The new MG HS has appeared at, of all places, the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The family-sized SUV, which is the largest in MG’s range, has got all-new looks inside and out, revised equipment and updates to the engine offering.
Arguably it is the latter of those that is the most eye-catching, as the plug-in hybrid model has a new battery pack that boosts the electric range by more than double from the outgoing version’s 32-mile offering.
This battery is a 24.7kWh unit, which is paired to a 154kW electric motor and a 1.5-litre petrol engine. Combined, they produce a 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds but that electric range means that the HS also sneaks into the 5% BIK company car tax bracket.
As well as the PHEV, MG is continuing to offer a plain 169hp 1.5-litre petrol engine, which comes with a choice of six-speed manual transmission and a seven-speed auto as an option.
What about the looks?
It’s all change on the outside of the MG HS, with a totally redesigned front end with a new grille, slimmer headlights and a repositioned MG badge. Most of the changes at the rear are centred around the lights, too, with a horizontal light bar connecting the two sides of the car, which promises to make it stand out a bit more at night.
It’s more than just a new nose, though, as the HS is 14mm wider, 45mm longer and 30mm lower than before. More space is available inside, too, thanks in part to a 45mm increase in the wheelbase length.
MG says this translates to 44 more litres of boot space, taking the overall capacity up to 507 litres in the petrol version. There are also more storage spots throughout the cabin and increased passenger space in the rear.
What about the cabin?
The cabin has a few changes too, with a pair of 12.3-inch HD screens the highlights. The central one, unsurprisingly, is geared around infotainment, while the one in front of the steering wheel is more focused on driving data. The latter can be configured to show navigation data, driving information or give a real-time image of what is around the vehicle, such as other cars, thanks to the ADAS systems.
The central screen gets the now-expected Apple Carplay and Android Auto, but adds more connectivity in the form of live navigation services on the in-built system. This includes weather, live traffic updates and Amazon music.
Other changes inside include a new three-spoke steering wheel, upgraded materials and what is described as a ‘shuttle-style’ gear shifter.
MG has added more kit, too, right?
Of course, it’s update time so MG has found more equipment it can offer as standard. There are two trims to pick from – SE and Trophy. The latter is the recipient of most of the new stuff, though, with new 19-inch alloys, a powered tailgate, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera and vehicle-to-load charging on the PHEV model.
The SE gets more kit too, but it is largely driver assistance and safety related. The highlights there include traffic jam assist and rear cross traffic alert.
How much does the 2024 MG HS cost and when can I buy one?
The HS’s pricing has remained typically competitive, with the petrol starting at £24,995 and the PHEV kicking off at £31,495 for the SE trim in both cases. If you want a Trophy then that will add £2,500 to the price.
The new MG HS is on sale now, with the petrol model due to arrive first with initial vehicles heading to customers from the end of July. If you want a PHEV you will have to wait a little longer as they don’t arrive until September.
What this means for you
MG’s value offering is beginning to look unbeatable right now, with a range that offers a powerful sub-£20k hybrid supermini, a hatchback EV for at least £10k less than its European-built counterparts, and now this – a full-sized Qashqai rival from less than £25k. The tax-friendly plug-in looks stonking value, too, at a touch over £30k.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating, of course, but given the latest generation of MGs, typified by the MG3 Hybrid and MG4 EV, are hyper-competitive, we wouldn’t bet against history repeating itself with this one.
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