The MG Hector has been given a mid-life update; we take a closer look at what’s new on the SUV.
Published on Jan 08, 2023 11:00:00 AM
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When MG introduced the Hector in India in June 2019 as its first product, it gathered consumer interest fast and has been a steady seller for the brand. Since then, newer rivals like the second-gen Creta, the Grand Vitara, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, and even three-row SUVs like the XUV700 and Safari have snatched a decent amount of the midsize SUV pie.
Fast forward to January 2023 and MG is ready to introduce the refreshed Hector in the Indian market, aiming to claw back lost ground with refreshed looks and more tech on offer. MG will announce pricing for the Hector and Hector Plus facelift on January 11 at the Auto Expo 2023. Before that, lets take a closer look at what the 2023 Hector has to offer.
First things first, the “new” MG Hector, as the brand calls it, gets a very imposing grille, which is bigger than the older model. MG calls the grille as “Argyle-inspired Diamond mesh grille”, and it actually looks quite similar to the ones seen on a few Lexus models. The diamond pattern on the Hector facelift’s grille starts with large diamonds on the top that neatly transform into much smaller units at the bottom.
The Hector was one of the first SUVs in India to come with the split headlamp set-up, and it continues with the same look. The top part that houses the LED Daytime Running Lamps remains the same as earlier. The front bumper gets minor design tweaks to accommodate the reshaped grille with a smaller chin. You would need a trained eye or a pre-facelift Hector parked beside this to actually see differences in the front bumper, barring the larger grille housing.
In profile, the refreshed Hector is identical to the outgoing model, with even the alloy wheel design being the same.
At the rear, the Hector facelift gets connected tail-lamps with new inserts, while the overall shape remains the same. The badge has been repositioned and is placed in the center right above the registration plate, with the rear bumper also being redesigned with new angular creases. The dual-tone black and silver treatment on the outgoing model has made way for a cleaner design with subtle new chrome inserts. There are seven exterior paint options now, with the inclusion of a new “Dune brown” shade.
On the inside, the first thing one would instantly notice is the new touchscreen infotainment. When the Hector was introduced, it boasted of a class-leading portrait style 10-inch touchscreen. Now, the refreshed model takes the game to the next level with a 14-inch touchscreen, which is, once again, class leading. Apart from the added dimension, the new screen is full-HD, which is much better than before.
The refreshed MG Hector’s touchscreen infotainment continues to perform multiple functions like before – operating the panoramic sunroof, interior and exterior lamp settings, ambient lighting, lock settings, tailgate open-close, and even features like wireless phone charging and tire pressure monitor.
It also gets the MG Assistant feature, which debuted in the Astor SUV and works via a set of voice commands for multiple functions, including closing and opening of sunroof, adjusting the temperature, changing ambient light shades and more. The 2023 MG Hector also gets a 360-degree camera, and thanks to the HD set-up, the views are crystal clear. The 360-degree camera can also be switched to 3D mode.
Another major feature addition to the 2023 MG Hector facelift is the inclusion of ADAS that consists of adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane keeping assist and autonomous emergency bracing. It can also detect pedestrians – only above four feet due to the camera’s positioning. Additionally, the ADAS suite also includes bend cruise assistance, which adjusts the vehicle's speed when the SUV encounters a curve on the road with cruise control activated.
It also gets a feature called Traffic Jam Assist, which, when activated, helps the SUV stop and go when it senses slow moving traffic ahead. Apart from the added tech and safety features, MG has also added Bluetooth enabled access, which means the vehicle can now be locked or unlocked via Bluetooth and the digital can also be “shared” with another user for a limited amount of time.
The Hector facelift also gets a full-digital instrument cluster, addition of more soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, new brushed aluminum trim or woodgrain insert depending on the variant, and multiple choices for interior color themes. The centre console also features a lot more buttons, a redesigned cupholder and electric parking button.
The Hector continues with the same 1.5-litre petrol engine that is available with either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. This engine does not get mild-hybrid tech, which was offered earlier. Additionally, the 7-speed DCT gearbox has also been discontinued.
The diesel engine also remains the same 170hp, 2.0-litre unit that is shared with the Harrier, Safari and Compass. MG only offers a single six-speed manual gearbox on the Hector diesel as before.
Expect MG to start delivering pre-booked units of the Hector facelift once the prices are announced at the Auto Expo 2023.
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