MG HS coming back to PH as turbo plug-in hybrid?

MG Philippines gets approval for a 1490cc engine, is it for the HS PHEV?

MG Philippines has been busy when it comes to electrification. They already have the MG4, the Marvel R, and the MG3 Hybrid+ in the country. Yes, they also have the Cyberster but they're still previewing it for the local market.

With EVs and hybrids already in the local lineup, perhaps they could add a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) into the mix. So far, the company has been quiet with regards to PHEVs but based on new information we received recently, it might not be long before MG reveals a plug-in hybrid model.

MG Philippines recently received regulatory approval for an upcoming passenger vehicle powered by a 1490cc engine. With a reference weight of around 1650 kg, MG's upcoming model is quite heavy for a crossover. After cross-checking the engine size, reference weight, and what MG model comes with a 1490cc engine under the hood, it looks like the automaker is preparing to launch the MG HS PHEV.

But wait a moment, isn't the MG HS used to be available in the country? MG Philippines quietly discontinued the 1.5-liter turbo version of the HS. Its replacement came in the form of the MG One which was revealed earlier this year as the brand's compact crossover offering.

With MG Philippines looking to add more electrified vehicles to their lineup, having the MG HS PHEV (AKA the MG Pilot PHEV in the PRC) could attract customers who want the best of both ICE and EV power. It will also serve as the brand's first-ever plug-in hybrid should they actually bring it here.

In its home market, the MG HS PHEV gets its power from a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is assisted by an electric motor and a 16.6 kWh lithium ternary battery pack. It has a combined system output of 291 PS and a whopping 480 Nm of torque. On a fully charged battery, MG claims the HS PHEV can cover 75 km without a drop of fuel. In addition, the battery can be recharged from 0 – 100% in 5 hours.

Size-wise, the HS PHEV measures 4610mm long, 1876mm wide, 1685mm tall, and has a 2720mm wheelbase. Side-by-side with the MG One, the HS PHEV is slightly bigger in size. It only has a 37-liter fuel capacity but since it's a plug-in hybrid with a battery pack underneath, MG was able to make its fuel tank smaller while still allowing it to cover vast distances thanks to the electrified powertrain.

There's no official word yet from MG about the HS PHEV. But with President Bong Bong Marcos Jr. cutting the import duties of hybrids to zero, perhaps this presented an opportunity for MG Philippines to bring plug-in hybrids into the country. And should the automaker actually bring it here, the HS PHEV may likely take on the likes of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV.