MG Motor India is currently in the process of rolling out the BS6-compliant version of the Hector SUV. The carmaker will most likely announce the pricing by March this year, ahead of the April 1, 2020, deadline to meet the upcoming emission norms.
Sources tell us that the BS6-compliant Hector may not see any other changes, apart from upgraded engines. It will continue to be sold with 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol with 48V mild-hybrid system and 2.0-litre diesel engine options. While the petrol-powered versions, according to a few dealers we spoke to, would see a price increase of around Rs 45,000-60,000, depending on engine and variant, the Hector BS6 diesel will see a price hike of up to Rs 1.25 lakh, most likely for all variants.
While the petrol engines on the Hector don’t need complex tweaks for BS6 compliance, the diesel engine, on the other hand, gets additions like a DPF (Diesel Particulate filter) and a urea tank. Additionally, there are talks of the diesel model receiving start-stop tech as well, in order to enhance fuel efficiency; this would add to the cost of the model.
As far as gearbox options go, the SUV will continue to be offered with a 6-speed manual and there won’t be a diesel-automatic variant.
Bookings for the BS6-compliant MG Hector are expected to be opened officially sometime in mid-February. The waiting period for the SUV will be rolled over to the BS6 versions, which means customers who have already booked the SUV will get a BS6-compliant version of the Hector once the current BS4 stock runs out.
Apart from the BS6 upgrade, there will also be a new six-seat variant, called the Hector Plus, which will be positioned above the standard version. MG Motor India has already announced a vast 14-car line-up for the upcoming Auto Expo 2020 that will include the Hector Plus, the Maxus D90 SUV, and a new MPV concept that could preview a future product for India from the brand.
Dipan Sur
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
