MG HS I facelift (2021 – 2025)

Reliability score : 7.6/10

The first-generation MG HS (phase 2 / facelift) has established itself as a major player in the compact SUV (C-SUV) segment thanks to highly aggressive pricing. Designed by the Chinese giant SAIC Motor, it benefits from internal combustion engines developed in partnership with General Motors (SGE and NLE families). The 2021 facelift (which appeared later in some European markets) gave it a more aggressive front end and a technological update. Although the plug-in hybrid version (EHS) attracts the bulk of sales in Western Europe for tax reasons, the 1.5T petrol version (and 2.0T in other markets) remains the core of the global range. It is a rational vehicle, offering excellent interior space and a reassuring warranty (7 years in Europe), but it falls short with sluggish road handling and a

✅ Strengths

Unbeatable price-to-equipment ratio in the segment
Generous rear passenger space and seat comfort
7-year / 150,000 km manufacturer warranty (depending on markets)
Neat interior finish (soft-touch materials, good quality synthetic leather)
GM-sourced 1.5T engine is generally very mechanically robust

⚠️ Weaknesses

High fuel consumption on 100% internal combustion versions (1.5T and 2.0T)
Slow and sometimes jerky 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (DCT7) in the city
Slow, complex, and bug-prone infotainment system
Road handling focused solely on comfort (significant body roll, vague steering)
Dealer network still under development in some regions

🎯 Verdict

The facelifted MG HS is the quintessential pragmatic choice. If you are looking for a spacious, well-equipped family SUV with a long warranty without breaking the bank, it perfectly fulfills its brief. The 1.5T petrol engine is mechanically reliable (General Motors base) but suffers from higher-than-average fuel consumption for the category and an automatic gearbox that leaves room for improvement. Purchase is recommended, provided you accept somewhat dated onboard technology (multimedia) and favor a smooth driving style. Negotiate firmly on used models, as depreciation is steeper than on established European or Japanese brands.

Common issues

Dysfonctionnements du système d'infodivertissement (bugs logiciels, lenteurs) Low

🔧 Dès l'acquisition – 50 000 km

💶 0 – 300 € (souvent sous garantie, sinon mise à jour logicielle ou diagnostic)

Vérifier la réactivité et les fonctionnalités du système lors de l'essai.

À-coups ou hésitations de la boîte de vitesses automatique DCT Medium

🔧 30 000 – 80 000 km

💶 500 – 2 500 € (reprogrammation, remplacement mécatronique ou embrayages DCT)

Tester la fluidité de la boîte à basse vitesse et en conduite urbaine.

Usure prématurée des plaquettes et disques de frein Low

🔧 20 000 – 40 000 km

💶 300 – 700 € (remplacement complet avant et arrière)

Anticiper le remplacement des freins, vérifier l'état lors des entretiens.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Clutch	£1 000 – 2 000 (si remplacement du pack d'embrayages DCT nécessaire)
Complete brakes	£350 – 600
Estimated annual budget	£500 – 1 000

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.