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 Ireland will continue to focus on the PHEV, which has been significantly upgraded.
Tell us about this 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, which is not expected to be offered in Ireland.
It looks more impressive...
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.
Any other equipment details?
Irish specifications have yet to be confirmed, but there certainly appears to be more high-end equipment available, even if some if will be reserved for the top-spec model. MG mentions 19-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjusted seats, powered tailgate and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
We do know that 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.
Irish prices for the new MG HS have yet to be announced, but we expect the first cars to arrive before the changeover to the “251” registration in January 2025.