In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John focuses onthe facelifted MG HS and discovers how a John Cooper Works model is to be the flagship of the new MINI Countryman range, which will arrive early next year.

Chinese-owned MG is enjoying spectacular growth at the moment as a result of producing well-equipped cars cheaper than most of the opposition.

Their MG HS SUV model recently had a facelift, with changes to the front and rear styling.

The manufacturer did not increase prices sticking with £23,495 for the entry level SE specification with the range topping Trophy version costing from £25,995.

The new model I have been driving has a sharper, more aggressive look and comes with bi-function LED headlights, a changed grille design and a new front bumper while at the rear it gets a new bumper design, revised dual exhaust outlets and LED taillights.

Both the SE and Trophy models boast generous equipment levels.

All models are powered by a 1.5 litre, turbocharged petrol engine delivering up to 162ps.

A manual gearbox is standard, with an optional dual clutch DCT gearbox offered across SE and Trophy specifications.

The new MG HS still offers lots of space and comfort and the cabin features decent materials and quality.

The 10.1-inch infotainment system has been upgraded with enhanced hardware, allowing faster and smoother operation.

SE specification includes bi-function LED headlights with front and rear sequential indicators for the first time - alongside air conditioning, satellite navigation, rear parking camera with sensors, rain sensing wipers, keyless entry and a leather steering wheel as standard.

Trophy specification adds leather upholstery, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, rear privacy glass and an upgraded audio system.

MG Pilot, the company’s comprehensive package of safety equipment, is available across the range as standard - equipping the HS with active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning system, intelligent speed limit assist, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and intelligent high beam assist.

The automatic model I sampled also offered a selection of driving modes, Eco, Normal and Sport and the latter can be enabled by pressing a "supersport" button on the steering wheel.

The 1.5litre four-cylinder engine is turbocharged and it performs well enough and without fuss.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic provides smooth changes and you can also change gears manually by using paddles on the steering wheel.

On the practical front, the boot is not huge with 463-litres on offer but that means there is a lot of legroom for rear passengers.

The handling focuses on comfort rather than performance and the ride is about average for an SUV.

Strong on value, the HS is also protected by MG’s trademark seven-year/80,000-mile warranty.

FAST FACTS:

Price: £25,995,

Mechanical: 162PS, 1490cc, 4-cyl turbo petrol engine driving front wheels via dual clutch automatic DCT gearbox.

Max speed: 118mph.

0-60mph: 9.6 seconds.

Combined mpg: 36.6.

Insurance group: 18.

CO2 emissions: 174g/km.

Bik rating: 37 per cent.

Warranty: Seven years/80,000 miles.

In further motoring developments, a John Cooper Works model will be the flagship of the new MINI Countryman range - and sell alongside an all-electric version.

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 300hp, the Countryman JCW continues as an all-wheel-drive car and features a new black, red and white logo.

Performance figures are impressive with a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 5.4 seconds and a maximum of 155mph.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission which results in an official fuel return of 36.2mpg.

Sporty styling includes a new grille in black, bespoke bumpers front and rear and bonnet stripes as well as JCW model’s characteristic quad exhaust set up split into two sets either side at the rump.

Prices will start from £42,120 and the JCW will arrive at the same time as the electric model early next year.

Uprated brakes with red callipers are standard as is sports suspension and the Countryman JCW is 13cm longer and six centimetres taller than the second generation version.

Boot space now runs from 460 to 1450 litres.

MINI says the red and black colour scheme at the dashboard, along the door panels and on the high-grade JCW sports seats, is a nod to MINI's racing heritage while the dashboard trim is made of a two-tone textile created from recycled polyester.

As well as a specially designed JCW steering wheel the cabin is dominated by a 9.4-inch round display screen in the centre of the dashboard while there is also a head-up display system.

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