The SUV segment continues to prove immensely popular with buyers, particularly those who appreciate a little more space than a conventional hatchback as well as a raised driving position which gives a more commanding view of the road ahead. This experience isn’t just reserved for high-end cars, either, with models like the MG HS and Vauxhall Grandland - which we’re looking at today - both capable of bringing those SUV thrills.
But which one should you grab the keys to? Today, we’re going to take a look through what each car offers and how they compare.
Driving
Both cars here lie on the more comfort-focused end of the SUV spectrum, so from behind the wheel you’ll notice more relaxed and easy-to-get-along-with driving styles. The Grandland’s well-judged ride means that it deals well with potholes and road imperfections, though you’ll have to opt for smaller alloy wheel sizes in order to get the most comfortable experience possible.
It’s a similar story in the MG, too. The ZS has been given a comfort-focused driving setup, meaning that it’s surprisingly refined on the motorway and at higher speeds. Plus, with light steering and easy controls, it’s a simple car to pilot around town.
Engines
If it’s efficiency you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place. Core MG HS models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, driven through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox. MG claims that you could see up to 37.2mpg which, we’ll admit, isn’t the highest - but the real draw here is a new plug-in hybrid version. It combines a 1.5-litre engine with an electric motor and battery, bringing up to 155.8mpg and an electric-only range of up to 33 miles.
Turn to the Grandland and it’s a similar theme. There’s the option of 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, bringing fuel consumption figures of 45.6 and 54.3mpg respectively. Again, however, those after the most fuel-sipping model will no doubt appreciate the plug-in hybrid which combines a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery capable of delivering up 192mpg combined and an electric-only range of up to 39 miles.
Looks
Both cars have a range of exterior design features that ensure they stand out in the very busy segment. The Grandland, in particular, has come on leaps and bounds in terms of design, shedding the somewhat plain appearance of its predecessor to adopt Vauxhall’s latest - and very good - exterior look. It’s got the firm’s ‘Vizor’ front end design, while the option of a contrast ‘floating’ roof makes it look even better.
The MG’s design, meanwhile, is a little more understated but has plenty of chrome finishers to help give it a more premium appearance. The plug-in hybrid model also benefits from the intricate grille design that we’ve seen used on some of the firm’s electric models, too.
Practicality
Buyers of an SUV are definitely focused on a key thing - practicality. So with that in mind, how do the Grandland and HS stack up in terms of spaciousness? The HS does particularly well in this area, with plenty of space for those sitting either up front or in the back. Headroom is particularly good, too, so taller passengers shouldn’t find their heads scraping the roof. In terms of boot space, it has 463 litres on offer, rising to 1,454 with the rear seats lowered. There’s a slight penalty in the plug-in hybrid, mind you, as the fitment of the electrified powertrain reduces boot space to 448 litres.
The Grandland does well too. It’s also got a good amount of interior space, while robust materials mean that it should stand up well to the rigours of day to day use. Open the boot door and you’ll gain access to a 514-litre boot, which is square and really easy to access. Drop the rear seats and this increases to an impressive 1,652 litres. Again, hybrid models suffer a drop in load capacity, falling to 390 and 1,598 litres respectively.
Value
Vauxhall and MG are two companies that put a real focus on value, which is why the Grandland and HS are two particularly budget-friendly options. Prices for the Grandland start from £25,810, but even at this entry point, you get loads of standard equipment including LED headlights, cruise control and a seven-inch infotainment system. Top-spec Ultimate cars start from £31,570 and bring high-end touches such as a 360-degree parking camera and 19-inch alloy wheels.
MG has been particularly savvy with the pricing of its HS. Things kick off from an impressive £22,095, but even here you get features such as a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen, satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay, meaning that you’re not going to feel like you’re missing out by opting for the entry model.
Verdict
Both cars here bring some seriously impressive characteristics. With value-friendly prices, the HS and Grandland are both a great choice for those drivers who want plenty of equipment but don’t want to break the bank in the process.
Choosing between them is quite tricky, in truth. However, given its added style and slightly more appealing cabin, we’d say that the Grandland would be the pick of the pair.
