2019 MG Hector review, road test

The Hector’s exhaustive features list is one of its strongest points and a key reason why orders for this car keep coming in. The most talked about feature is, well, how you can talk to your Hector. Pressing the voice command button on the steering activates the system, and by saying ‘Hello MG’ you get a prompt for instructions – you have a 100 to choose from and the car does it for you. It’s a bit gimmicky though and, unless you are concentrating hard with both hands on the wheel (a likely situation if you are driving the Hector fast), it easier to do the job yourself manually.

The other big talking point is the connectivity you get from a dedicated SIM card that’s embedded in the infotainment system. This allows your phone to communicate with MG’s iSMART app, which gives you control of a host of functions remotely. The app, available on both Apple and Android platforms, lets you set driver alerts, check the overall health of the car, and find your car in a parking spot by flashing the headlights and activating the horn. And if you’ve parked far off, the app will also guide you to your spot by mapping the route. Then there is the geofencing functionality, which means you can set a perimeter (of up to 100km) for your Hector, and should it go beyond that, it would send you alerts on your smartphone. It also tells you the driving style, speed, and alerts medical services and preset contacts in the unfortunate event of an accident where airbags have been deployed.

There are also other cool features like remote car lock-unlock, opening and closing of the sunroof and tailgate. You can remotely switch on the engine and air conditioning, too, but that’s only available in the automatic variant. Needless to say, for all this to function, your smartphone and the embedded SIM, both need to have connectivity.

The 10.4-inch touchscreen has its share of functionality, too, with a premium account of the ‘Gaana’ music streaming app, TomTom navigation system with live traffic updates, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. For safety, you have six airbags on the top-spec trims, ABS with EBD, brake assist, traction control, front and rear parking sensors with a 360-degree camera and multiple angle options, and ISOFIX points for child seats.