MG HS PHEV here next month

MG Motor Australia has announced it will release its first plug-n hybrid model next month, in the form of the MG HS PHEV.

Full local pricing and spec details won’t be announced until the official launch in March, but the MG HS Plug-In Hybrid is sure to bring strong value.

It will be based around the MG HS launched 12 months ago – just three years after its predecessor, the MG GS, first arrived in Australia.

Since then both cheaper entry-level and more expensive flagship variants of the mid-size SUV have been added, with pricing now spanning $29,990-$40,680 drive-away, and a facelifted version of the MG HS has been revealed in China.

The only other mainstream medium SUV available with a PHEV powertrain is the Mitsubishi Outlander ($47,990-$56,490 plus ORCs), and MG recently launched its first electric vehicle, the MG ZS EV, which is now Australia’s cheapest EV at $40,990 plus ORCs – almost $20K less than its nearest rival in the Hyundai Kona Electric small SUV.

Few technical details have been announced for Australia, but MG says the HS PHEV can hit 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds, has a top speed of 240km/h, consumes just 1.7L/100km and emits only 39g/km of CO2.

Under the bonnet will be the same 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that powers all MG HS models, matched to a 90kW electric motor and a 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery, all driving the front wheels via a conventional six-speed automatic transmission.

In Europe, MG says the HS PHEV is available in two model variants and produces a combined power output of 190kW and an EV driving range of 50km, but Australia’s version is expected to offer more power and range. Existing MG HS models produce 124kW/250Nm.

Expect standard equipment to mirror the rest of the MG HS range, including a full suite of MG Pilot safety and driver assist systems and a 10.1-inch touch-screen infotainment set-up.

“Launching our first plug-in hybrid will be a pivotal moment for MG, as we move towards our goal of providing our customers with greater choice, particularly in the ‘new energy’ arena, said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO, Peter Ciao.

“As a global leader in electrification, we’re excited at the prospect of bringing this new hybrid model to the market to become a major part of the consideration set in new energy adoption.

“The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid offers the best of both worlds, combining low emissions with practicality and performance, while also remaining premium, stylish and safe. We look forward to the arrival of this innovative new model later this quarter.”

In Australia, the MG3, MG ZS, MG ZST and MG HS come with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, while the MG ZS EV is covered for five years and carries an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty.