- Price: NIS 197,000
- Competitors: JAC 7, BYD Seal U, Chery Tiggo 7 Plug-In
- Pros: Design, equipment, space, performance, fuel consumption, warranty
- Cons: No spare wheel, city ride comfort
- Score: 8.5/10
Recently, MG importer Lubinski announced a rare market move: A price reduction for the company's models by NIS 3,000 to NIS 8,000. Not a promotion, not a club discount — a new price list moving in the opposite direction from what we were used to.
The move was justified by the drop in the dollar exchange rate but was no less driven by the accumulation of unsold car inventories at almost every importer. So, to avoid having to sell the stock a year later as zero-kilometer used cars at a loss and discounts of tens of thousands of shekels, the cars were discounted while still new.
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this discount is the new HS plug-in model, the larger five-seat crossover. It replaces the EHS, which in its previous generation was among the first plug-in models in Israel. This time it is sold simultaneously in three drive versions: The plug-in now priced at NIS 197,000, the hybrid reduced to NIS 185,000, and a less economical but much cheaper gasoline version at NIS 167,000 .
Since the best-selling car in Israel this year is also the Chinese JAC 7 — 9,500 units since January, mainly in the plug-in version (there is also a gasoline version) — the hybrid charged HS is the most interesting version, and also very competitive in price compared to the JAC, which costs between NIS 180,000-203,000. What is it really worth?
Design: MG was originally a British manufacturer of sports and sporty cars, which after bankruptcy in the early 2000s was sold to the Chinese, who saw the potential to enter the European market with their own vehicles and a familiar and beloved brand. The new HS grew significantly compared to the previous generation: 4.67 meters in length (an increase of 9.6 cm), 1.89 meters in width (+1.4), a height of 1.665 meters, and a wheelbase of 2.77 meters (+4.5 cm). It looks large and mainly neat and dignified, continuing the design of the smaller ZS, upgrading with moderate use of nickel strips. But there is nothing here that really turns heads or deeply connects to the somewhat glorious tradition of the manufacturer.
Passenger Compartment: The driver’s environment is nice and modern, among the best we've encountered in Chinese cars. There are physical switches for some functions, and operation for the rest through the multimedia screen, such as climate control and audio volume. There are also steering wheel controls, some with dual and somewhat clumsy functions. Material quality is good, and with the upgraded upholstery, the feel is even a bit luxurious.
The space is very good in the front and even better in the back. The middle rear passenger will be less comfortable as usual, but the space is generous for everyone, both headroom and legroom. There is an air-conditioning vent, USB ports, and good outward visibility.
The trunk volume in this version is only 441 liters (compared to 507 liters in the gasoline version) due to the hybrid battery. There is no spare wheel and no space for storing the charging cable, which must be placed in the trunk.
Equipment: All HS versions are offered in one trim level, Luxury, which includes a pair of 12.3-inch screens as instrument cluster and multimedia display, wireless charging pad, electric front seats with memory, electric trunk door, four USB ports, 19-inch wheels, and side steps. Buyers can choose between black synthetic leather upholstery with orange stitching as standard, or brown synthetic leather for an additional NIS 1,555. Metallic paint costs NIS 1,900 (red and blue with no extra charge). Notably missing is a sunroof. However, there is the MG iSmart app for remotely controlling various car functions (locking and unlocking doors, locating the car, fuel level, driving range, tire pressure, navigation trip planning, pre-conditioning climate control for hybrid and plug-in versions, seat heating, and more).
Safety: Rated 5 out of 5 stars in the European crash test, it includes autonomous emergency braking forward and backward, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and steering correction, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beam, warning for opening fuel door into traffic, fatigue and distraction alerts.
Engine and Performance: The plug-in version adds to the 1,500 cc, 143 hp gasoline engine an electric motor with 184 hp, so the combined system output reaches 272 hp. The drive is always electric, and above 90 km/h the gasoline engine stops serving as a direct drive and acts only as a generator for the battery, assisting acceleration when needed.
The ride is quiet, the performance is nimble, and most of the time it feels like driving an electric car — just without range anxiety. This car will continue to drive even when the battery is depleted, but with lower fuel efficiency.
The official electric driving range is 109 km, which it nearly confirms in reality — we achieved a respectable 100 km. With a charged battery and driving in hybrid mode, fuel efficiency can exceed 50 km per liter over the first 150-200 kilometers, and when the battery is completely empty, consumption drops to 16 km per liter, similar to a less efficient hybrid. Overall, very good.
The battery capacity is 21.4 kWh and (slow) charging is possible at a rate of 6.6 kW (compared to 3.7 kW in the previous generation), allowing a full charge in 3 hours and 24 minutes. There are four selectable regenerative braking modes.
Comfort and Handling: As usual, intercity comfort is better than urban, but overall it is good. The road handling is not sporty, and the car doesn’t hide its weight and size in curves, but in normal driving the grip is high, brakes are good, and only the steering always lacks some feeling.
Bottom Line: Despite the not-so-cheap price, the plug-in offers low running costs for those who can charge it at home or work and is worthwhile for drivers covering over 20,000 km per year. The resale value is also expected to be better than the gasoline version. Maintenance intervals are longer too: Every 24,000 km or one year, instead of every 15,000 km or one year in gasoline and hybrid models.
Additionally, those who get a company car can receive a usage benefit deduction of NIS 1,130 here, though it’s not yet clear how this will look next year.
If you do not have private parking allowing regular charging, or one at work, the hybrid version is more worthwhile for you. But for others, the plug-in is a car in tune with the times, allowing most of their trips to be electric. A well-equipped, nice, and pleasant car that will contribute to the Chinese takeover of Israel’s roads.
MG HS Plug-In: Technical Details
Engine: 1,500 cc gasoline + electric motor. 272 hp combined output, 37.2 kg·m torque
Transmission: Automatic, 2-speed, front-wheel drive
Performance (manufacturer):
- 0-100 km/h (seconds): 6.8
- Top speed (km/h): 190
- Electric range (km, manufacturer): 109
- Electric range (km, test): 100
- Combined fuel consumption (km/l, manufacturer): 200
- Combined fuel consumption (km/l, test): 16
Electric:
- Battery capacity (kWh): 21.4
- Slow charging rate (kW): 6.6
Dimensions:
- Length (m): 4.67
- Width (m): 1.89
- Height (m): 1.66
- Wheelbase (m): 2.77
- Trunk volume (liters): 441
- Weight (kg): 1,850
Safety:
- Euro NCAP crash test rating: 5 out of 5 stars
- Active safety: Autonomous emergency braking forward and backward, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping and steering correction, blind spot monitoring, automatic high beam, warning for opening fuel door into traffic, fatigue and distraction alerts
Warranty:
- 7 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle
- 8 years or 150,000 km for the battery