MG Hector

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

The growing popularity of the SUV class is driven by the need for more space, comfort, and safety features. Buyer expectations have risen over time, and they have begun to demand more from manufacturers. MG Motor made its debut in India in June 2019 with the launch of the Hector SUV, followed by the launch of the Hector Plus in July 2020, to meet the needs of modern-day automobile customers. MG Motor has revised the Hector product line-up this time around with a new set of cosmetic and feature enhancements. The 2021 MG Hector has a five-seat arrangement, while the 2022 MG Hector Plus has a six-seat and a seven-seat layout.

MG Hector Design and Style

The front fascia of the SUV looks new since the huge blacked-out grille from the previous model has been replaced with a new thermo-pressed chrome grille. The rest of the front features have been carried over from its predecessor. The 2023 Hector keeps the squared-off wheel arches, towering roofline, and huge overhangs on the sides. The former 17-inch alloy wheels appeared inadequate for the overall proportion of the SUV; MG now provides 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels in Smart and Sharp variants, which is emphasised further by the dual-tone colour with a black roof. Moving backwards, the LED tail lamp strip that runs across the tailgate has been replaced with a glossy black tailgate garnish. The gunmetal finish on the front and rear skid plates add to the overall look. There is no outward differentiation between this diesel-powered SUV and the petrol-powered variant, as there was with the previous generation. The vehicle has been updated with the new Hector logo as part of the new look.

Interior and Instrument Console of MG Hector

The interior of the 2023 MG Hector is recognisable. However, the black-grey dual-tone pattern has been replaced with dual-tone champagne and black colour combination, giving it a new look. The softer materials have a superb fit and polish, which adds to the premium factor. The big windows and slim pillars continue to provide a commanding driving position. The enormous 10.4-inch vertically stacked touchscreen on the centre dash is difficult to overlook. The SUV now has an improved i-SMART system with Hinglish voice commands, a first in the market. The internet SUV can now understand and answer over 35 Hinglish instructions that operate various in-car functions such as the sunroof ('Khul Ja Sim Sim'), radio ('FM Chalao'), air conditioning ('Temperature Kam Kar do'), fan speed ('fan speed badha do' or 'fan speed Kum Kar do'), and more. Moving to the back seat, there is plenty of headroom and knee room. The massive panoramic roof gives the cabin a spacious atmosphere. The 60:40 split second-row seats recline and fold flat to add to the considerable cargo capacity. The Hector comes with four cup holders, storage space on the door pads, and a new wireless mobile charging pad.

MG Hector Engine and Gearbox

2023 MG Hector is available with both gasoline and diesel engines. The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine develops 143 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque between 1,600 and 3,600 rpm. This engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission and a DCT transmission. The petrol hybrid variant uses the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 48V hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency. The hybrid model has the same power figures as the normal petrol engine. The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, generates 170 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm.

MG Hector Suspension, Brakes and Tyres

The front suspension McPherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar and rear suspension Semi-Independent Helical Spring Torsion Beam of the MG Hector handle suspension tasks. The MG Hector comes standard with silver alloy wheels, 215/60-R17 tubeless tyres, and disc brakes, as well as a spare wheel (steel wheel) of the same size.

Key Features of MG Hector

It has ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming interior rear-view mirror, all-four disc brakes, a 360-degree camera, and other features. Furthermore, the 2021 model comes standard with over 25 safety and security features, including Dual Front Airbags, ABS+EBD+Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Control, ISOFIX Child Seat Anchors, Cornering Front Fog Lamps, Speed Warning Alert, Front & Rear Parking Sensors, Rear Defogger, Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock, Roof Rails, Silver Accent Front Grill Surrounding, Rear Spoiler, 8.9cm Multi-Information Display, Fabric Seat Material, Reverse Parking Camera, Cruise Control, Rear Parcel Curtain, AC Controls on the Head Unit, 26.4 cm HD Touchscreen AVN System, Android Auto, Audio System + USB + FM + Bluetooth Music & Calling, Steering Mounted Audio Controls, 4 Speakers, 2 Tweeters, Leather Door Armrest & IP Insert, Front And Rear Metallic Scuff Plates, Front & Rear Skid Plates (Gunmetal Tone).

Top Speed and Mileage of MG Hector

The top-spec diesel MG Hector should be capable of reaching a top speed of 195 km/h. The petrol engine is capable of reaching a top speed of at least 180 km/h. In terms of MG Hector mileage, the diesel trim will return 17.41 km/l, the petrol manual trim will return 14.16 km/l, and the petrol DCT trim will return 13.96 km/l. The 1.5L petrol engine's mild-hybrid technology achieves a comparatively superior fuel efficiency of roughly 15.81 km/l, which is higher than the 6-speed MT.

MG Hector Colour Options

2023 MG Hector is available in four different configurations - Style, Shine (discontinued), Smart, and Sharp. In India, Hector is available in nine different colour combinations namely, Aurora Silver, Burgundy Red, Candy White, Candy White With Starry Black, Glaze Red, Glaze Red With Starry Black, Havana Grey, Starry Black, and Starry Sky Blue.

MG Hector Competitors

Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, and Jeep Compass are the market's leading competitors to the new MG Hector.

Conclusion

2023 MG Hector is a well-rounded product, with its USPs centred on quality, comfort, and, of course, a huge list of features. It also has 6 airbags, ABS, a stability programme, a hill-hold feature, and cornering lights. Yes, it's not the most exciting SUV to drive, but it's hardly a deal-breaker. However, as MG's first product, the Hector cannot simply be reasonably or competitively priced in India, especially given that the company is introducing a new automobile brand in the nation. Even if it is only for a limited time, it must appear to be a terrific offer for the consumer.