Second-Gen MG HS Debuts as The Brand’s Answer to the CR-V

The second-gen MG HS breaks cover at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed as MG’s new C-segment SUV fighter.

Following its initial teaser last week, Sino-British marque MG has finally peeled off the wraps on its newest C-segment SUV contender, the second-generation MG HS. For its second iteration, the HS comes in both full ICE and a semi-electrified plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, with the latter packing up some serious electric prowess.

As we mentioned earlier, the new MG HS is loosely based on the third-gen Roewe RX5, which is only sold in China. The similarities between the two models can be seen in the greenhouse profiling as well as the similar lighting units both models sport. Differentiating the MG HS from its Chinese counterpart is the revised front face, featuring sharp LED headlights and a similar front bumper design we saw on some newer MG models like the MG3 hatchback.

Dimension-wise, the second-gen MG HS measures 4,670 MM long, 1,890 MM wide, and has a wheelbase of 2,765 MM. This puts the Sino-British SUV against some popular Japanese adversaries, notably both the Toyota RAV4 and the sixth-gen Honda CR-V.

Thanks to its longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, the second-gen MG HS boasts plenty of cargo and cabin spaces inside it. According to MG, the new HS can seat five adults comfortably, with its sizable boot space measuring 507 litres as standard and being able to be expanded once the rear seats are folded down.

As for the tech amenities, standard equipment like the dual 12.3-inch digital displays and a new 'shuttle-style’ gear lever at the central console are all coming standard to the new MG HS. Depending on the trim level, customers may also get a premium 8-speaker sound system, a 360-degree camera view system, a wireless charging pad, the MG Pilot ADAS suite, and many more.

As we mentioned earlier, the new MG HS comes in both full ICE and PHEV powertrain flavours. Starting with the former, this full ICE setup comprises a 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol mill that develops 168 HP and 275 NM. Said turbocharged mill is then mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox, which helps to send the drive to its front wheels (FWD).

Meanwhile, the new MG HS PHEV uses a 1.5-litre 4-cyl nat-asp petrol mill rated at 141 HP that is hooked to a single electric motor generating 207 HP. Combined, this PHEV setup allows the MG HS PHEV to blast from 0-100 KM/H in 68 seconds, while its sizable 24.7-kWh battery pack grants it a decent EV-only range of up to 121 KM.

Now available for sale in the UK, the all-new second-gen MG HS starts at £24,995 (RM151,429) for the full ICE model, while the peppier PHEV variant is tagged higher at £31,495 (RM190,808). With the UK being the first right-hand drive (RHD) market to officially launch the new MG HS, there’s a faint chance that we might see this CR-V-fighting SUV making its entry into our market.