New MG HS revealed as a bargain plug-in hybrid SUV

• All-new generation of MG’s family SUV
• Plug-in hybrid and pure-petrol versions
• Prices start from just £24,995

MG will be hoping to retain its spot in the top 10 list of the UK’s best-selling cars with its latest family SUV, the all-new MG HS. It’s been completely revamped for its second generation, with a pair of new petrol and plug-in hybrid engines, but the brand’s focus on value for money is still just as clear. Prices start from just £24,995 for the entry-level HS, with the plug-in hybrid model costing from £31,495 – that’s only a few hundred pounds more than the outgoing car.

While the new MG HS is firmly grounded on planet Earth, it was unveiled alongside two concept cars at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of MG’s centenary celebrations. The MG Cyber GTS Concept previews a hardtop variant of the new Cyberster sports car, although it’s not clear whether it’ll make it to showrooms. The MG HS, on the other hand, is available to order now in petrol form, with the plug-in hybrid reaching dealerships by the end of September.

What do I need to know about the new MG HS?

The fundamental layout of the MG HS hasn’t changed from the first to the second generation; it’s still a five-seater mid-size SUV, similar in size to the Nissan X-Trail and the electric Skoda Enyaq. This time, however, MG’s Chinese parent company SAIC Motor has used an existing car as the base for the HS. The Roewe RX5 has been on sale in China since 2022, and donates much of its styling and technology to the MG.

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While the two cars share their headlights and several body panels, MG has applied its latest styling language to the HS in a few areas. The wide front grille is similar to that found on the new MG3 supermini, while the full-width rear light bar provides a link to the electric MG4.

MG claims that the interior of the new HS is more spacious than the outgoing car, thanks to a wheelbase increase of 45mm. Things appear to have taken a big step forward in terms of technology, with the old car’s 10.1-inch infotainment screen replaced by a pair of 12.3-inch displays. All cars get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while upgrading from SE to Trophy trim adds a 360-degree parking camera and wireless phone charging.

What engines are available for the new MG HS?

MG has confirmed that the new HS will be available with either a petrol or a plug-in hybrid engine. The former is the cheaper of the two, using a 169bhp 1.5-litre engine connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox will be available as an option.

More interesting is the new plug-in hybrid HS. It also uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine – with 142bhp in this guise – working alongside a 206bhp electric motor. MG hasn’t stated a total combined power output, but the system is punchy enough to launch the HS from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds – 2.6 seconds quicker than the petrol model. The electric motor is powered by a 24.7kWh battery, large enough to deliver up to 75 miles of electric-driving range. MG claims that the range is the “best in class”, going further than nearly every plug-in hybrid SUV on the market.

How much does the MG HS cost and when can I buy one?

Fortunately, the new tech hasn’t ballooned the price of the MG HS – it’s still one of the most affordable mid-size SUVs available. The petrol model in SE trim starts from just £24,995, while the plug-in hybrid costs from £31,495. Trophy models command an extra £2,500 but add larger alloy wheels, fog lights, a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat and more. 

UK customers can place an order for the petrol-powered MG HS now, with initial deliveries slated for the end of July 2024. Plug-in hybrid models are due to be available from the end of September, while a yet-to-be-announced self-charging hybrid model could appear in the near future.

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