The MG HS just got a performance and economy boost 

A new Hybrid+ model joins the MG HS line-up overseas and is due here as well soon, though exact timing is unclear. 

In the UK, the MG HS comes with either a 125kW/275Nm 1.5 turbopetrol or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. In New Zealand we currently get the former only. However, it comes in three trim levels, Vibe, Excite and Essence. And price ranges from $35,990 to $42,990.  

Overseas the new Hybrid comes in SE or Trophy guise. Here the MG ZS Hybrid+ is available in Excite or Essence trim so likely as not the HS will too. Which would put it in the $45k-$50k price point, hazarding a guess. There’s no official word as yet from MG New Zealand, except to say it’s “Coming Soon” on the website.

The MG HS Hybrid+ powertrain comprises a turbocharged 105kW 1.5-litre petrol engine, and a 1.8kWh battery. The latter is the same as that in the MG3 and ZS Hybrid+. Its lithium-ion battery powers an auxiliary electric motor producing 145kW. The combined output is 165kW/340Nm. That allows the HS Hybrid+ to get from zero to the open road limit in a claimed 7.9sec. There’s a two-speed automatic transmission that also features in the other Hybrid+ models available here.

Fuel efficiency is more important than performance per se and is quoted at 5.5L/100km overall. That compares with 4.7L/100km for the ZS Hybrid+ and 6.9L/100km for the 1.5T pure petrol HS model. 

Externally the HS Hybrid+ looks the same as the other variants. Standard specification includes LED lights front and rear, 19-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, and a ‘follow-me-home’ light function. Expect also rear parking sensors, a six-way adjustable powered driver’s seat, air conditioning, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function.

Cabinside are two 12.3-inch displays. The central touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The top model gets a 360-degree camera, wireless smartphone charging pad and an uprated eight-speaker sound system. A customisable driver’s screen allows you to integrate sat-nav. 

The battery siting has no effect on the HS’s interior or boot space. Like the petrol models, the Hybrid+ offers a 507L boot capacity, increasing to 1484 litres with the rear seats down. We will let you know as and when we hear from MG Motors New Zealand about the availability of this new HS addition.