The MG 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid is a 1,498 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine integrated with an electric motor to form a series-parallel hybrid system, developed by SAIC Motor for the MG HS PHEV and related models. Produced from 2020 onwards, it combines direct fuel injection, a low-inertia turbocharger, and an electric drive unit to deliver combined system output of 224 kW (305 PS) and 480 Nm of torque. This configuration enables strong acceleration and EV-only driving for short distances.
Fitted exclusively to the MG HS PHEV, the 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid powertrain was engineered to meet urban zero-emission requirements while retaining long-distance capability. The engine operates in conjunction with a 16.6 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 90 kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor, allowing up to 44 miles (71 km) of pure electric range under WLTP conditions. The system uses intelligent energy management to optimize fuel efficiency and emissions across mixed driving cycles.
One documented update occurred in 2022 with revised battery thermal management and regenerative braking calibration to improve longevity and real-world EV range. This change, referenced in SAIC Technical Service Bulletin TSB-PHEV-2022-008, addressed early reports of battery capacity degradation under frequent fast charging. No mechanical revisions to the ICE component have been issued, though software updates are regularly distributed via the vehicle’s gateway module.
All production years 2020–present meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The MG 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid is a 1,498 cc inline-four turbo-petrol integrated with an electric motor (2020–present). It combines direct injection with a low-inertia turbocharger and a 90 kW e-motor to deliver responsive performance and extended EV range. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances zero-emission urban driving with highway capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 75.0 mm × 84.8 mm | |
| Power output (ICE only) | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque (ICE only) | 250 Nm @ 1,700–4,400 rpm | |
| Electric motor output | 90 kW (122 PS) | |
| System output (combined) | 224 kW (305 PS), 480 Nm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (RDE2 compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual-circuit electric water pump | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner KP39 low-inertia turbo | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | SAIC SAE 5W-30 (C2/C3 compatible) | |
| Battery capacity | 16.6 kWh (lithium-ion, NMC chemistry) | |
| EV range (WLTP) | 71 km (44 miles) | |
| Dry weight (ICE only) | 128 kg |
The hybrid system delivers strong combined torque ideal for rapid acceleration but requires consistent use of 95 RON or higher fuel to prevent knock and maintain ICE performance. SAIC SAE 5W-30 oil is essential for turbo bearing longevity and piston cooling. The 16.6 kWh battery supports meaningful EV-only commutes but is sensitive to frequent DC fast charging, increasing risk of thermal degradation. Software updates are critical and must be applied via MG-approved diagnostics to ensure emissions compliance and hybrid system coordination. Battery cooling system integrity is paramount; any fault can trigger immediate power reduction or EV mode disablement.
Oil Specs: Requires SAIC 5W-30 specification (SAIC TIS Doc. OIL-01). Meets ACEA C2/C3; backward compatible with C1-00.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). RDE2-compliant across EU and UK markets.
Power Ratings: Combined system output measured under ECE R85 standards. EV range achieved under WLTP Class 3b (SAIC TIS Doc. PHEV-BAT-02).
SAIC Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-1500T, PHEV-MTR-01, PHEV-BAT-02, TSB-PHEV-2022-008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
European Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
The MG 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid was used exclusively on the MG SSA platform with transverse mounting and dedicated hybrid integration. This engine is paired with a 90 kW electric motor and 16.6 kWh battery in the HS PHEV variant, with no non-hybrid applications. From 2022, the facelifted HS PHEV received updated battery thermal management and revised regenerative braking logic, creating software and parts incompatibility with pre-2022 units. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-left side of the cylinder block near the timing cover (SAIC TIS ENG-1500T). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('P' for 1.5T PHEV). The presence of high-voltage orange cables routed from the engine bay to the rear battery pack is a definitive visual identifier. Pre-2022 models have a silver intake manifold with black plastic covers; post-2022 units use gloss-black trim. Critical differentiation from non-hybrid 1.5T: PHEV models have a hybrid transmission housing and a DC-DC converter near the front grille. Service parts require model-year verification—battery control modules from pre-2022 HS PHEV are not flash-compatible with post-facelift units due to updated gateway communication protocols (SAIC TSB-PHEV-2022-008).
The 1.5T Plug-in Hybrid's primary reliability risk is battery capacity degradation in vehicles used for frequent DC fast charging, with elevated incidence in fleet-operated units. SAIC field reports from 2023 indicated over 12% of 2020–2021 HS PHEV units showed >15% capacity loss before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows a growing trend in hybrid system communication faults linked to software incompatibility. Infrequent ICE operation and poor charging habits increase risk of battery imbalance and thermal management faults, making charging behavior and software adherence critical.
Analysis derived from SAIC technical bulletins (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MG 1-5T-PHEV.
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