MG has given its HS a “sophisticated” overhaul, with more interior space and a claimed best-in-class electric range from its plug-in-hybrid powertrain in a bid to boost sales of its bestselling model.
To be revealed at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new SUV is understood to be based on the Chinese-market Roewe RX5, according to an MG insider.
It will mirror the current HS’s offerings of a petrol engine and a plug-in-hybrid powertrain but bring improvements to fuel economy and electric range.
The current car offers around 38mpg and 32 miles of electric range – the RX5 is claimed to achieve as much as 43 electric-only miles.
Teased ahead of the reveal, the HS looks to have been given a comprehensive redesign closely mirroring the Roewe RX5 and with a “contemporary, sophisticated” new look, MG says.
MG will hope the new vehicle builds on the car’s 14,161 sales so far this year; in total the brand has sold 35,732 vehicles in 2024, up 12% year-on-year. Prices start from £23,295.
The new HS, previously previewed in patent filings (below), will arrive as part of a comprehensive upgrade of the Chinese brand’s combustion line up, joining the new MG 3.
General manager of its business unit, Lu Jiajun, has previously told Autocar that the brand was heavily committed to both ICE and electric cars, saying the Chinese company will take two development paths in a bid to extend its sales volumes.
“We will not give up the fuel vehicle market,” he said. “After all, many global markets still favour traditional vehicles.”
Recognition of MG’s commitment to ICE cars comes as the brand experiences solid growth in the sales of EVs in key export markets, including the UK, with models such as the MG ZS crossover and MG 4 hatchback.
