MG has given its HS an ‘advanced’ overhaul, with more interior space and a claimed best-in-class electric range with its plug-in-hybrid powertrain, in a bid to boost sales of its best-selling model.
According to an MG insider, the new SUV, which will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next week, will be based on the Roewe RX5 for the Chinese market.
The current HS version is equipped with a petrol engine and a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but is more economical and has a better electric range.
The current car offers an electric range of around 38mpg and 52 miles – the RX5 is claimed to get as much as 43 electric-only miles.
The HS, which was announced ahead of its reveal, appears to have received a completely new design that closely follows the Roewe RX5 and has a “modern, refined” new look, according to MG.
MG hopes the new vehicle will build on the car’s 14,161 sales so far this year; In total, the brand will have sold 35,732 vehicles in 2024, an increase of 12% year on year. Prices start at £23,295.
The new HS, previously previewed in patent filings (below), will arrive as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the Chinese brand’s internal combustion engine line-up, alongside the new MG 3.
Lu Jiajun, general manager of the business unit, previously told Autocar that the brand is strongly committed to both ICE and electric vehicles. He said the Chinese company will pursue two development paths in a bid to increase sales volumes.
“We will not give up on the fuel vehicle market,” he said. “At the end of the day, many global markets still prefer traditional vehicles.”
The recognition of MG’s commitment to ICE cars comes as the brand continues to experience solid growth in electric car sales in key export markets including the UK, with models including the MG ZS crossover and MG 4 hatchback.