Category Average: 1451.0 - 1956.0 cc
Hector: 1451.0 - 1956.0 cc
Category Average: 16.55 kmpl
Hector: 12.34-15.58 kmpl
Category Average: 152.08 bhp
Hector: 141.0 - 167.76 bhp
The MG Hector is setting a new standard in the mid-size SUV segment with impressive technology, stylish design, and robust performance. Following its recent facelift in January 2023, the Hector boasts a refreshed design, enhanced technology features, and a more refined driving experience. The updates included notable enhancements in safety and tech, with advanced driver assistance systems being integrated into the SUV. The model comes equipped with advanced features such as a Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), improving driver safety and convenience. From adaptive cruise control to emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, the Hector aims to provide a hassle-free driving experience, whether in city traffic or on long highway drives. With its powerful engine options, cutting-edge features, and competitive pricing, the MG Hector is undeniably a formidable contender in its class, appealing to both SUV enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
The price of the new MG Hector ranges between ₹14.0 Lakhs and ₹23.09 Lakhs (ex-showroom). This pricing positions the Hector as a well-rounded offering in the mid-size SUV market. The variations in pricing are primarily based on the chosen variant and additional features selected, ensuring that there's an option available for various budgets.
The MG Hector is set to launch officially at the upcoming Auto Expo in Greater Noida. This highly anticipated event will unveil the SUV's final pricing and details, creating excitement among potential buyers and automotive enthusiasts alike. The launch timing indicates MG's commitment to keeping its offerings fresh and modern in a competitive market.
The MG Hector comes in multiple variants designed to cater to a diverse audience. Current variants include Shine Pro, Select Pro, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro and Savvy Pro. JSW MG Motor India has also made available a range of special variants, including Blackstorm, Snowstorm, and the 100-year Special Edition model. The range starts from the entry-level Style variant priced at ₹13.99 lakh. Shine Pro is available from ₹16.73 lakh with the six-speed manual gearbox. Select Pro with the same is priced at ₹18.07 lakh, while the Smart Pro variant can be had from ₹19.05 lakh. The Sharp Pro models start at ₹20.60 lakh and the Savvy Pro, limited to a CVT, is priced at ₹22.88 lakh. All prices mentioned above are ex-showroom.
Each variant provides various powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine, allowing buyers to choose based on their requirements and preferences.
The exterior design of the MG Hector incorporates bold and attractive aesthetics. The standout feature is its large, imposing grille, which is further complemented by sleek LED headlights and DRLs. The sculpted body lines add a contemporary flair, making the Hector a head-turner on the roads. Painted in vibrant colours, including Glaze Red, Candy White, and Starry Black among others, the SUV's exterior is further enhanced with contemporary bumpers and stylish alloy wheels. Additional features such as new tail lamps and revised skid plates give a rugged appeal, making the Hector not only stylish but also ready for any adventure.
Step inside the MG Hector, and you're greeted by a spacious and well-thought-out cabin. The interior layout is designed for comfort and functionality. A seating configuration that accommodates six modularly ensures a generous amount of legroom and headroom. Premium materials, including plush upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, enhance the overall luxury feel. The centrepiece of the dashboard is a large 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports connected car technology, complete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The driver-focused layout, along with ambient lighting and advanced navigation features, transforms the driving experience into something truly enjoyable. For families and long-distance travellers, the Hector offers ample storage space and flexible cargo options, making it one of the most practical SUVs in its class.
The MG Hector is available with two engine options. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol can be had with a six-speed manual or a CVT, and it makes 141 bhp and 250 Nm of torque. There is a 2.0-litre diesel mill available as well and it makes 167 bhp and 350 Nm of torque. This unit is limited to the six-speed manual gearbox.
In terms of fuel efficiency, the MG Hector does not disappoint. The petrol variants are expected to achieve around 14 kmpl, while the diesel version boasts impressive numbers of around 17-19 km/l. These figures may vary based on driving conditions and individual driving habits, but overall, the Hector stands out with its balanced performance and efficiency in the SUV segment.
Safety is a priority in the MG Hector. Designed with both active and passive safety features, the Hector aims to provide peace of mind for both drivers and passengers. Some notable safety features include Level 2 ADAS which allows for features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward collision warning. The Hector is equipped with multiple airbags for enhanced protection. The SUV further comes with ABS with EBD and brake assist, ensuring optimal brake performance in emergencies. Further safety features include a traction control system, hill hold control, and a 360-degree surround view camera. MG Hector has also been rated highly by safety testing agencies, further solidifying its reputation as a safe family vehicle. In summary, the MG Hector emerges as a strong player in the mid-size SUV market. With its attractive pricing, advanced safety systems, stylish looks, and spacious interiors, it caters to a diverse range of customer needs. Whether for urban commuting or off-road adventures, the Hector proves to be versatile enough for all occasions.
MG Hector set the ball rolling for the company when it made its India debut back in 2019 and choosing this SUV as the first product was quite an obvious choice. The growing preference for this body type has meant that Hector has created a foundation for MG Motor India despite a long list of well-entrenched as well as newer rivals. And nearly four years on, MG has given the Hector some significant updates in a bid to continue finding favour.
Here is a first-drive review of the 2023 MG Motor Hector SUV:
Hector has always had a road presence and body style that tends to dwarf most other direct rivals. Visually as well as numerically, it is significantly bigger than the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos while also appearing larger than the Tata Harrier on many fronts.
