PIMS 2024 | MG Philippines previews the all-new HS

If there’s one model from the Philippine lineup of the MG brand that we genuinely liked, that has got to be the HS. Unfortunately, the nameplate was discontinued when the brand’s local operations changed hands from its previous distributor to its parent company, but it might make a comeback.

The British (or Chinese if you may) automaker previewed at the recently concluded 9th Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) the all-new second generation of the compact crossover, and with an electrified powertrain too.

That’s because it now comes with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain under the hood. That combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric motor and battery. In total, it produces 326 horsepower and 570 Nm of torque, and can drive on pure electricity for around 100 km. MG also claims a full driving range of 1,065 km on a single tank of fuel.

In terms of looks, it’s a huge departure from before with a much sleeker and aggressive design thanks to the thin wraparound headlights and large front grille, as well as the full-width light bar at the back which also gets an X-shaped pattern.

The interior has also been heavily modernized with sleeker lines, as well as a single panel housing the dual 12.3-inch screens for the driver’s display and infotainment system. Other touches are an electronic gear selector, wireless phone charger, a panoramic sunroof, and leather seats.

MG Motor Philippines is still quiet on when the HS will launch locally, and how much it will cost. Given the competitive pricing of the rest of their lineup, we won’t be surprised to see this crossover be on the more affordable side.