electronic wizardry. A dash or more of deft design has embellished the usual dispositions of switchgear, storage and controls with stylishness that is both up to date and yet redolent of old fashioned virtues. All round visibility is good and it’s easy to place the car when manoeuvering thanks to an excellent parking camera.
MG cars were traditionally sporty and that remains the story behind the wheel. The willing 169 PS 4 cylinder 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine doesn’t offer steroid-gobbling muscle power – but it’s all the better for it, being smooth and reasonably refined under hard use – and the seven speed dual clutch auto transmission is seamless. There’s enough performance for fun up to around 120 mph (In your dreams, of course) and economy proved to be around 40mpg overall, despite MG’s modest claim of just 36.6 mpg overall.
Chassis and suspension give precise control with a feel for the road, but not at the expense of comfort. For the stringback driving glove types for whom sportiness is all, there will never be a car so perfect as one that shakes out fillings while storming along to the pub. The MG HS is not that car. Some elements of yesteryear are better consigned to history. But for a livelier approach to practical SUV motoring this MG leads the field and lowers the cost. It’s one of today’s best motoring bargains that puts rivals on the ropes and ticks all the boxes regarding contemporary SUV practicality. As a car qua car it can’t be faulted.
It was fortunate, I thought, that I had the new MG HS to brighten my days for if ever a car chimed with the times, this is it – a sleek and sensible SUV configuration that many crave: and that’s what you get with a flourish of promise. In depth inspection doesn’t disappoint. It’s a solid, smoothly styled customer that’s easy on the eye – and jaw droppingly easy on the pocket too. Much dearer cars will struggle to match its specification, never mind exceed it. In fact the HS is one of the best SUVs in its class. Like the ever revivifying phoenix flame, the MG brand continues to flourish, burnishing the motoring world with its peerless incandescence. One gets far more than one expects for one’s money. Highway value, not highway robbery, is the MG watchword. Peugeot, Vauxhall, Renault, VW, Citroen, Ford and others with their overpriced models and five minute warranties take note. I raise my octagon-shaped whisky glass to an optimistic future for M.G. (Health and safety note. Charging ones glass must only be done when once the car is tucked away for the night).
