MG Motor is set to commence its India innings very soon and will be kicking things off with the MG Hector, which is set to be officially unveiled in full on May 15, 2019, ahead of its launch in June. MG is expected to reveal everything there is to know about the Hector – including its variants, engine and gearbox options, features and more – on May 15, after which bookings for the Hector are likely to commence.
Most of you will already be familiar with the exterior design of the MG Hector. Spy pictures have revealed plenty of details, and even at its iSmart connectivity system reveal at the start of April, MG shared some pictures of the India-spec Hector, so we already know what it looks like. Sharing its underpinnings and body panels with the Baojun 530 SUV, the Hector is almost identical to its Chinese twin on the outside. The Hector gets LED headlights mounted low on the front bumper, with slim LED daytime running lights on top, flanking the chrome-encased mesh grille that wears a big 'MG' badge. Completing the look are front and rear faux skid plates, diamond-cut alloy wheels, a split roof spoiler and a reflector that connects the tail-lamps. All in, the Hector has an imposing front end but an oversized rear overhang and wheels that look a tad too small.
We’re yet to get a good look at the MG Hector’s interior, but you can expect it to be a feature-loaded cabin. Expected to be part of the MG Hector’s features list are a 360-degree camera, a Harman Infinity audio system, a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, a massive panoramic sunroof, push-button start, keyless entry, cruise control and a tyre pressure monitoring system, among others. And as has been revealed already, the Hector’s iSmart connectivity feature suite – accessed via the 10.4-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment system – will include AI-powered Voice Assist, pre-loaded apps and the ability to receive over-the-air updates.
The MG Hector’s engine options will include a 143hp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and a 2.0-litre, FCA-sourced diesel. While a 6-speed manual will be available with both engines, the turbo-petrol will also get the option of a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Also on offer will be a 48-volt mild-hybrid variant that is said to be 12 percent more fuel efficient than the petrol-only variant, and the mild-hybrid system will also provide up to 20Nm of additional torque at low speeds to help counter turbo lag and allow improved acceleration in stop-start city traffic.
It has now been officially confirmed that MG will launch the Hector by June 2019, and when it does go on sale, the Hector’s price is expected to be in the Rs 15-20 lakh range (ex-showroom), which will see it go up against the likes of the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass. MG will have 50 dealers – with up to 120 touchpoints – across India by the time the Hector goes on sale.
Which aspect of the MG Hector do you find the most exciting? Let us know in the comments.
Uday Singh
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