MG Motor India will begin mass producing its first product for India, the Hector SUV from April 29, 2019. The model is expected to launch soon.
The Hector will be initially sold in a five-seat configuration in our market. The model shares its platform with the Baojun 530 and is almost identical to the Chinese SUV from the outside. It gets a split headlight design with LED DRLs on top and LED headlights positioned lower on the front bumper. A large chrome mesh front grille, diamond-cut alloy wheels and faux front and rear skid plates are all part of the package too.
The Hector will come with a 360-degree camera, a Harman Infinity audio system, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, push-button start, keyless entry, cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The Hector’s connectivity feature suite will include AI-powered Voice Assist, pre-loaded apps and the ability to receive over-the-air updates.
The SUV will come with a 143hp, 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol and a FCA-sourced, 2.0-litre diesel. A 6-speed manual will be available as standard on both engines, with the turbo-petrol also getting the option of a six-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Also on offer will be a 48-volt mild-hybrid variant that is claimed to be 12 percent more fuel efficient than the petrol variant. Pricing for the Hector is expected to be in the Rs 15-20 lakh range (ex-showroom).
The company is currently in the final process of appointing dealer partners. The brand will have 50 dealers in India by this June, and these dealers will have up to 120 touchpoints. MG has worked out a ‘one city – one dealer’ policy for most cities and towns across the country with a few exceptions (like Mumbai), and the dealers will all have one primary showroom and a service centre.