MG Hector launched in India: Why should you buy?

Kickstarting its Indian journey, MG Motor India has finally launched the Hector, priced between Rs 12.18 lakhs to Rs 16.88 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). Bookings for the Hector are open at Rs 50,000 and deliveries will commence shortly. The mid-size SUV goes up against the likes of Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500 and the Hyundai Tucson.

What's good?

The Hector is available in four trim levels - Style, Super, Smart and Sharp, and even the base variant comes equipped with a decent kit. The top-spec Sharp trim gets features like 360-degree surround-view camera, 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment, panoramic sunroof, over 50 internet connectivity features and much more. The petrol motor also gets a 48V mild hybrid system that offers an additional boost of 20Nm. MG Hector comes with the MG Shield package that provides peace of mind with five years/unlimited kilometres warranty and roadside assistance, maintenance packages and a buy-back option.

What's not so good?

Although the Hector is available with multiple engines and transmission options, the diesel motor isn't offered with an automatic gearbox. Most of the segment-first features and the Glaze Red colour scheme are only available in the top-spec trim. The petrol DCT combination has some turbo-lag, and it doesn't get paddle-shifters either, to work around the gearbox.

Specifications

The MG Hector is available with three engines and two gearbox options. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor makes 141bhp and 250Nm and can be had with six-speed manual and DCT gearboxes. There's also a petrol hybrid powertrain, paired to a six-speed manual transmission, which uses a 48V mild-hybrid system. It comes with an engine start/stop function and offers an additional 20Nm of torque when needed. The 167bhp/350Nm 2.0-litre oil burner is sourced from Fiat and is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.

Which variant to buy?

While the Smart trim is the most value-for-money, we would recommend the top-spec Sharp trim. For a difference of around Rs 1.50 lakhs, you get equipment like a 360-degree camera, heated ORVMs, panoramic sunroof, remote sunroof open/close, 7-inch colour MID, ambient lighting, power-adjustable co-driver seat, powered tailgate, auto AC, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers, and then some more.

Did you know?

MG Motors is a British marquee, which is owned by Chinese state-owned SAIC Motor Corporation. The Hector's platform is also shared with Baojun, Wuling and GM vehicles.