With SUVs now among the top choices for Filipino families and professionals, the newly launched second‑generation MG HS Hybrid+ arrives as a compelling option. It strikes the perfect balance—not too big for everyday needs, yet big in luxury and features often reserved for vehicles that cost several million pesos more. This five‑seater hybrid SUV delivers comfort, refinement, and capable performance, positioning itself as a standout contender in the fast‑growing hybrid segment.
Design and Interior
The HS Hybrid+ debuts MG’s third‑generation design language, a sharper and more refined evolution that still carries the unmistakable MG identity. As one of the first models to showcase this styling direction, it exudes confidence with a handsome exterior and a commanding stance on the road.
The experience is elevated by thoughtful touches such as a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with light, a hands‑free power tailgate that adds convenience, and reverse auto‑tilting mirrors that make parking effortless. Completing the premium impression are striking Digital Matrix LED headlamps and bold 19‑inch alloy wheels, giving the HS Hybrid+ a sophisticated presence that blends modern elegance with everyday practicality.
Interior Highlights of the MG HS Hybrid+
Step inside the HS Hybrid+ and you’re greeted by a cabin designed for comfort and refinement. Leather covers most surfaces, giving the interior a premium feel, while the seats are luxuriously finished yet supportive enough to make long drives effortless.
Rear passengers benefit from adjustable vents that can be directed to each side, ensuring coolness throughout the cabin, along with two Type‑C sockets for modern convenience. The rear seats are also equipped with ISO Fix anchor points, providing added safety and peace of mind for families traveling with child seats.
Drivers enjoy a dual‑screen setup: a 12.3‑inch digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment display that is clear, responsive, and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Connectivity is further enhanced by a 12V socket, Type‑A USB port, and a wireless charging pad integrated into the center console. Piano black trim on the gear lever, Auto Hold for traffic convenience, dual‑zone automatic climate control with an air purifier, and memory‑equipped leather seats with lumbar support all add to the upscale touches.
Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the HS Hybrid+ combines a 1.5‑liter turbocharged engine producing 165 kW (224 PS) and 340 Nm of torque with a 1.83 kWh battery. While modest in capacity compared to larger hybrids, the battery provides the electric boost needed for efficiency and smoother driving transitions.
In short test drives, the HS Hybrid+ proved itself a solid performer. The chassis feels rigid despite the panoramic sunroof, with no noticeable flex or squeaks. Suspension tuning absorbs bumps and dips well, delivering a cocoon‑like ride that emphasizes comfort.
The MG HS Hybrid + offers a thoughtfully laid out driving settings interface that invites personalization without overwhelming the user. Within the “Driving” tab, drivers can toggle between Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, adjust regenerative braking from Low to High, and fine-tune steering feel to match their preference. The medium regenerative setting strikes a practical balance—providing noticeable energy recovery without compromising smoothness. 
Each option is clearly presented on a crisp digital screen, accompanied by a visual of the vehicle that reinforces the system’s intuitive design. It’s a tech-forward touch that complements the hybrid’s dynamic character, giving drivers more control over how they want the car to respond—whether cruising through city streets or stretching its legs on the highway.
In my own experience, maneuvering the HS Hybrid+ through a tight multi‑level parking building in Metro Manila highlighted the value of its 360‑degree camera and parking sensors
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Visibility was clear, guidance was accurate, and navigating narrow ramps and corners became effortless—an everyday advantage for city drivers. On the highway, the hybrid system shifted seamlessly between modes, while the suspension kept the ride smooth and composed, reinforcing its balance of practicality and premium comfort.
Pros and Cons (Preview)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sharp new MG design language that stands out in the segment | Battery capacity (1.8 kWh) may feel limited compared to rivals |
| Comfortable, leather‑trimmed interior with dual TFT screens | Connectivity features could be more advanced |
| Solid chassis and suspension tuning for a smooth ride | Hybrid adoption in PH still faces infrastructure challenges |
| Respectable hybrid performance with turbocharged power | Tight pedal spacing can lead to unintended braking for drivers with wider feet. |
| Spacious five‑seater layout with premium touches | Persistent speed‑limit chimes—particularly annoying in city traffic. |
| Quiet, cocoon‑like ride quality | |
| MG’s growing presence in PH ensures service and showroom support | |
| Competitive pricing against Japanese and Korean rivals | |
| 360‑degree camera and sensors make tight parking effortless |
Final Thoughts
The MG HS Hybrid+ looks promising as it prepares to enter the Philippine market. It’s stylish, comfortable, and capable, with a hybrid system that balances efficiency and performance.
That said, a longer test period—beyond this initial 24‑hour drive—will be essential to fully understand how the HS Hybrid+ performs in real‑world scenarios: from the grind of Metro Manila traffic to long highway runs and family road trips. Much will also depend on how MG positions its pricing strategy. If done wisely, the HS Hybrid+ has the potential to be one of the most compelling choices in the compact hybrid SUV segment, offering Filipino buyers a rare balance of luxury, practicality, and eco‑conscious performance.
With a retail price of Php 1,398,888 and a limited introductory offer of Php 1,388,888, the All‑New MG HS Hybrid+ enters the market as a highly competitive option. It’s a model that doesn’t just promise premium features and refined comfort—it delivers them at a value point that makes hybrid technology more accessible, and more exciting, for today’s Filipino drivers.