I'M not ashamed to say I have a real soft spot for the MG ZS as it's easy on the eye, comfortable, well-specced, well-priced and comes with a transferable seven-year warranty.

But, would I feel the same about it's larger sibling, the HS?

It is MG's first model to feature a Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain, using the existing model's 1.5-litre turbocharged engine working in tandem with a 90KW electric motor to give an EV-only range of 32 miles with zero tailpipe emissions - plenty enough for most commutes.

Together the electric and petrol motors develop a combined power output of 255bhp versus the 160bhp of the standard petrol model. There's also an ample 370Nm of torque - more than enough for a car of this size and weight.

The HS Plug-in, which certainly has the stylish looks of its little brother, comes with a new 10-speed transmission - yes, you read that correctly - which transfers power to the front wheels. Power from the petrol engine is channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the electric motor transfers power through a four-speed electronic drive unit. It often feels a little sluggish rather than slick though.

Despite the MG badge on the nose, it's no sports car but there's plenty of punch for quick overtaking and it will cruise along at motorway speeds without complaint. It's comfortable and more refined than you'd perhaps expect but there is a slight drone from the electric motor which you'll have to learn to live with.

The HS PHEV's official combined economy figure is 155.8 mpg, but that's a fantasy unless you can charge it at home at the end of the day. Over a week of mixed driving I achieved just over 40mpg. That said, while its CO2 emissions of 43g/km aren't the lowest in class, the fact that they're below 50g/km will attract company car drivers.

There are only two trim levels. Entry-level Excite features 18-inch alloys, heated front seats, auto headlights and wipers, keyless entry, a parking camera and silver roof rails. Step up to Exclusive and you get a powered tailgate, panoramic roof, full-leather upholstery, ambient cabin lighting and LED headlights. Both trims come with an unfussy 10.1-inch colour touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.

As a large SUV suitable for families, potential buyers will be pleased to see it comes with a five-star Euro NCAP rating. This is mainly down to its comprehensive MG Pilot suite of driver assistance systems that gives it one of the most comprehensive safety packages in its class.

This includes Active Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, which enables the car to automatically follow the car in front at speeds below 35mph, automatically steering, braking and accelerating within the same lane.

Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Door Opening Warning also help to lessen the risk of collisions.

Inside, it's huge, with room for five adults. The front passenger and driver can enjoy class leading shoulder, hip and head room with soft-touch materials in all the right places. Rear seat passengers are catered for too with the reclining seats offering bags of leg and shoulder space, twin air vents, two USBs and - for when there's only two in the rear - a fold-out arm rest, which opens to reveal storage space and twin cup holders.

A little boot space is sacrificed to make room for the hybrid battery however, the 448-litre capacity should be plenty for most everyday uses. You can lower the rear seats to extend it to 1,375 litres, although the second row doesn't fold down completely flat.

Using a Type 2 fast charger, the MG HS Plug-in can be charged from zero to 100% in just three hours.