So while 2023 Hector obviously continues to retain its proportions because it is essentially a facelift, it tends to benefit even more now due to a much larger front grille which reminds many of the Lexus spindle grille design style. Complete with significantly more angular surrounds with dark chrome finish, and with diamond-themed inserts, the front grille is the most significant update on the outside and one that elevates the appeal manifold. There is a minor update on the headlamps that are positioned slightly lower on the face, while the front bumper gets a radar for the much-awaited debut of Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) on the model. The split-type LED DRLs have been carried forward.
The rear of the latest MG Hector now gets a LED tail light connect that stretches out on the trunk while the ‘Hector’ lettering is now positioned at the center and is bigger. The rear bumper has been updated - complete with a chrome garnish - and its cleaner appeal lends the SUV a more mature character on the back. From the side, however, there is nothing that stands out to signal that this is the new model with the SUV continuing to stand on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.
The Hector continues to be offered in the five-seat layout but there is also still the seven-seat layout on the otherwise identical model called Hector Plus. As before, both models will continue to be offered side-by-side and get the same feature list as per variants.
Now space has never been an issue in the Hector and the updated model continues to offer a lot of room for passengers in the back. The seats are typically well-cushioned - a bit too soft, some may feel - while the large windows and the recline-function on the back seats would still make Hector an ideal highway cruiser.
But the comfort on offer is often overshadowed by the sheer feature list that the MG Hector boasts of and the updated model has been ornamented with more still. A mammoth 14-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen on redesigned dashboard is the stellar highlight. It is the largest - in portrait form - for any car in any segment in the country and the HD display is as sharp as you would expect. This screen on this test unit though was in desperate need of an OTA update because the touch interaction was rather buggy. The response to touch as well as interaction through voice command was perfect occasionally and outright frustrating at other times. Quite a shame but one that can indeed be fixed via OTA, I believe. The same is also true for the wireless phone charging functionality that had a mood of its own. Our iPhone 13 either didn't charge or went from 43 per cent to 45 per cent during one particular 30-minute session.
But when the systems do work as they should, the Hector is at its absolute best with highlights like ambient lighting, climate control with ionizer and even the mammoth panoramic sunroof - all being controlled easily enough. Additionally, the Hector can now be operated and even driven minus the need to carry a key ,via mobile application. This feature though was not tested in this review.
MG has chosen to continue with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor which is mated to a six-speed manual and a CVT, as well as the diesel engine with six-speed MT. There is no hybrid on offer.
This test unit was the petrol variant with CVT and moved on expected lines. The Hector remains an easy SUV to drive despite its big proportions and that's thanks big time to a relatively light steering wheel which makes criss-crossing through traffic easier than one would expect. Between 1,500 RPM and 2,200 RPM mark, the Hector is at ease but it still doesn't quite like to be pushed into excitement. Throttle responses are good but yank pedal to the metal and there is a very perceptible reluctance. This reluctance is only marginally better when the Sports mode is engaged.
The CVT unit also works on expected lines till one doesn't decide to inject ample doses of thrill. The numbers are ticked well and Hector ambles along like a gentle giant till, well, it doesn't. Here is a steady, stable SUV that is still well composed at high speeds. Considering its proportions though, body roll is expected and can be almost forgiven. Almost.
And perhaps the most intriguing aspect is the addition of Level 2 ADAS of which, we tested the Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). Both worked on expected lines although the LKA function got deactivated on every curve.
The Hector manages to build on its strengths and a packed feature list makes it quite a compelling option for someone in the market for a mid-size SUV. Its road presence will delight many while the space and comfort on offer are big strengths. On the flipside, there is no automatic on the diesel unit while the infotainment screen needs an urgent OTA update(s) to work as it claims it does.
The Hector isn't exactly made for someone who wants an enthusiastic - almost aggressive - drive every single time. For everyone else, here is an SUV that ticks most of the right boxes.
Rear AC Vents | Yes |
Airbags | Yes |
Body Type | SUV |
Max Torque | 250-350 Nm |
Keyless Entry | Yes |
Mileage | 12.34-15.58 kmpl |
Transmission | Manual,Automatic |
Engine | 1451 - 1956 cc |
Sunroof | Yes |
Fuel Type | Petrol,Diesel |
MG Hector | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
₹14 Lakhs* | ₹17.5 Lakhs* | ₹11.42 Lakhs* | ₹14.99 Lakhs* | ₹13.99 Lakhs* | ₹15 Lakhs* |
User Rating 2 Reviews | User Rating 1 Reviews | User Rating 32 Reviews | User Rating 55 Reviews | User Rating 10 Reviews | User Rating 89 Reviews |
Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 6 | Airbags 7 |
Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* - | Safety Rating* | Safety Rating* |
Power 141 bhp | Power 141 bhp | Power 91 bhp | Power 114 bhp | Power 172 bhp | Power 168 bhp |
Torque 250 Nm | Torque 250 Nm | Torque 122 Nm | Torque 250 Nm | Torque 400 Nm | Torque 350 Nm |
Length 4699 mm | Length 4720 mm | Length 4345 mm | Length 4560 mm | Length 4662 mm | Length 4605 mm |
Height 1760 mm | Height 1760 mm | Height 1645 mm | Height 1710 mm | Height 1857 mm | Height 1718 mm |
Width 1835 mm | Width 1835 mm | Width 1795 mm | Width 1800 mm | Width 1917 mm | Width 1922 mm |
Boot Space 587 litres | Boot Space 155 litres | Boot Space 265 litres | Boot Space - | Boot Space - | Boot Space 445 litres |
Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV | Body Type SUV |
Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic | Transmission Manual, Automatic |
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