New 2025 MG HS almost here

The freshly-minted second-generation 2025 MG HS mid-size SUV could to roll into Australian showrooms earlier than expected, brandishing more tech and standard equipment.

But also higher prices.

“We’re about value and value doesn’t necessarily mean being the cheapest in the market,” MG Motor Australia chief commercial officer Giles Belcher told carsales, potentially signalling an end to the brand’s cheap and cheerful positioning.

Just as the newly-released 2024 MG3 hatch upped the ante in terms of standard features, technology, safety equipment – and pricing – compared to its ancient predecessor, Belcher said the new MG HS would bring similar advances across the board.

“So the cars we launch may be more expensive but the value equation will stay the same and you’ll get a lot more car for your money,” he said.

The new HS will therefore be the next chapter in MG’s evolution away from being a bargain-basement brand in Australia, where it’s the top-selling Chinese brand ahead of compatriots GWM Haval and Chery, and where at least a dozen new Chinese brands will arrive by the end of 2025.

“It's always a balance, that kind of equation, but we’re confident the market will see the increased value we’ll pack into our cars,” said Belcher.

Dual 12.3-inch high-definition digital screens will be part of the 2025 MG HS package, along with advanced safety tech and more interior space.

The new 2025 MG HS is slightly longer (4636mm) and wider (1890mm) than its predecessor and also the nation’s favourite mid-size SUV, Toyota RAV4, which should see it deliver more passenger and cargo space.

It will be backed by the brand’s seven-year/unlimited-km vehicle warranty and will arrive here as early as September, initially only with petrol engines.

MG Motor Australia executives wouldn’t be drawn on pricing, but the new Hyundai Tucson competitor will almost certainly eclipse the current model’s $32,990-$43,990 drive-away price range for petrol models.

The new-generation MG HS made its world premiere last week at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, but is only a couple of months away from landing in Australia.

“For the Australian market we are launching that car in the next two to three months. So that’s what we’re aiming for – it’s coming here quite quickly,” said MG Motor Australia senior product manager, Akshat Ahuja.

There are a pair of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variants in the current MG HS range, priced at $49,690 and $53,690 drive-away, but the all-new rival for the GWM Haval H6 will kick off proceedings in Australia with 1.5- and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines.

“As of now we are focused on launching the petrol ones first,” Ahuja told carsales, who confirmed that other (PHEV) powertrains would arrive at a later date.

“Obviously there are other variants of that car, but they are still under evaluation for our market.

“We do want to launch all of them, but the timing and the details are still to be confirmed,” he explained.

While MG’s top-selling vehicle is the ZS small SUV, which slots in underneath the HS, the Chinese brand expects the new HS to lure more customers into showrooms with its modern design and high-tech fit-out.

“From a volume opportunity it’s huge,” continued Belcher.

“The mid-size SUV class is the biggest market segment but it’s super-competitive too, so your product has to be good. And we’re confident that ours is, so it’ll be exciting,” he told carsales.

Stay tuned for more details on the new MG HS as we get closer to its Australian launch.

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