Pandemic lockdown hasn’t kept flagship HS from reaching retail readiness.

COVID restrictions that are keeping car dealerships off limits to customers have not kept MG from going ahead with the public release of a plug-in hybrid car.

A likely competitor, despite being front-wheel-drive only, for the all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid that has been dominating the plug-in sector and is also now going into a new generation, though only for now in fossil fuel-reliant form - the replacement PHEV coming next year – the MG HS Plug-in Hybrid is said to optimally deliver 63 kilometres’ pure electric driving.

That’s slightly more electric-only range than its Japanese rival has in present form, though the accuracy could be called into question as it is based on assessment through the NEDC testing cycle which is now considered unreliable.

MG does not provide a figure based off the WLTP regime now being used by car makers, though independent claims say the range is closer to 52kms.

At $52,990, it’s the dearest of the seven versions of HS offered here, though if the Government’s electric vehicle rebate applies with purchase, that recommended retail drops it to $47,240, which puts it much closer to the most expensive wholly fossil-fuel reliant HS, the $45,990 AWD Essence X.

The car is still priced above MG’s pure electric offering – or, in China car market parlance, a ‘new energy vehicle’ - the ZS EV, which is a physically smaller but also a five seat SUV.

That popular model costs $48,990 at full RRP, falling to $40,365 with Government’s dispensation, which is more generous for a full electric than for a PHEV.

The HS combines a 16.6kWh liquid-cooled lithium-ion plug-in battery pack and electric motor with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. A full recharge is accomplished in five hours on a 7kW wallbox or overnight on a domestic socket.

Official fuel economy of 1.7l/100km when the drivetrains are operating in optimised condition is also claimed; in that state CO2 emissions run at just 39g/km.

The engine creates 119kW/250Nm and the electric motor contributes 90kW/230Nm; when these are combined the car will achieve 0-100 kilometres per hour in 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 190kmh.

MG claims the car’s Intelligent Hybrid Energy Management allows it to “intuitively” identify and adapts power output depending on the road conditions, “whilst actively learning the operator's individual driving style to adjust power and rationalise the battery ratio accordingly.”

The HS also stands out for having a transmission with 10 gears, albeit using some MG maths - the electric motor has four ratios to itself, then there's a further six for petrol/hybrid operation.

MG believes the HS PHEV’s high standard specification will also enforce the value argument. It comes only in top Essence trim and features the full MG Pilot suite of driver-assistance features, full-size ‘Stargazer’ panoramic roof, twin virtual instrument clusters, 360-degree cameras and leather/Alcantara upholstery.

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

“It offers our customers the opportunity to experience new energy innovation, while remaining in the comfort of a true SUV that is equal parts stylish, sporty and spacious.

“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 New Zealand customers as part of our commitment to making new energy vehicles mainstream in New Zealand.”