√2024 MG HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid set for facelift in Australia

Australia’s cheapest plug-in hybrid – the MG HS Plus EV family SUV from China – is due to receive a new look later this year.

The MG HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid family SUV is due to receive a facelift in Australia before the end of this year – but it is unclear when the petrol-only version will follow.

Representatives for MG Australia have told Drive a facelifted version of the HS Plus EV mid-size SUV is due in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2023, pending any delays.

Details of the facelifted model are yet to be revealed, but it is likely to adopt the restyled front end, new wheels and tail-light graphics seen on updated HS SUVs in China and Thailand.

MG Australia would not disclose when the upgrades will spread across to volume-selling 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol versions of the HS.

By the time the updated HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid arrives in Australia, the petrol HS range will be past halfway through its model cycle, and nearly four years old – the point in a vehicle’s life cycle it is usually given an update.

“MG is excited to launch the MG 4 Electric in [the first half of] 2023 and a HS Plus EV facelift in [the second half of] 2023,” an MG Australia spokesperson told Drive.

A facelifted MG HS has been on sale in China for more than two years in petrol form – where it is sold as the Pilot – and in Thailand for a number of months, but the updates have not been made available to Australia.

Differences compared to the vehicle in Australian showrooms today include a new front fascia with a larger grille and slimmer headlights, new alloy wheel designs, and tweaked rear bumper and tail-light styling.

There do not appear to be any changes inside the car, where a 10.1-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster remain available on flagship models.

Also carried over is the combination of a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, electric motor and 16.6kWh battery pack, good for 189kW and 480Nm combined, and 67km of claimed electric driving range.

Stay tuned to Drive for more details on the 2024 MG HS Plus EV facelift, ahead of its Australian arrival due before the end of this year.

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