Spec comparison: MG Hector Vs Jeep Compass

The MG Hector will be officially unveiled in India tomorrow and ahead of the reveal, we got you exclusive details on the variants, colours and engine options. There will be four variants across three engine options and five body colours.
This is a premium SUV and will be priced in the range of Rs 18 lakhs to Rs 23 lakhs which means that it will compete with the Jeep Compass- the car that’s redefined this segment of vehicles in terms of SUVs. Here we will be looking at top-of-the-line MG Hector Sharp diesel versus the Jeep Compass Limited Plus diesel as this is a 2WD model.

Exterior
In an obvious sense, the MG Hector trumps the Jeep Compass in terms of external appearance. At 4.6-meters and with a wheelbase of 2.7-meters, it is bigger in every respect and looks far more flamboyant thanks to the large amount of chrome all around. In profile, the Hector, gets a rising rear roofline and a light bar like design for the tail lamp package. The Compass’ highlight is, of course, its SUV silhouette and that famous seven-slat grille that is a signature of the Jeep range.

Interior
Features seem to be the new mantra for selling cars and the Hector, in this top spec Sharp variant, gets a whole host of features. There’s a 360-degree camera, heated OVRMs, multi-zone climate control. The highlight for the Hector is the 10.4-inch touchscreen display that gives you access to all the functions of the car. It will also be the first car in the segment to get full internet connectivity that will help with features like remote car operation, live traffic updates and, in the future, even automated toll payments. We have looked in detail at the connectivity features of the Hector and you can read about that here. The Compass gets all the features that is considered standard in the segment like six airbags, dual zone climate control, touchscreen infotainment system with six speakers, projector headlamps, LED tail lamps and 18-inch wheels.

Engine and gearbox
The MG Hector will be offered with both petrol and diesel engine options. The 1.5-litre petrol will also be available in a hybrid (48V) trim also. The diesel is a 2.0-litre mill and a Fiat sourced unit with an output expected to be quite similar to that of the engine found in the Compass. All engines will get a six-speed manual but the petrol will also be offered with a dual clutch automatic.
The Jeep Compass is offered with a 1.4-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel. The former produces 160bhp/250Nm while the diesel is good for 171bhp/350Nm. A six-speed manual is common while the petrol engines also get a seven-speed AT. The diesel is expected to get an automatic later while 4X4 option is offered only on the higher spec models.

Conclusion
We expect that MG will price the car in the range of Rs 18 lakhs to Rs 23 lakhs. The Compass, while priced higher, has a much wider range of variants across both fuel options.