Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets more competition! The 2022 MG HS Plus EV gives plug-in hybrid buyers a second PHEV option with a cheaper new entry-level Excite trim.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets more competition! The 2022 MG HS Plus EV gives plug-in hybrid buyers a second PHEV option with cheaper new entry-level Excite trim.

Excite is the new entry-level HS Plus EV trim.

MG Australia has added a second class to the HS Plus EV lineup, with the mid-size hybrid SUV (PHEV) now available in the entry-level Excite version.

Excite starts at $46,990, while the flagship HS Plus EV Essence trim will start at $49,990 when MY22 stocks start rolling in next month. Instances of the latest MY21 are currently priced at $48,990K (Day/Year).

So Excite buyers can save $2000 or $3000 over their Essence counterparts, though naturally some will sacrifice some standard hardware along the way.

Essence, but not Excite, includes front fog lights, heated side mirrors with puddle lighting, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, front sports seats (including XNUMX-way power adjustment for the passenger) and ambient lighting.

Excite also swaps Essence LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, two-tone faux leather upholstery and surround cameras for halogen headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, PU/PVC upholstery and a rearview camera.

However, the Excite still gets LED DRLs, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry and start, LED taillights, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a six-speaker audio system . 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control and six-way power driver's seat.

Advanced driver assistance systems in both classes extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, high beam assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

Toyota RAV4 Hybrid gets more competition! The 2022 MG HS Plus EV gives plug-in hybrid buyers a second PHEV option with cheaper new entry-level Excite trim.

Excite and Essence also share a PHEV powertrain that combines a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with a front-mounted electric motor for a total output of 209kW/580Nm.

Of note, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid competing with the HS Plus EV also has a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 16.6kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a claimed range of 52km on electric alone.

2022 MG HS Plus EV prices on the road