MG Motor UK has confirmed the new HS SUV will have a starting price of £17,995, as it goes on sale in dealerships.

Set to take on rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Grandland X, the new model sits above MG’s recently launched ZS in the brand’s expanding range.

There is no EV model of the HS, although a plug-in hybrid is expected to launch next year.

Instead, buyers will have to make do with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It develops 162PS with CO2 emissions from 148g/km.

All models are front-wheel-drive, with the option of either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT.

Fuel consumption is reported at around 37mpg, meaning the HS is going to have higher running costs than equivalent diesel models. This may be offset against its lower list price, however.

Three trim levels are offered: base Explore, Excite and range-topping Exclusive. The most expensive model costs £22,995 – about the same as a mid-range Qashqai.

The Explore features 17-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry with push button start, a 10.1-inch colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and electric folding door mirrors.

Excite models add rear parking camera, 18-inch alloys, rain sensing wipers and sat-nav.

Exclusive comes with a choice of two leather interiors (black or red and black), front and rear LED sequential indicators, electrically adjustable heated front seats, dual zone climate control, ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof.

The HS also feature the MG Pilot suite of driver assistance systems, with Active Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Detection.