The 2025 MG HS has emerged at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England and is poised to compete the Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-5 when it arrives in Australian showrooms later this year. This second-generation is said to be a significant leap forward for MG, and on paper, it seems like it. Along with its swoopy new looks, the new HS is promising enhanced space, advanced technology, and the introduction of a plug-in hybrid option capable of delivering up to 120km on electric power alone.
Following on from the first-generation MG HS’ Australian debut less than five years ago, the 2025 MG HS continues to offer consumers a choice between traditional petrol engines and the increasingly popular plug-in hybrid technology. Derived from the Roewe RX5, a model sold by MG’s parent company in China, the new HS distinguishes itself with unique front-end styling, a different interior, and other design modifications aimed to make it look more like an MG.
In terms of pricing, expect some price hikes over the current model to bring the HS closer to Japanese and Korean rivals. Currently, the MG HS starts from just $29,990 before on-road costs, while the HS Plus EV is priced from a very attractive $49,690 drive-away.
Oddly, the current HS is the least popular member of the current MG lineup in Australia, despite the mid-sized SUV segment being Australia’s largest.
The increase in price will no doubt be offset by a larger body and new features such as dual 12.3-inch screens, larger 19-inch alloy wheels on top trim levels. Safety remains a top priority for the 2025 MG HS, with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems available across the range. These include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and door exit warning systems, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Buyers will have a choice of three powertrains in the 2025 MG HS. The standard petrol variant is powered by a new-generation 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 125kW and 275Nm (up from the current 119kW/250Nm in Australia), paired with a responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. A spicier 2.0-litre turbocharged engine option with a nine-speed automatic transmission has also been confirmed as seen in government approval documents.
Measuring 4,636mm long (+26mm) and 1,890mm wide (+14mm) on a 2,750mm wheelbase (+26mm), the HS has grown in almost every direction. It is, however, 30mm lower than the outgoing car, which MG says makes the new model much sleeker.
The highlight of the 2025 MG HS lineup is undoubtedly the plug-in hybrid model which combines a 105kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with a rather large 154kW electric motor. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is achieved in just 6.8 seconds, marking a substantial improvement over the non-hybrid version’s 9.4 seconds.
Equipped with larger 24.7kWh battery (up from 16.6kWh in the previous version), the plug-in hybrid offers an impressive electric-only driving range of up to 120 kilometres, catering to those wanting to travel commute on electricity alone, while having some solid range out of town.
Further details remain limited, but we hope that the 2025 MG HS truly manages to elevate the MG brand even further along its trajectory of making some truly great cars, such as the excellent MG4. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto as we learn more soon about the 2025 MG HS.
Interior images from Goodwood by Steven Ewing
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