Is this 2024’s most important boring new car?

Do not adjust your devices: this is still TopGear.com and we do indeed bring you news of an entirely new MG HS SUV. 355 Evoluto, 1,000bhp P1 drift car, this… are you not entertained?

The MG arguably carries more real-world impact, having wedged itself into the UK’s top 10 sellers list on account of being a) an SUV, and b) priced to undercut pretty much everything else that size.

As before, you’ve got a choice between a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine (140bhp) or a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor attached. Yep, it’s a plug-in. The big development here is that the battery has swelled to 24.7kWh, and MG is promising what it claims is best-in-class e-range of 75 miles. That means BiK of just five per cent, company car fans.

The petrol (you can have a six-speed manual or seven-speed auto) manages 0-62mph in a leisurely 9.4 seconds, while the PHEV does the same in a more purposeful 6.4s.

MG has played with the dimensions for the new HS, shortening the overhangs and growing the wheelbase by 45mm to create more room inside. It’s 14mm wider too, although the roof has actually been dropped by 30mm to give it a sleeker look. Boot capacity rises to 507 litres, up 44.

Other exterior changes include a new grille (but of course) following the same principles as those outlined by the new MG3, and X-shaped LED taillights are linked by a central motif.

Inside you get a pair of 12.3in screens as standard, and MG says the digital display ahead of the driver gets three distinct modes: Map, Digital, and ADAS. New materials have been deployed throughout the cabin, there’s new switchgear and the three-spoke steering wheel has been reconfigured.

All cars get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus access to Amazon Music. Also thrown in on the entry SE spec are LED headlights, rear parking sensors and camera, heated wing mirrors, a six-way adjustable driver’s seat (only four ways for the front passenger, soz), air con, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers cruise control, and an electric parking brake.

Trophy spec is the range-topper, getting a 360-degree camera, a wireless phone charger, 19in diamond-cut alloys, a powered tailgate, eight-speaker audio system and - unique to the PHEV - vehicle-to-load functionality. Y’know, for when you need to power a kettle on a camping trip.

Your five colour options are thus: White Pearl, Black Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Hampstead Grey Metallic and Dynamic Red Tri-coat. Trophy cars get black leather upholstery inside.

The 1.5 petrol costs from £24,995, while the plug-in kicks off at £31,495: if you do decide to go for the extra Trophy kit, whack another £2.5k onto those numbers.

Naturally, MG still offers its seven-year/80,000-mile warranty. Order books are open now, with petrol deliveries due to start at the end of the month and PHEVs hitting our roads in September.

Draws breath… ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?