MG plug-in hybrid headed to NZ

Friday, 25 September 2020

Take a closer look at MG's new pure-electric compact SUV.

With its all-electric ZS EV compact SUV about to go on sale in New Zealand, the MG brand is now weighing up potential for a three-pronged electrified car line-up.

When deliveries begin in November the MG ZS EV will be New Zealand’s most competitively priced new EV with a $55,990 list price.

Launched in the UK this week are a plug-in hybrid version of the larger size HS SUV and a full electric version of the MG5 mid-size estate car model.

The all-electric MG5 estate (left) and the MG HS PHEV were revealed recently. One of them is coming here.

The MG5 EV has a larger battery (52.2kWh compared to 44.5kWh) and additional range potential than the ZS EV.

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The MG HS PHEV retains the standard SUV's excellent 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.

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The HS PHEV will pack 51km of electric-only driving range and will hit 100kmh in a fraction over 7 seconds.

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The HS PHEV will bring some stiff competition to the current king of PHEVs, the Mitsubishi Outlander.

It’s the plug-in hybrid HS that could have significant potential for the MG brand in New Zealand and would be a rival for the segment-dominating Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Ford’s upcoming Escape plug-in that is due early in 2021.

The MG HS PHEV brings together the brand’s 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, a 90kW electric motor and a 10-speed automatic transmission - achieved by having a six-speed automatic transferring power from the petrol engine and a four-speed electric drive control unit.

Performance figures announced for the UK market signal combined output from the PHEV powertrain of 190kW while MG is claiming a zero emissions EV driving range of 51km and 0-100km/h acceleration in just over 7.0 seconds (0-60mph in 6.9secs).

“The MG HS PHEV is coming to New Zealand, arriving in Q1 next year. We are very excited about this model, because it’s going to be another class-leading vehicle for range and performance,’’ said Anthony MacLean, MG Motor New Zealand business manager.

“We are not yet 100 per cent certain about the performance figures and the range. I expect our New Zealand spec cars will be the ballpark with the UK and we will be able to confirm with final specs and pricing.’’

MacLean said the New Zealand market HS PHEV will be launched in MGs high-grade Essence equipment level with leather trim, sunroof and the full MG Pilot suite of advanced driver assist features.

The MG5 EV isn’t scheduled for a role in the New Zealand market.

“New Zealand is predominantly an SUV market and we have no plans for this vehicle,’’ MacLean said.

“But we will listen to customer feedback and if there is strong demand, we will put it in consideration.’’

Electrified vehicles are spearheading the growth of the MG brand. Sales forecasts for the UK market point to 50 per cent of MG sales being either battery EV or plug-in hybrid models as soon as 2021.

The conventional HS model powered by the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine -paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission – is available in New Zealand with four grades of specification priced from $32,990.