There are media drives where the focus is all about performance figures, cornering speeds, or fuel economy. Then there are drives that simply let you experience what it’s like to spend hours inside a vehicle, seeing how it fits into everyday travel. MG Philippines’ “The Next Wave” leaned more toward the latter.
The event gathered members of the motoring media for an out-of-town drive showcasing the brand’s growing lineup of electrified vehicles. Leading the convoy were the MG G50 PHEV, MG RX9 PHEV, MG HS Hybrid+, MG ZS Hybrid+, and the all-electric MG4 EV Urban. It was an opportunity to experience the different technologies now available under the MG badge, from hybrids and plug-in hybrids to a full battery electric vehicle.
Representing Autocar Philippines, I found myself approaching the drive from a slightly different perspective. As a person with disability (PWD), I don’t drive, as I’m visually impaired (low vision).
So instead of evaluating steering feel or throttle response, I spent the entire journey in the back seat. It may sound like a limitation, but it also meant paying attention to something that often gets overlooked. After all, many buyers spend just as much time as passengers as they do behind the wheel.
From BGC to Pampanga
Our assigned vehicle for the day was the MG HS Hybrid+, shared with two other members of the media. Our route began at Bonifacio High Street (BGC) in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) before heading north via Skyway and NLEX. Our route led to Ntrata, a new nature-inspired restaurant in Bacolor, Pampanga. The journey covered roughly 52 km one-way.
Everything went according to plan for a smooth drive, but here’s the catch — the weather never really gave us a break.
Rain accompanied the convoy for the most part, turning what could have been an ordinary highway drive into an opportunity to better feel how comfortable the cabin remained during gloomy conditions. We made one brief stop at Petron KM42 on the northbound side of NLEX for a restroom break and a driver change before continuing straight to our lunch destination.
Getting acquainted with the MG HS Hybrid+
The MG HS Hybrid+ itself sits among the brand’s electrified crossover offerings in the Philippines. Locally priced at P1,398,888 as of this writing, it combines a turbocharged gasoline engine with an electric motor and hybrid transmission system. It also comes equipped with a sizable 12.3-inch infotainment display, wireless smartphone charging, a premium audio system, MG Pilot driver assistance features, and a cabin that focuses on comfort for both front and rear occupants.
That focus became obvious not long after settling into the rear seat.
The view from the back seat
One of the first things I noticed was how composed the ride felt. Even with rain falling steadily outside and wet pavement underneath, the HS Hybrid+ remained remarkably smooth over the highway. It never felt unsettled or overly firm, allowing conversations inside the cabin to continue without passengers constantly bracing themselves for bumps.
The spacious interior also stood out. My frame is on the plus size, but I’ve noticed that rear legroom was generous enough that I never felt cramped during the trip, and the contoured rear bench offered good support for my back and thighs. The seat felt shaped to hold passengers in place, something that became more apparent as the drive stretched on.
Little conveniences also made themselves known throughout the journey. Having charging ports readily available meant keeping devices powered wasn’t an issue, while the audio system delivered crisp, well-balanced sound that remained enjoyable. Our driver really went full ‘90s vibes with a relaxing playlist curated to rekindle the better days.
From the back, the audio system really shined. I felt the surround sound experience — pronounced bass, balanced treble, crisp vocals — all flowing smoothly around my area. Those may seem like small details, but they’re the kind of features passengers appreciate over the course of a long drive.
What the driver had to say
Naturally, I also asked our driver for impressions from behind the wheel.
He said he’s used to driving conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. But according to him, the hybrid electric system contributed to a more relaxed driving experience.
Its regenerative braking helped slow the vehicle more progressively, reducing the amount of brake pedal effort needed in everyday driving. The adjustable regenerative braking levels also allowed the system to be set according to personal preference, making it easier to find a setting that felt natural.
Because it’s raining, our visibility was hampered when we made it to the destination. Good thing the HS Hybrid+’s 360-degree camera guided our driver as he carefully backed up to our parking slot.
A few areas for improvement
Here’s a reality that we must all accept — no vehicle is perfect. And spending time in the rear seat also revealed a couple of areas that could be improved.
The biggest one to me was the rear headrest. While supportive at first, it gradually became uncomfortable during the longer stretches of the drive. Because the backrest doesn’t recline due to the parcel shelf arrangement, the headrest’s design naturally pushed my neck slightly forward.
The smooth ride made me feel sleepy more than once, but I never quite found a position that allowed me to completely relax without my neck feeling strained.
Another observation involved charging a smartphone. Although charging itself wasn’t an issue, finding somewhere to place the phone proved less convenient. Using a travel charging cable left my phone slightly hanging awkwardly, with no dedicated storage area close enough to keep it secure. More often than not, I ended up placing it on the floor, which isn’t exactly ideal, especially during longer journeys.
Yeah, one could argue that passengers should, instead, buy longer cables because after all, they’re really cheap these days. But a well-established car brand, MG is already in the right position to make the HS Hybrid+ passenger experience even better — a small addition like a storage area near the charging ports can help in ways beyond just storing devices.
One can place important small things like a handy pocket flashlight, some business cards, a small coin purse… the possibilities are many, if not endless. Those were relatively minor compromises in what was otherwise a comfortable trip.
More than just a drive
As someone who experiences media drives from the passenger seat, I tend to notice things that don’t always appear on a specification sheet. Ride comfort, seating position, cabin space, and the little conveniences inside the vehicle often leave a more lasting impression to me than acceleration times or horsepower figures.
On that rainy drive, the MG HS Hybrid+ proved that electrification isn’t only about improving efficiency. It can also contribute to making long-distance travel feel calmer and less tiring for everyone on board, whether they’re driving or simply enjoying the journey from the back seat.
Sometimes, that’s just as important.
