New MG HS SUV revealed

MG Motor has taken the wraps off its second-gen HS SUV at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The new MG HS, slightly longer and wider than its predecessor, packs more features and tech and has two powertrain options.

1. MG HS continues to be a five-seat SUV
2. Will go on sale in the UK initially
3. India to get Cloud EV, Gloster facelift this year

The new-look MG HS gets two powertrain options. While the standard petrol engine has been given a slight boost to produce 170hp, the change in the PHEV’s output is much more dramatic. The electric motor now makes 209hp compared to 123hp earlier, and the estimated combined output is north of 300hp.

The battery has been upsized to 24.7kWh for a claimed EV range of around 120km, which means the HS PHEV now attracts a BIK tax rate of just 5 percent, in addition to “considerable” fuel savings, although MG hasn’t yet released consumption figures.

In terms of looks, the new HS is 14mm wider and 26mm longer than the first-gen model, with 30mm of extra space between the wheels for a 2,750mm wheelbase. The sleeker roofline, though, brings its total height down by 30mm and “creates a more athletic silhouette”, according to the Chinese-owned British brand.

The interior sports an all-black theme, with contrasting red stitching on the seats and dashboard. All variants are said to get a comprehensive standard kit list that includes a rear parking camera, keyless entry and a six-way adjustable driver’s seat. Additionally, the HS gets a pair of 12.3-inch screens with smartphone mirroring, “improved” switchgear throughout, and boosts in material quality and space. The boot is now 44 litres bigger, at 507 litres.

MG HS: will it come to India?

MG Motor India recently joined hands with JSW and is readying a slew of new car and SUV launches that will start in the coming months. This year, India is expected to get the Cloud EV and the Gloster facelift. While it is not yet confirmed, the HS could be one of the models heading to our shores in the future, and if it does, the SUV will be positioned above the Hector and below the Gloster.