9th PIMS: SAIC Motor PH to bring in MG HS PHEV?

MANILA:  Morris Garages (MG) Philippines will likely bring in the HS PHEV to the local market.

Such speculation came up as an executive from the SAIC Motor Philippines-led automotive distributor revealed that the company would unveil a model under the plug-in hybrid category (PHEV) at the 9th Philippine International Motor Show.

In an interview, MG Philippines Vice President of Operations Karl Magsuci shared that the company will introduce a plug-in hybrid model in the biennial motoring event “to make MG the most comprehensive in terms of drivetrain technology.” He did not identify the specific nameplate that will be seen but invited the public to go to the motor show.

However, upon checking, the MG HS — which entered the country in 2022 but was discontinued shortly after — is the sole nameplate in the brand’s lineup globally that comes with a PHEV.

Here are the possible specifications of the possibly arriving MG HS PHEV as seen abroad.

The newly-revealed MG HS PHEV at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed measures 4,670 millimeters (mm) long and 1,890mm wide with a 2,765-mm wheelbase.

Its updated front grille features the latest MG design language — first seen in the new MG3 — that complements the slimmer headlight housings.

For the rear, the LED taillamps are connected by a central motif while an X-shape introduces a recognizable light signature.

Inside, the MG HS PHEV is equipped with a pair of 12.3-inch high-definition displays (one for the Android Auto and Apple Carplay-ready infotainment system and the other for the virtual driver display), wireless charging dock, a three-spoke steering wheel with improved switchgear, and a modern, shuttle-style gear shifter. Its boot capacity is up to 507 liters.

Powering the vehicle is a 1.5-liter gasoline engine paired to a 154-kilowatt (kw) electric motor with a 24.7-kilowatt-hour battery and high-efficiency 67-kW generator. The electric mill gives the vehicle up to 120 kilometers of electric-only driving range and lets the vehicle 0-100 kilometers per hour in around seven seconds.

In addition, the aforementioned model also comes with vehicle-to-load functionality, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, blind spot detection with lane change assist, driver attention alert, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert, and door open warning — among other technologies.

Possible color options for the MG HS PHEV would be White Pearl, Black Pearl, Sterling Silver Metallic, Hampstead Grey Metallic, and Dynamic Red Tri-coat.

Also read:

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