As part of its centenary celebrations at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week, MG has taken the wraps off the next generation of its HS SUV. Unveiled in plug-in hybrid and petrol guises in the UK, it’s expected that MG will continue to focus on the PHEV, which has been significantly upgraded.
New hybrid system
As before, the plug-in hybrid version of the MG HS has a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine under the bonnet. The electric motor has been upgraded to a 154kW unit, however, raising peak power - when both the motor and engine work together - to 351hp. It remains front-wheel drive, which may explain why the 0-100km/h time has only dropped 0.1 seconds - to 6.8 seconds - despite the 93hp increase in power.
This is also likely due to an increase in weight. Not only is the new HS larger than before, but it features a significantly bigger battery pack - up from 16.6kWh to 24.7kWh. According to MG, this allows for an electric range of 120 kilometres, more than double the previous model’s.
In some countries, the MG HS will be offered with a 169hp petrol engine.
Design
Featuring a much bolder and more modern exterior design, the new MG HS is also larger than before. It’s 14mm wider, 45mm longer and yet some 30mm lower. All of that extra length goes into a stretched wheelbase, which should be to the benefit of comfort, stability and interior space. The boot is 44 litres larger than before, accommodating up to 507 litres of luggage.
Inside, there’s a new digital dashboard housing two 12.3-inch screens in one flat unit. The digital instrumentation can be switched between Map, Digital and ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems) views and also between light and dark colour themes. The second display is an infotainment touchscreen with live navigation services including weather, traffic updates, access to Amazon Music and smartphone connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Some trim levels will also get a 360-degree camera system and wireless phone charging.
All versions of the HS will be fitted with a comprehensive suite of safety equipment, under the “MG Pilot” umbrella, including Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian and Bicycle Detection, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Driver Attention Alert, Forward Collision Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Door Open Warning as standard.
The new model 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.
Sources: completecar.ie; parkers.co.uk