MG has unveiled an all-new version of its popular family SUV.
The MG HS has been a hugely popular SUV for UK buyers, offering cabin space to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Tiguan and Kia Sportage, but at a fraction of the cost.
This all-new version is bigger, more spacious and has a 'new generation' petrol engine, while also offering a plug-in hybrid option that promises an impressive electric-only driving range of up to 75 miles.
New MG HS design
In terms of looks, the new HS evolves the 'hungry whale from Finding Nemo' styling of the previous car, but now matches a gaping grille with sharp angular headlights – reminiscent of those on the latest MG3 Hybrid.
That new visual aggression is matched by an actual increase in size. The new HS is 14mm wider than before and 45mm longer, both overall and in terms of space between the front and rear wheels, which should increase passenger space. A 30mm reduction in overall height should boost fuel efficiency as well as giving the HS meaner looks.
Even entry-level SE models will get full LED headlights and taillights, and the latter are linked by a full-width lightbar.
Interior features and specs
Interior photos of the new MG HS are thin on the ground, but you can just about glimpse a new twin-12.3-inch screen infotainment and driver's display setup, which can show all your usual driving data as well as a rolling map display.
The central display has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and top-spec Trophy models will have a wireless phone charger included as standard. MG says it's improved material quality over the previous model, and you'll get a redesigned steering wheel and a more hand-friendly gearknob. Boot space jumps up 44 litres to 507 litres, which is still a little below average for the class.
The MG HS has always been a well-specced car for the money, and things don't change for this new version. SE models get rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, along with those twin screens in the cabin. Step up to a Trophy model and you'll get a a 360-degree camera system, upgraded eight-speaker sound system and vehicle-to-load charging for the PHEV models, letting you power other devices off the car's internal battery.
Updated engines for the 2024 MG HS
MG's given the HS's powertrains a lick of fresh oil, while keeping the options simple. You can have a 1.5-litre petrol with 169hp, mated to either a manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch system. It'll get from 0-62mph in 9.4 seconds.
The plug-in hybrid option also uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine with 142hp, but mates it to a 154kW electric motor and a 24.7kWh battery. This drops the 0-62mph time to 6.8 seconds, and it can supposedly travel 75 miles on electric power alone while attracting 5% benefit-in-kind tax charges for company car users.
2024 MG HS prices and release date
The new MG HS costs from £24.995 in SE trim with the 1.5-litre petrol engine, or £27,495 in Trophy form. The PHEV will set you back £31,495 in SE trim or £33,995 for the Trophy model. All will come with MG's seven-year warranty.
Petrol models will be in dealers by the end of July 2024, with PHEV models arriving by the end of September.
