Big lift in electric-only range from plug-in hybrid edition.

PROMISE from MG that its HS medium sports utility wagon would deliver a “sophisticated” overhaul has been kept, going by first look of the new car.

Incoming with the new model - revealed today at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England - is a fresh look, more interior space and big lift in technology.

The Sino-Brit make claims 120 kilometres’ electric-only range from a plug-in hybrid powertrain that offers as an option to a pure petrol. That’s cited as a class-leading outcome and is well beyond the preceding generation car, which afforded 52kms battery-fed driving.

MG New Zealand has yet to lend insight into the  choices for this market, or pricing, but that might not be too far away, as arrival of their Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX5 before end of this year has been confirmed.

This HS follows less than five years after its predecessor landed.

Powering the regular petrol version is a “new-generation” 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing 125kW and 275Nm in the UK – so, 5kW and 50Nm more than the current car’s base engine - married to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.

There’s also talk of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol option, married to a nine-speed automatic. No power and torque outputs have been shared for that one.

The PHEV car places a 105kW 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 154kW electric motor for a claimed 0-100kmh acceleration time of 6.8 seconds, so, 2.6s quicker than the non-hybrid.

The car as shown uses a 24.7kWh battery (up from 16.6kWh), hence why the EV-pure range has lifted significantly.

The MG HS is a rework of another car from Roewe, another brand from the Shanghai Automotive stable. It has the same platform was the Roewe RX5 but gains unique front-end styling, with a similar grille as seen on the just released MG3, and a different interior. It rides on 19-inch alloys.

At 4636mm long, 18900mm wide and 2750mm in wheelbase, the new HS is 26mm longer overall, 14mm wider and 30mm longer between the front and rear wheel – as well as 30mm lower. Boot capacity of 507 litres is cited.

The interior has a pair of 12.3-inch displays for instruments and infotainment, the latter running MG 3 and 4-derived software with Apple Carplay/Android Auto, satellite navigation and Amazon Music integration.

Wireless smartphone charging, six-way driver and four-way front passenger power-adjustable seats, eight-speaker stereo, 360-degree camera, and keyless entry and start all feature.

It achieves autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and door exit warning.

In shared comment, MG New Zealand country manager Arek Zywot said New Zealanders would have a lot to be excited about. 

"The HS continues to drive positive brand momentum, year-over-year for us globally and locally,” he said.  

"The MG HS has been embraced by New Zealand families since its arrival, and the latest HS promises to  redefine expectations once again. The new HS continues MG's commitment to versatility and innovation.

"As we all know with kids and babies, boot space is essential. The new HS has plenty of space for the  highchair, pram, balance bike, baby seat and luggage when you ditch the daily commute to go for a road trip.”