MG HS range expands

UPDATED 19/06/2020 9:00am: MG Motor Australia has announced a price of $36,990 plus on-road costs for the new MG HS Essence, a new flagship variant of its mid-size SUV. The order book is open now ahead of first deliveries in July.

Not content with bucking the 24 per cent overall new-vehicle market decline so far this year with a 62.5 per cent sales spike to May 2020, MG Motor has announced more new models and dealers for Australia.

Confirmed for release in July, when full specs and pricing will be confirmed, is a new flagship variant for the MG HS mid-size SUV line-up.

The new high-grade MG HS Essence variant joins the MG HS Vibe and Excite variants released in February, and adds new features including a panoramic ‘Stargazer’ sunroof, 360-degree camera, red interior option and a sportier interior seating design.

Like all MG HS variants, the new Essence flagship comes standard with the MG Pilot driver assistance suite, a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and seven-year, unlimited-km warranty with roadside assistance.

“The MG HS has proved a popular addition to our range,” said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO Peter Ciao of the MG GS replacement.

“Moving into the second half of the year, this range-topping yet value driven model is one we’re excited to bring to our customers, with a range of additional features we know they’ll enjoy.”

Ciao today also confirmed the arrival of MG’s first EV, based on the MG ZS small SUV, in the fourth quarter of this year.

MG Motor Australia opened the order books for a special-edition version of the MG ZS EV last year, limited to 100 units and priced at just $46,990 drive-away, making it Australia’s cheapest electric SUV.

The born-again British brand, which is owned by Chinese auto giant SAIC but retains a UK engineering and design facility, has also expanded its Australian retail footprint with the appointment of five new dealers in Victoria.

The new MG outlets in Brighton, Mornington and Shepparton are open now, with locations in Bendigo and Mildura to open later this month.

“Our continued growth, with new dealer partners and exciting new iterations like the HS Essence, provides more choice and better access for service and sales around the country,” said Ciao.

“As we move into the second half of the year, we’re delighted to continue in our partnerships with exciting sporting teams, but also reveal further exciting models to the Australian market.”