After recently introducing the new Astor EX variant, MG is working on launching the entry-level EX variants for the Hector and Hector Plus SUVs. The Style EX, Sharp EX and Shine EX variants will be available only with petrol or petrol mild-hybrid engines mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT.
MG Hector, Hector Plus EX likely to miss out on safety features
On the Astor's EX variants, MG deleted some safety features like ESP, traction control, hill start and hill descent control. It is likely that the EX variants of the Hector and Hector Plus will see similar feature deletions, in addition to some tech omissions.
The Hector EX variants could lose out on equipment like dynamic turn indicators, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ventilated seats, wireless charger, electrically adjustable front passenger seat, 10.4-inch infotainment system and cruise control. Additionally, the Sharp EX and Smart EX variants are likely to miss out on the connected car technology.
If the Astor EX prices are anything to go by, the Hector EX would be only marginally cheaper than the non-EX variants. The EX variants of the Hector and Hector Plus are likely to launch in the coming months, while MG is also readying a Hector facelift for a launch by Diwali.
The move to introduce EX variants could have been made to reduce the dependency on semiconductors and, thereby, the waiting period. MG is not the only brand following this strategy of launching new variants with less equipment to tackle the chip crisis. Recently, Skoda added new variants to the Kushaq and Slavia, and Hyundai introduced a new base variant for the Alcazar.
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
Lenny D'sa
Dipan Sur
Glenn Noronha
