MG has taken the wraps off its new HS SUV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Unveiled as part of the brand’s 100th anniversary celebrations alongside the Cyber GTS Concept four-seat coupé, the family SUV has been rejuvenated for a second generation, complete with more dynamic styling, extra space and an upgraded infotainment offering.
It also gets a longer-range plug-in hybrid that cuts company car tax bills for drivers, while maintaining the existing model’s focus on value that has helped establish it as a UK best-seller. Latest SMMT figures show the first-generation HS was still the eighth best-selling new car for the first six months of 2024.
Engine line-up for the next generation includes a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol, priced from £24,995 and with 169hp of power on tap and a 0-62mph time of 9.4 seconds. It’s equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while a seven-speed DCT automatic is also available.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain, priced from £31,495, pairs a 142hp 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 209hp (154kW) electric motor, giving 0-62mph acceleration in 6.8 seconds. The 24.7kWh battery and 67kW starter generator enable an electric-only driving range of up to 75 miles – qualifying the new HS PHEV for the 5% Benefit-in-Kind rate for the 2024/5 tax year.
The new HS SUV also gains more striking styling and a larger footprint that’s wider and longer before and bears a longer wheelbase to enhance cabin space but with a reduced height for a sleeker look.
The front grille carries over the latest-generation MG design language, as first seen on the new MG3, while the new headlights are slimmer and connected by a central black panel that emphasises the new car’s width. The LED taillights echo the design of the headlights and introduce an X-shape.
The interior provides extra storage options and boot capacity has increased by 44 litres to 507 litres.
Two trim levels – SE and Trophy – are available. Standard equipment includes a pair of 12.3-inch displays. The infotainment screen features live navigation services including weather, live traffic updates, access to Amazon Music, and smartphone connectivity via both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Meanwhile, the driver’s display offers two themes – light and dark – and three distinct modes – Map, Digital and ADAS.
The interior gains a new three-spoke steering wheel with improved switchgear, and a shuttle-style gear shifter, while SE equipment also includes automatic full LED headlights with follow-me-home function, rear parking sensors, rear parking camera, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers and cruise control.
Upgrade to Trophy models for an extra £2,500 and you gain 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, front fog lights, electrically adjustable and folding heated door mirrors with memory, electric six-way driver’s seat with lumbar adjustment, power tailgate, 360-degree surround view camera, eight-speaker audio system, iSmart with live services, wireless smartphone charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality on PHEV variants as standard.
All models come with an enhanced MG Pilot package of advanced driver safety features that deliver 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. DCT models also include adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, and intelligent speed limit assist.
The new MG HS is available to order immediately, with first deliveries of the petrol variant expected by the end of July. Plug-in hybrid models are due in showrooms by the end of September.
