MG
HS
Conscious that not everyone can, or wants to, go electric, the latest MG HS bridges the gap with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Competing with household names like the Tucson and Qashqai, the HS looks better than ever. A roomy, well-finished interior, large boot, generous 120-km electric range and competitive pricing mean it ticks lots of boxes. The infotainment could be better, but all the right smartphone connectivity and safety equipment are present.
A roomy, well-finished interior, large boot, generous 120-km electric range and competitive pricing mean it ticks lots of boxes
ZS
The ZS has had a real glow-up with fresh styling and a modest increase in overall length. Design-wise, it’s more in line with its better-established competitors. A markedly improved interior includes a more modern look and feel to the controls, while the modest bump in rear passenger space is welcome too. There’s no electric model this time around as it’s available as a petrol hybrid that has decent performance and is quite economical to run.
MG3
Though previous generations of the MG3 were sold elsewhere, this is the first to reach Irish shores, and its hybrid powertrain seems designed for buyer preferences here as it competes head-on with some of the best-selling hybrid Toyotas on the market. The MG3 targets the Yaris in terms of pricing, space and efficiency, though the MG is far more powerful. It’s a strange-looking car from some angles, and its performance is delivered in a not-entirely-smooth fashion, but it’s difficult to ignore the value offered by this car.
MG4
After a couple of years selling bargain-basement electrified SUVs, MG really grabbed everyone’s attention by launching the sharp-suited MG4 hatchback. And it kept their attention with super-low pricing. That’s not all the MG4 has going for it, though, as it’s a spacious and efficient electric car with engaging rear-drive dynamics. And if you’re keen on maximising performance, there’s always the bonkers XPower model to consider, featuring two electric motors for all-wheel drive and up to 435hp.
MG5
Odds are you’ve seen plenty of examples of the MG5 electric estate on the road and not taken any notice. That’s not just because it’s an anonymous-looking car (though last year’s facelift did enhance its appeal), but because most of them will have been taxis. Turns out the MG5 costs buttons to keep on the road and taxi drivers have welcomed it with open arms, replacing their diesel vehicles in droves. If it’s good enough for hundreds of taxi drivers, then it should certainly meet the demands of someone that needs the space of a small, affordable, electric estate.
Cyberster
This is MG getting its sports car mojo back in order. Though in a rather different way to the likes of the MGB of yesteryear. The Cyberster is indeed a two-seat roadster, but it’s quite a wide and long car so it competes more with premium models than, say, the lithe Mazda MX-5. Not to mention the fact the Cyberster is an all-electric model. Buyers can choose from a pretty-quick rear-drive, single-motor model or the ballistic GT with two motors, all-wheel drive and up to 510hp. Make sure you get to see one with its theatrical electric-opening doors in action, as it’s quite the party piece.