MG is taking a bold new step into an entirely fresh market area as it continues its incredible growth, which has seen it become the only car brand to increase UK sales volumes in 2020 and develop into the fourth best-selling electric car company in Britain.
The new MG HS Plug-in SUV goes on sale in October with a great value entry price of £29,995 and adds a new dimension to MG’s electrified drivetrain line-up, building on the popularity and success of ZS EV.
It becomes 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 258PS, giving the model a performance advantage, too. It has the ability to accelerate from 0-60mph in 6.9 seconds. MG HS Plug-in also introduces an innovative new 10-speed transmission which works with both the petrol and electric motors to optimise power delivery and efficiency.
Daniel Gregorious, MG’s Head of Sales & Marketing, said: “Since MG HS arrived in showrooms last year it has established itself as a high quality flagship for MG, building on the success of the smaller MG ZS to offer even more comfort, practicality and great value features that are prized by
C-segment SUV buyers.
By combining high quality with keen pricing, the MG HS has already created a new definition of affordable luxury for new car buyers in the UK.
It is designed to look purposeful, sporty and perfectly at home on British and European roads. At the front, the latest iteration of MG’s stellar field grille perfectly frames the largest MG logo yet. At the rear, twin tailpipes and an aluminium lower bumper add a classy and sporty finish.
Exclusive versions also get LED headlights, with eye-catching LED sequential indicators front and rear.
Inside, soft-touch materials reign supreme as MG’s designers have prioritised comfort and quality to make the cabin a very inviting place. The well-appointed driving position and roomy seats make MG HS a quality space for quality family moments.
Front passengers can enjoy class leading shoulder, hip and head room with soft-touch materials in all the right places. Piano key buttons, turbine design air vents and soft-touch door cards are pleasingly tactile, adding to the sense of comfort and quality inside the car. Rear seat passengers are catered for too with the reclining seats offering bags of space, twin air vents, two USBs and a sleek fold-out arm rest, which cleverly opens to reveal storage space and twin cup holders.
It’s a well thought-out and harmonious piece of design that was conceived to appeal to forward-thinking, modern family motorists, offering a boldly styled and high quality alternative to run-of-the-mill SUVs. MG is also adding a vibrant new colour with the new MG HS Plug-in – the vibrant Pimlico Blue.
MG HS Plug-in is MG’s third model with an electrified powertrain and the company’s first ever PHEV. Alongside the established MG ZS EV and All New MG5 EV, the three electrified models are expected to account for over 50% of MG Motor UK’s total sales in 2021, further strengthening the position of what’s already Britain’s fourth best-selling EV brand.
MG HS Plug-in features the popular and proven 1.5-litre turbo engine from the petrol MG HS range, but adds a 90kW electric motor giving a combined output of 258PS (versus the 162PS of the standard petrol model).
With an impressive combined power figure and the added driveability and instant response from the electric motor, MG HS Plug-in will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds.
Yet despite these impressive power and performance figures MG HS Plug-in boasts very impressive economy figures and a low CO2 emissions figure of just 43g/km. In EV-only mode emissions are 0g/km and this gives a range of up to 32 miles, easily enough to cover the average daily commute.
Helping achieve those performance and economy figures, and providing seamlessly smooth gear changes, is an ingenious 10 speed automatic transmission transferring 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. Together they combine to provide 10 electronically controlled gear ratios that always provide the optimal gear combination, keeping emissions as low and driver enjoyment and performance as high as possible.
Using a Type 2 fast charger, the MG HS Plug-in can be charged from zero to 100% in just three hours.
A great convenience feature offered as standard on Exclusive versions is the power tailgate. This opens up to an impressive 448 litres of luggage space. Folding the rear seats flat extends the total capacity to 1,375 litres. There’s also a dual height boot floor virtually eliminating any lip when loading items and giving a flat load area, with better luggage space than many rivals whose luggage area is heavily compromised by an EV drivetrain.
Just as in petrol versions, rear seat passengers are very well catered for. There is class leading leg and shoulder room, even with three adults in the back, while back seat passengers in Exclusive versions will also benefit from additional light coming into the cabin through the opening panoramic Sky Roof. Exclusive also gets power-adjustable sports seats in what is already a well-appointed cabin.
Extending the quality across the dashboard is a tactile soft-touch finish with contrasting stitching.
Two models are offered in the MG HS Plug-in line-up, starting with the £29,995 Excite.
