Not long after launching the all-electric ZS EV, the 2021 MG HS PHEV has been launched in Australia. Priced from $46,990 drive away, the ZS PHEV is cheapest plug-in hybrid SUV currently on sale locally, undercutting the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV by $2,000 (though the MG’s price includes on-road costs). Powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine and a 90kW electric motor drivetrain combination, the HS PHEV claims just 1.7L/100km on a combined cycle and is the next step of the Chinese company’s electrification plan.

“The new MG HS Plug-In Hybrid brilliantly showcases the intelligence and innovation we have available within our brand,” said MG Motor Australia and New Zealand CEO, Peter Ciao.

“The MG HS Plug-In Hybrid is our first plug-in hybrid, our second new energy vehicle, and one that we’re delighted to bring to our Australian customers as part of our commitment
to making new energy vehicles mainstream in Australia.”

Producing a combined 209kW of power and 480Nm of torque, the 2021 MG HS PHEV is comfortably one of the most powerful offerings in the mainstream mid-size SUV segment in Australia. The 0-100km/h sprint is claimed at 6.9 seconds and it hits a top speed of 190km/h. The HS PHEV is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as another four gears for the electric motor for 10 gears in total.

At the heart of the 2021 MG HS PHEV is a 119kW/230Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s matched to a 90kW/230Nm electric motor. This is fed by a 16.6kWh battery pack that’s mounted under the boot floor instead of a spare wheel – the boot is only eight litres smaller at 451L – and it can be recharged in around seven hours using AC power. Fuel consumption is a claimed 1.7L/100km with an all-electric range of 52km and emissions of just 39g/km – both figures are on the more real world realistic WLTP test cycle.

As it sits at the top of the range, the 2021 MG HS PHEV is loaded with equipment, including all-LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, auto lights and wipers, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a panoramic glass sunroof, leather upholstery, heated and electric front seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, LED ambient lighting, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a six-speaker sound system.

The MG Pilot umbrella of active safety systems is also standard, including auto emergency braking (AEB), lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high beam, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition and a 360-degree parking camera.

At the same time, MG has added a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with all-wheel drive to the regular HS range, which is priced from $37,990 drive away. Producing 168kW of power and 360Nm of torque, the HS AWD uses a 2.0-litre turbocharge petrol engine that’s matched to a six-speed dual-clutch auto. The HS AWD is available in two models: the $37,990 Excite X and the $42,990 Essence X, which sit below the PHEV in the HS lineup.

2021 MG HS pricing (drive away):

Core – $29,990
Vibe – $31,990
Excite – $34,990
Essence – $38,990
Essence Anfield – $40,690
AWD Excite X – $37,990
AWD Essence X – $42,990
Plug-In Hybrid – $46,990

Metallic paint: $700

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.