In this user review series, we have MG HS PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The CBU units were introduced in Pakistan in 2021 with an invoice price of Rs. 85 lakh. The owner, Salman, has owned the car for three years and has covered 30,000 kilometers so far on it,
Purchase Decision
The crossover SUV was introduced amid the growing popularity of EVs and HEVs in Pakistan. For a recap, the MG HS petrol was a popular model priced between Rs. 54.75 lakh and Rs. 61 lakh, with around 10,000–12,000 units sold. However, the PHEV version wasn’t widely available, and the owner acquired it through a special package. Although he initially withdrew his booking due to concerns over price, he eventually found an opportunity through the MG dealership in Islamabad.
After buying the car, the owner liked the red interior of the MG HS PHEV, which stood out due to its uniqueness. The exterior color wasn’t his first choice, so he decided to wrap the car shortly after delivery. The wrap has held up well for the past three years without any issues.
Technical Overview
The MG HS PHEV features a 1.5-liter turbo engine paired with a 16 kW battery. When fully charged, the car can travel up to 50 km on electric power alone. Once the battery runs out, it switches to petrol, offering a fuel average of around 10 km per liter, depending on driving conditions.
Electric Range and Fuel Efficiency
Salman shares that his car typically runs on electricity for about three days before needing a recharge for daily city driving. Thanks to a regenerative braking system that charges the battery 50% after 100km, the fuel tank lasts around 6–8 months, depleting gradually. The cost of driving 100 km in the city (combining electricity and fuel) is around Rs. 2600–2700, with half of the distance (50 km) covered by electricity and the remaining half consuming 5 liters of petrol.
Advantages of Hybrid Technology
He told us that the key advantage of this crossover SUV is its hybrid nature. For short city trips, the car can run entirely on electricity, while for longer road trips, there’s no need to worry about charging stations as it seamlessly switches to petrol. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for those who mainly drive within the city but also need the option for longer journeys.
Charging Network Challenges in Pakistan
The owner highlights Pakistan’s lack of a reliable charging network as a major challenge for owning complete electric vehicles. However, he believes that plug-in hybrids like the MG HS PHEV are a better fit for the local market because they don’t rely solely on charging stations. For instance, on a recent trip to Islamabad, when the electric dispenser was out of order, he didn’t worry because his hybrid vehicle could switch to petrol without any hassle.
Maintenance Experience
This PHEV was driven for 30,000 km without any significant issues. He hasn’t replaced the brake pads as they have a good lifespan. While some MG HS owners have reported AC issues, Salman has not faced any such problems with his vehicle.
Value for Money
Salman concludes that the MG HS PHEV offers excellent value for money, primarily due to its combination of electric efficiency and petrol backup. While he would appreciate additional features such as wireless charging and memory seats in future models, he is generally very satisfied with his purchase.
Conclusion
Salman shares his thoughts on the car’s new facelift, praising the improvements in both aesthetics and functionality, particularly the new LED lights. He believes that the MG HS PHEV is a strong choice for city driving, providing a practical solution with hybrid technology. It’s a compelling option in the growing electric vehicle market in Pakistan.
