MG Unveils HS Plug-In Hybrid SUV, Priced From £29,995

The MG HS compact SUV reached UK shores last year in October, offering buyers a single engine choice in a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline unit with 160 HP (162 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque.

Well, here’s the good news: the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant of the HS is considerably more powerful than the gasoline version, and you can order it starting next month from £29,995 OTR.

This is MG’s first model to feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, using the existing 1.5-liter turbo engine, along with a 90 kW electric motor. This results in an EV-only range of 32 miles (51 km) and a combined power output of 254 HP (258 PS). Thanks to a new 10-speed automatic gearbox, the MG HS PHEV can accelerate to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, a full 3 seconds quicker than the gasoline variant.

Read: Facelifted MG ZS Debuts With New Looks And A More Upscale Interior

“Since MG HS arrived in showrooms last year it has established itself as a high quality flagship for MG, building on the success of the smaller MG ZS to offer even more comfort, practicality and great value features that are prized by C-segment SUV buyers,” said MG sales & marketing exec, Daniel Gregorious.

“New MG HS Plug-in makes the already terrific value MG HS range even more appealing as it brings with it the promise of a zero emissions 32-mile range, with added performance and at a price point comparable to some other manufacturers’ smaller internal combustion engine models. It’s a tremendously affordable package that we think will be a huge hit with both family and fleet customers.”

The model range consists of two variants. The £29,995 ($38,000) Excite, which features the MG Pilot as standard, along with 18-inch ‘Hurricane’ wheels, leather-style trim, electrically adjustable heated front seats, automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry’ dual zone climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree parking camera and silver roof rails.

For £32,495 ($41,300) you can have the Exclusive spec, which adds a power-operated tailgate, panoramic sky roof, full leather upholstery with ambient interior lighting, metal sports pedals, electrically adjustable passenger seat and LED headlights with sequential LED turn signals.

MG actually made it a point to say that the HS PHEV is bigger and more spacious than other plug-in hybrids at that price point, and points to the Ford Kuga, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 3008 and Vauxhall Grandland X as being more expensive by anywhere from £3,590 ($4,500) to £6,705 ($8,500).