Cheaper 2022 MG HS Plus EV Excite delayed to March

The entry-level version of the 2022 MG HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid has been delayed to March 2022 – coinciding with a name change from Vibe to Excite, which is expected to correlate to a price higher than initially anticipated.

Announced in December 2021 for launch in January 2022 as the HS Plus EV Vibe, the entry-level variant of MG's plug-in hybrid family SUV is now due to arrive in March 2022, badged as the HS Plus EV Excite.

While the name change would normally indicate an increase in features – as the Excite sits above the Vibe in the petrol HS range – Drive understands standard equipment levels have not changed as part of the branding change.

With the new variant's equipment level now known to be closer to the more expensive, petrol-powered Excite than the cheaper Vibe, it now appears unlikely it will drop near or below the $40,000 drive-away mark, as previously expected – with a price closer to $45,000 drive-away now forecast.

The current MG HS Plus EV Essence is priced from $48,990 drive-away, following a price rise earlier this month. In 1.5-litre petrol-powered trim, the HS Essence is $4000 more than the mid-spec Excite ($38,990 vs $34,990), with the Vibe a further $4000 less expensive ($30,990).

MG Australia is yet to confirm which features currently standard on the Essence will be dropped for the new Excite variant, however some could include a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels and 'leather' front sports seats (with 17-inch alloys and 'PU' synthetic trim used instead).

Features shared with the Essence are likely to include a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, power tailgate, keyless entry and start, and rear parking sensors.

MG Australia confirmed last year the HS Plus EV Vibe – as the inbound base model was known then – would offer the MG Pilot active safety suite, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic sign recognition.

Powering the upcoming HS Plus EV Excite is expected to be the same 119kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder as the Essence, connected to a 90kW/230Nm electric motor, 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery and 10-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.

Combined outputs are rated at 189kW and 370Nm – good for a 6.9-second 0-100km/h time – while MG claims 63km of all-electric range (according to lenient NEDC testing) and a five-hour charge time o a 7kW AC socket.

Stay tuned to Drive for more details of the new 2022 MG HS Plus EV Excite, once they're announced after March 1.