New plug-in hybrid SUV coming to South Africa – Photos

MG plans to launch a new plug-in hybrid SUV in South Africa in the near future.

The Chinese carmaker was one of several brands that made an appearance at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, where it showcased all of its latest models.

This included the new MG3 hatchback and ZS Pro crossover, as well as the Cyberster electric sports car.

One of the more surprising models to debut at the festival was a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the HS – a midsize SUV comparable to something like the VW Tiguan, Toyota Rav4, or Ford Territory.

A spokesperson for the brand told TopAuto that the HS PHEV is confirmed for South Africa, and that it will launch sometime in the first half of 2026.

What to expect

As a reminder, the HS is currently available with two different turbocharged petrol engines in South Africa.

The base models are equipped with a 1.5-litre plant good for 125kW and 275Nm, while the higher-spec units have a 2.0-litre block with 170kW and 370Nm.

The new PHEV, which will undoubtedly function as the series’s flagship, pairs the 1.5-litre engine with a front-mounted electric motor capable of producing 115kW by itself.

The result is a combined output of 220kW and 350N, making it the most powerful model in the range.

That power isn’t just for show either, as MG claims the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a respectable 6.8 seconds despite its large stature.

Being a plug-in hybrid, it also features a 24.4kWh battery pack, which affords an all-electric driving range of 120km.

MG hasn’t provided a breakdown of the car’s specifications just yet, but we imagine it’ll come with all of the bells and whistles found on the current range-topping Luxury trim.

This means it should come with automatic LED headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry, electronically adjustable heated front seats, perforated leatherette upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch dual display with smartphone pairing, eight speakers, a wireless charger, and a panoramic sunroof.

This is on top of an advanced driver assistance suite that includes electronic stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, corner brake control, traction control, vehicle dynamic control, hill control, tyre-pressure monitoring, front and rear collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention monitoring, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera.

Of course, the big question is how much the new HS PHEV will cost, but this is something that will only be announced closer to launch.

The top-end HS Luxury currently retails for R665,900, but given how expensive plug-in technology can be, we reckon the new model will cost somewhere around R800,000.

MG HS PHEV at the 2025 Festival of Motoring