New MG HS plug-in hybrid revealed with 32-mile electric range
Bargain-basement MG HS SUV gets with a 254bhp plug-in powertrain and a starting price of £29,995
MG has revealed a new plug-in hybrid version of the HS, which goes on sale in the UK this October priced from £29,995.
It joins the pure-electric ZS EV in the brand’s line-up, while acting as a cheaper alternative to the Peugeot 3008 PHEV and Toyota RAV4 PHEV – helping MG to cover all the bases in its electrification drive.
The HS is the first model to feature MG’s all-new plug-in hybrid powertrain, which comprises a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 16.6kWh battery pack and a 90kW electric motor. The combustion engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox, while the electric motor is hitched to a four-speed drive unit.
MG says its new plug-in hybrid powertrain generates a maximum output of 254bhp and 370Nm of torque – enough for a 0–60mph time of 6.9 seconds, a top speed of 118mph and a maximum pure-electric range of 32 miles.
More importantly, MG claims the HS PHEV will deliver a WLTP fuel economy figure of 155.8mpg and just 43g/km of CO2. When driving in the city, the company also says that the SUV’s electric range can be stretched to as far as 43 miles. When plugged into a 7kW wallbox charger, the HS PHEV’s battery pack will also recover a full charge in three hours.
Like the new MG 5 EV, the plug-in hybrid HS range will be separated into two trim-levels – Excite and Exclusive. The base-model will come as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
Inside, buyers get a dual-zone air conditioning system, a leather steering wheel, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Buyers also get a 360-degree parking camera as standard, along with adaptive cruise control and hill descent control.
The range-topping Exclusive model has a starting price of £32,495 and builds on the base-model’s specification with LED headlights, scrolling indicators, a panoramic glass roof and an electrically operated tailgate. The cabin also gets a subtle lift with aluminium pedals and a customisable ambient lighting system.
Now read how the MG ZS fared when we pitted it against the Citroen C3 Aircross and SEAT Arona in an Auto Express triple test here.
