Spec comparison: MG Hector Vs Mahindra XUV500

MG Motor has showcased its first product for India, the Hector, a premium SUV with several industry-first features. The SUV will be launched in India in June and will compete against the likes of the Mahindra XUV500. The Hector is expected to be priced in the range of Rs 18 lakhs to Rs 23 lakhs, which means that a potential buyer can consider buying one of the top spec XUV500 W11 variants for the same price. Read below to learn more about the key differences between the two popular-selling SUV models. 

Exterior 

The MG Hector is purely a visual charmer. The upcoming SUV shares its underpinnings and body panels with the Baojun 530 SUV. As revealed in images, the MG Hector will receive chrome treatment for the fascia along with brushed-aluminium faux skid plate on the front and rear bumper. The vehicle will also get a set of diamond cut alloy wheels. As for the rear section, the SUV will be offered with a distinctive set of LED tail lamps.    

Back in April 2018, Mahindra introduced the updated XUV500 with fresh design highlights. The SUV features a new grille and redesigned headlights with different detailing. The DRLs now sit on top of the headlights as opposed to the S-shaped light guide that was etched within the headlight cluster in the old car. Around the sides, you get diamond cut alloy wheels which improve the overall stance while the taillights are triangular in shape and extend towards the tailgate.   

Interior 

As for the interior, the MG Hector gets premium leather upholstery along with a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system featuring pre-loaded applications like AccuWeather for weather forecast and Gaana.com for music streaming. The system also gets a circular on/off button with two chrome-finished buttons. The SUV further gets a three-spoke steering wheel with mounted controls for better convenience. Moreover, the vehicle features an engine start-stop button with chrome surrounds.  

The top-spec of the Mahindra XUV500 gets faux leather upholstery while the centre panel gets a piano black finish. Additionally, the vehicle gets brake energy regeneration system, six-way power adjustable driver seat, soft touch leather on dashboard and door trims, illuminated scuff plates, sporty aluminium pedals, chrome door sill cladding and chrome tailgate applique. 

Engine 

The MG Hector will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options. The petrol version gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that generates 141bhp of power and 250Nm of peak torque. The 1.5-litre engine will be available in both manual and DCT option. The company claims that the DCT has been tested extensively under extreme climatic conditions globally for more than 2.6 million kms. The diesel version, on the other hand, gets a 2.0-litre engine that generates 168bhp of power and 350Nm of torque.

Mahindra XUV500 is powered by the existing 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel motor. However, this time around the power output is slightly higher than before for better drivability. It has been increased from 140bhp/330Nm to 155bhp/360Nm. The engine can be had with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. The top spec diesel version is also available with an AWD option. The XUV500 is also available with a 2.2-litre unit that produces 138bhp/320Nm and is offered only with a six-speed automatic transmission, which is the top-spec G AT variant.