New entry-level MG HS Plug-in Hybrid arrives

March 2, 2022March 12, 2022 Iain Curry 2918 Views mg hs, MG HS Excite, MG plug-in, PHEV, plug-in hybrid

MG Motor has added a $46,990 drive-away HS Plus EV Excite to its line-up, a new entry-level to the plug-in hybrid medium SUV range.

MG PHEV shoppers now have the choice of this new Excite grade or a higher specification Essence, which costs $48,990 to drive-away.

The plug-in hybrid SUVs offer the same 52km (WLTP) all-electric driving range from a liquid-cooled 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery, alongside a four-cylinder petrol engine.

Until now the HS Plus EV (that’s what MG calls it, despite it being a PHEV) came only in the range-topping spec, and last year it cost $46,990 drive-away. MG introduced price rises across much of its range in February this year.

Most car companies have recently bumped up prices due to demand outstripping supply, but in essence (pardon the pun) you’re getting less specification for the same $46,990 asked for the HS Plus EV last year.

Regardless, the new Excite grade is still very generously equipped.

Standard features include 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, smart entry, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen, sat nav, 3D surround sound audio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, faux leather trim, electric driver’s seat, dual zone climate control and MG’s comprehensive Pilot safety suite.

The extra $2,000 asked for the Essence model brings a 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, LED ambient lighting, 18-inch alloys, electric passenger seat, LED headlights, electric tailgate and two-tone front leather sports seats.

That’s a lot of fruit for the extra $2,000, making the Essence look the stronger value pick.

Both MG HS Plus EV models use the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol alongside a 90kW electric motor, combining to give 189kW and 370Nm.

Despite being 38kg lighter, the Excite doesn’t improve on the Essence’s 0-100km/h time of 6.9 seconds.

The only cost option available is the choice of silver, white or red metallic paint. Metallic blue is free of charge.

The new Excite grade is on sale now for a national drive-away price of $46,990.

Iain Curry

A motoring writer and photographer for two decades, Iain started in print magazines in London as editor of Performance BMW and features writer for BMW Car, GT Porsche and 4Drive magazines. His love of motor sport and high performance petrol cars was rudely interrupted in 2011 when he was one of the first journalists to drive BMW's 1 Series ActiveE EV, and has been testing hybrids, PHEVs and EVs for Australian newspapers ever since. Based near Noosa in Queensland, his weekly newspaper articles cover new vehicle reviews and consumer advice, while his photography is regularly seen on the pages of glossy magazines.