2021 MG HS PHEV here in March 2021

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is about to get some competition from China. The plug-in hybrid MG HS is on track to touch down in Australia in March, with the promise of class-leading electric range.

With a claimed electric range of 75km, the HS PHEV has the on-paper credentials to put the upcoming plug-in hybrid Ford Escape (50km) and Mitsubishi Outlander (50km) in the shade.

UPDATE, 19/02/2021: MG has confirmed the HS Plug-In Hybrid will be in Australia in March2021.

How the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV set for reveal next year will compare isn’t clear, but a longer electric range than the current 50km is likely.

The HS PHEV is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 90kW electric motor and a 16.6kWhlithium–ionbattery. Power is sent to the front wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with no all-wheel drive option available.

CarExpert understands MG Australia is hoping to have the PHEV here in the first half of next year, but timing hasn’t been confirmed.

MG claims a combined 217kW of power and 480Nm of torque from the hybrid powertrain, although the hybrid is heavier than internal-combustion models by 200kg.

Pricing for the PHEV hasn’t been locked in, but the current petrol-powered flagship (the Essence Anfield Edition) is priced from $40,680 drive-away.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $47,390 before on-road costs, and Ford will charge $52,490 before on-roads when the Escape PHEV arrives in sporty ST-Line trim.

The MG HS range has already expanded once since its launch early this year, with the addition of high-end Essence and Anfield models.