Cheaper MG HS Plus EV Excite announced

MG Motor Australia has cut the admission price of its mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, the clumsily named MG HS Plus EV, to $46,990 drive-away following the introduction of a new Excite entry variant to its PHEV line-up.

That’s a $2000 saving over the more expensive MG HS Plus EV Essence variant, which was launched 12 months ago with a price of $47,990 drive-away, meaning the new Excite variant cuts back MG’s previous PHEV entry point by $1000.

Sharing the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the MG HS Plus EV Essence – a 189kW/370Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine combined with a 90kW electric motor – the Excite boasts identical combined fuel consumption of just 1.7L/100km together with a 0-100km/h claim of 6.9sec.

Similarly, the Excite model offers a claimed EV driving range of 63km courtesy of its 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack – the caveat being the range is based on older NEDC calculations, not the latest WLTP testing method.

According to MG, the cheaper Excite model forgoes nothing in the way of safety compared with the existing Essence, sharing its MG Pilot active safety suite.

Other equipment features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and tail-lights, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment system with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Keyless entry and start, electronic park brake and automatic headlights and wipers are likewise standard.

Missing on the equipment list (compared with the Essence) is a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, LED headlights, leather-trimmed sports seats and ambient interior lighting.

A seven-year/unlimited kilometre factory warranty is standard and the Excite is also offered with capped price servicing.

How much does the 2022 MG HS Plus EV cost?
Excite – $46,990
Essence – $48,99
*Prices are drive-away