MG expands HS Plus EV range with Excite variant

MG Motor has added an Excite variant of its HS Plus EV to its line-up in New Zealand and the local distributor has confirmed that demonstrator vehicles will be available in dealerships by the end of March.

Priced from $50,990 drive away, the HS Plus EV Excite shares the same petrol/electric powertrain, plug-in battery and comprehensive safety technology as its higher-specification stablemate, the Essence which is priced from $54,990 drive away.

Both HS Plus EV models are powered by the same combination of a direct-injection four-cylinder 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a compact 90kW electric motor to produce a total of 189kW and 370Nm, while returning a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.7L/100km and emitting 39g of CO2 per kilometre.

The new Excite, like the Essence, accelerates from rest to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

Coupled with a liquid-cooled 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery that provides a driving range of 63km (NEDC) on a full charge, the Excite gives consumers an entry-level option to access the MG HS Plus EV at a more affordable price point says the brand.

“The new MG HS Plus EV Excite is perfect for the family that is ready to take its first step into EV technology,” MG Motor Australia and New Zealand chief executive Peter Ciao. 

“It has plenty of room, plenty of performance and, most importantly, plenty of flexibility.MG Motor Australia is committed to giving its customers more choice by combining high-performance technology and exceptional value,” Ciao says

The Plus EV Excite comes with the MG Pilot active safety suite, 17-inch alloy rims, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a 12.3-inch virtual cockpit and a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The mid-sized five-seat SUV also sports automatic headlights and wipers, keyless entry, push button start, and an electronic park brake.

The entire MG range, including the HS Plus EV Excite, benefits from a front-to-back 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.