The last time we talked about MG, patent photos of what could be the next-generation ZS surfaced online. This time around, it’s the ZS’ big brother gets the design patent reveal, the MG HS.
The HS sits above the ZS in the MG lineup, placing it in the compact crossover class. The current model made its debut in 2018, making it due for an all new model now.
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That said, the next-gen MG HS is already being sold in China, albeit with a different name. Over in its home market, it’s dubbed the Roewe RX5, and it’s been on sale there since 2022. It’s easy to dismiss it then as a simple rebadge job, right? Keen to differentiate the two, the future HS gets several distinct styling features.
The headlights and hood are the same, but the grille and entire front bumper are totally different. It gets a sportier treatment compared to the Roewe version, not surprising given that MG has a sportier image. Changes to the rear aren’t as dramatic, but it’s enough to differentiate the HS from the RX5.
But either way, it’s massively different from the current HS. The new look is more coupe-like and rakish, shedding the rather upright look of the present generation. It’s now more than just an enlarged ZS.
We could expect a fully digitized dashboard from the next-gen HS. If we’re looking at the interior of the China-spec RX5, the MG version could get the same treatment. A wide screen sits on top of the dash, integrating both the instrumentation and infotainment system.
Typical in new Chinese cars these days, there isn’t much in the way of buttons.
Based on RX5 specs, the all-new HS could get a 1.5-liter turbo or 2.0-liter turbo for higher trim levels. We wouldn’t be too surprised if it was paired with a dual-clutch transmission. A hybrid version is reportedly on the cards.
The launch date is yet to be confirmed as MG isn’t saying anything about this model for the record. But given that the RX5 is already around in China, it might not be a long wait for the second-gen HS.
