Video: MG HS makes dynamic debut at the 2024 Festival of Speed

The HS made its dynamic debut on the Hill as part of First Glance presented by heycar on Thursday morning. This latest SUV completed the Hillclimb, breezing its way past the MG Central Feature celebrating 100 years of the marque on its way to the top of the Hill as the crowds watched on. Glittering in the sun as it did, we’re sure you’ll agree that the HS made a fine debut.

It adopts MG’s new corporate face, as seen on the MG 3 and in other markets, the MG 6. That means it’s got distinctive blade-like headlight units flanking a slim ‘grille’, which sits above the car’s actual air inlet. All around, the car’s lines are sharper, more modern and more distinctive than the car it replaces. We particularly like that ‘X’ lighting signature at the back.

The new car is dimensionally larger than the outgoing model too. It’s wider by 14mm, while both the length and wheelbase are up 45mm. For a sportier, more stylish look, it’s also a bit lower, by 30mm.

2024 MG HS: Powertrains and specs

In contrast to the MG 4 and indeed the Cyberster, the HS is not available in all-electric form. Rather, it will be available initially as a petrol or a plug-in hybrid. Both use MG’s 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, which produces 169PS (225kW) on its own, or 142PS (105kW) when working with the 92PS (67kW) electric motor in the PHEV for over 220PS combined. While the PHEV is exclusively mated to MG’s seven-speed automatic transmission, the 169PS petrol-only version can be had with a six-speed manual.

A big highlight MG claims for the PHEV is that it delivers best-in-class all-electric range, with the 24.7kWh battery allowing for 75 miles of local emissions-free driving.

MG HS technology, cabin and pricing

A big step up for the HS too is on the inside in terms of technology. Two 12.3-inch displays digitally punctuate the cabin in one large panel, for the driver and infotainment. Smartphone mirroring is a given on the infotainment screen, while 360-degree surround cameras and wireless charging comes in Trophy-spec cars.

The driver’s display can be configured with three modes, Map, Digital or ADAS, while there’s a choice of two themes, light or dark. MG says there’s been an uptick in quality and in terms of design, it’s certainly a more stylish-looking cabin, with stylised leather on the door cards and attractive seats.

Even the most basic-spec MG HS SE comes with automatic LED lights, parking sensors, a parking camera, cruise control and more. Importantly and more than can be said in some cars, those screens are standard across the range too – no ‘pov spec’ porthole screen in a sea of plastic bezel to be seen here.

The HS range starts from £24,995 for the HS SE 1.5, rising by £2,500 for the higher-spec Trophy. The SE PHEV meanwhile starts from £31,495, rising by £2,500 for the Trophy PHEV.

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed is underway, and you can watch every moment of the action on our live stream right here on GRR!