MG HS Radical Makeover Teased in Preview

MG is about to reveal its updated HS, offering more cabin space and improved emissions-free range from its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Revealed in full on July 11th at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the new SUV is evidently based on the Chinese-market Roewe RX5.

It will feature a huge grille and air intakes, akin to the frontal changes in MG3, and a narrow set of LED headlights connected by a chrome strip. At the rear is a light bar, while both ends have enlarged MG badges. No view of the interior is apparent in a teaser video but it will evidently offer improved space and “driver-focussed technology”, according to MG folk in the know.

The petrol and PHEV powertrains are apparently carryover but feature improvements to fuel economy and EV range. A bigger battery equates to a more than a one-third improvement in electric range to almost 70km. Early next year a full hybrid offering will join the line-up.

An external makeover brings the HS more in line with the RX5 which MG describes as a “sophisticated” new look.

The HS is the best selling of MG’s products in the UK, with over 14,000 retailed year to date. That represents a little under one-half of all MG sales in the UK for 2024.

The new HS comes hot on the heels of the MG 3 hybrid supermini launch. A spokesperson said that MG is committed to both petrol and electric options to expand sales volumes. 

In the brand’s centenary year, it will unveil an electric SUV that will be the new flagship. Utilising the MSP platform that the left-hand drive Marvel R shares, it can accommodate battery capacities of up to 150kWh. Battery swapping is also possible.

Strong MG sales in the UK and Australia are forcing the firm to rethink its strategy on offering Marvel R in left-hook guise only. Its successor will evidently be sold in RHD form in the UK next year. 

The Marvel R’s replacement will be radically different from the existing vehicle and a more expensive proposition.

Also due an update imminently is the MG4, featuring a much improved interior. 

MG will also launch its electric sports car, the Cyberster, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.