More kit, more comfort: MG upgrades the MG3, ZS and HS lineups

If it isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it. But there’s nothing wrong with making it better. MG has taken exactly that approach with three of its most popular models, giving the MG3, ZS and HS a useful round of upgrades aimed at making them smoother, more comfortable and easier to live with every day.

Popular cars don’t always need wholesale reinvention to keep them competitive, and MG has concentrated on the little things that can make a surprisingly big difference.

Rather than indulging in dramatic redesigns, the focus has been on small, practical improvements to an already successful car that can matter more than change for change’s sake.

The biggest changes are found in Hybrid+ versions of the MG3 and ZS, where revisions to the traction motor and generator promise a smoother, quieter driving experience with less noise and vibration.

Elsewhere, all three ranges benefit from improved interiors and additional comfort, convenience and technology, while MG has also resisted using the changes as an excuse to dramatically push up prices.

MG3 gets a smoother Hybrid+ system

The MG3 Hybrid+ retains its 191bhp output, with fuel economy of up to 64.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 100g/km. The changes concentrate instead on refining how the powertrain delivers its performance, while retaining MG's 1.83kWh battery and unusual three-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, all versions receive upgraded upholstery. SE cars get a redesigned black cloth interior, while Trophy Hybrid+ models move to black leather/suede-style upholstery for a more upmarket feel.

The updated MG3 Hybrid+ is available to order now, priced from £19,995 in SE trim and £21,995 for the Trophy Hybrid+. An upgraded petrol MG3 will follow in December, starting from £17,995.

More equipment for the MG ZS

The ZS receives the same Hybrid+ refinements, with its 193bhp powertrain offering electrified driving without needing to be plugged in.

Perhaps more noticeable to drivers will be the extra equipment. SE Hybrid+ models now get a 360-degree HD camera, rear parking sensors and wireless phone charging, while Trophy Hybrid+ adds an opening panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate. The ZS also gets similar upholstery updates as the MG3 - black cloth for SE models and the leather/suede-style trim in the Trophy – as well as adding an Emerald Green option to the choice of metallic colours.

The upgraded ZS is available now, with the petrol SE starting at £21,495 and the Hybrid+ from £23,995.

MG HS adds more everyday comfort

MG has concentrated heavily on comfort and convenience with the larger HS, which continues to offer a particularly broad choice of petrol, Hybrid+ and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The HS Plug-in Hybrid remains particularly interesting for drivers who can make regular use of its electric capability. It offers up to 75 miles of electric range and more than 670 miles of combined petrol and electric range, potentially allowing plenty of routine journeys to be completed without using the engine.

SE models now come with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, alongside wireless phone charging and one-touch operation for all four electric windows. Trophy versions add ventilated front seats and an opening panoramic sunroof. Parking should be easier too, thanks to a 360-degree HD camera becoming standard across the range and a new mirror tilt-down function designed to make kerbs easier to see when reversing.

Prices for the revised HS start at £27,495 for the SE petrol and £30,495 for the SE Hybrid+, while the SE Plug-in Hybrid costs from £33,495. Trophy specification adds £2,500 to each version.

None of these changes represents a radical overhaul to MG’s model lineup, but that's arguably the point.

MG has concentrated on smoothing out the Hybrid+ driving experience and adding the sort of equipment drivers are likely to appreciate every day, while retaining the value that has played such an important part in the brand's growing UK appeal.

For lease customers, these changes won’t fundamentally transform the MG3, ZS or HS, but better-equipped, more comfortable and more refined versions of already good-value cars certainly aren't going to hurt their appeal.