MG Hector is offered with highlighting features like 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system and AI enabled voice assistant
MG Motor India has certainly made its presence felt with the Hector by pricing it aggressively between Rs. 12.18 lakh and Rs. 16.88 lakh (ex-showroom). The Hector is positioned in such a way to compete not only against Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass but Hyundai Creta and Nissan Kicks as well. The mid-size SUV has already crossed 12,000+ bookings across India while the waiting period mounts to as much as 20 weeks.
The British manufacturer has begun its local operations with 120 touchpoints and it will be further increased by the end of this year. MG, owned by China’s SAIC Group, has invested around Rs. 2,200 crores in India in its initial phases and it will expand the investment in the near future as new SUVs such as all-electric eZS and seven-seater Hector are in the pipeline.
However, ahead of their arrival, the Hector plays a crucial role in establishing the brand image among customers. It is offered with several segment-first features and is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine in regular and 48 V mild-hybrid form along with the 2.0-litre FCA-sourced diesel unit.
The former produces 143 PS and 250 Nm, and is mated to either a six-speed manual or a DCT. The oil-burner, on the other hand, kicks out 170 PS and 350 Nm and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission only. The Hector can be reserved with an initial token of Rs. 50,000 and is based on Baojun 530 sold in China.
Available in Style, Super, Smart and Sharp variants, the five-seater gets dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, LED turn signals on ORVMs, 3.5-inch MID, cooled glove box, disc brakes on all wheels, roof rails, projector headlamps with LED DRLs as standard. The highlighting features of the Hector have embedded SIM enabled internet connectivity features, Artificial Intelligence based voice assistant, segment-largest panoramic sunroof, 10-4-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen infotainment system with Gaana and TomTom navigation, EPB in auto, 360-degree camera, etc.
MG Shield allows for 5-year/unlimited km warranty along with 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five labour free services while the MG Courtesy Car Programme enables medical assistance with 24×7 pulse hub in case of emergency. The company claims class-best maintenance cost of Rs. 0.45 km/year for petrol and Rs. 0.49 km/year for diesel variants of the Hector.