MG trims prices in Australia after four price rises

Chinese car-maker MG has trimmed prices on some of its slower-selling SUV models – after four price rises in two years.

From 1 July, the price of the ZST Excite and Essence turbo small SUVs, and HS Essence, Essence X and Plus EV Essence mid-size SUVs have been reduced by $1000.

It is the first price reduction for MG cars in Australia after four price increases in two years that pushed the price of the above-mentioned models by up to $6700.

MG Australia has not cut the price of its cheapest SUV – the base-model 1.5-litre MG ZS Excite automatic – which in the first three months of last year accounted for 55 per cent of MG SUV sales alone.

And MG has increased the price of the two cheapest versions of the MG 3 city hatch by $500, which accounted for nearly 70 per cent of MG 3 sales, and 27.5 per cent of all MG sales over the same period.

Sales data previously provided to Drive shows the ZST Excite and Essence together accounted for 16 per cent of MG ZS sales in the first three months of last year.

Meanwhile, over the same period, the HS Essence front-wheel-drive petrol, Essence X all-wheel-drive petrol and Plus EV Essence front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid accounted for about 40 per cent of MG HS sales in Australia.

The prices of the five models subject to price cuts have over the past two years increased by between $1000 (HS Essence X) and $6700 (HS Plus EV Essence).

Alongside the price reductions, the MG HS Excite X – with less equipment than the Essence X but the same 2.0-litre engine and all-wheel drive – has been deleted from the range, as well as the HS Essence Anfield special edition.

The MG HS range is due to receive a mid-life facelift before the end of this year.

Note: All prices listed are drive-away.