Ritesh Madhok
The SUV market in India is growing with lot many Compact and Sub Compact SUV’s entering it at a fast pace. As MG Motor is all set to enter the Indian market their very first model the Hector SUV takes on the likes of the Nissan Kicks on one end and rivals the likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV5OO to name a few.
Exteriors
The MG Hector at first glance looks massive has a very imposing stance. The SUV stands at 4655mm in length making it the longest SUV in its class. Keeping up with the current design trend the MG Hector gets its Dual Projector all LED headlamps placed in the mid section of the bumper.
The front fascia is dominated by a massive honeycomb mesh design grille with a huge MG badging placed in the centre. Thick chrome accents surrounding the grill and slim LED DRL’s on the bonnet lip. Below the headlamps are placed the fog lamps.
The side profile of the Hector is a mixed bag of all the vehicles in its class and the smaller wheels reminds of the Toyota Qualis. The Hector drives on 17 inch wheels with 215/60R17 spec Goodyear Assurance tyres. The roof gets the floating type design ,also comes with silver roof rails, a shark fin antenna and a Panoramic sun roof the boot lid has a unique bulge with a sharp crease that runs across it. Slim design wraparound tail lights run across the boot lid.
Interiors
The MG Hector comes with an all black interior theme with silver finished accents surrounding the air-con blowers, gear knob, door handles and on the steering. The Hector gets its dashboard made partly of the soft touch material with white stitch on it. Instrument cluster on the Hector is made up of an all color display unit which is again a first in its class.
The steering comes in leather wrapping and is multifunctional. The highlight of the interior is the massive 10.4 inch vertically stacked high resolution display unit with integrated e-sim that keeps the car connected to the internet all the while.
There’s a list of almost 100 commands that can be activated via the voice control and pre installed apps loaded on this system which include the Gaana App & Tom Tom navigation system. The rear seat comes with three adjustable head rests, extra spacious and the floor board is totally flat unlike its rivals. The rear seat is 60:40 split with centre arm rest. The boot lid can be electrically opened 6 .Boot space stands at a segment best 587 litres. Engine, transmission, drive
The MG Hector is available in two engine options, a 2.0L Turbocharged Diesel with 170PS of power and 350Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission; this is the same engine that also powers the Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier. The Petrol Hybrid Hector gets its power from a 1.5L Turbocharged Intercooled with belt starter generator with 143PS of power and 250Nm of torque mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The Hybrid unit is a 48V system that increases fuel efficiency by 12% and reduces CO2 emission by 11%, this electric motor also gives an extra 20Nm of torque.
While on our way to Conoor from Coimbatore we drove the Petrol Hybrid MT. Power was more than enough most of the time on flat surfaces, the ghat sections needed constant gear changes to stay in the power band. The gear shift quality is excellent, short and positive. Steering feedback is light at slow speeds and it weighed up pretty well on the move above 80kmph, as we reached the ghats while cornering the steering felt pretty vague with low feedback from the tyres however the Hector held its line with more than enough grip on the tyres. The Hybrid motor makes a constant whine on the move.
The Diesel Hector felt more confident inspiring as compared to the Petrol. Power delivery is extremely impressive with well insulated engine noise till its redlined. Smooth and positive gear shifts with a light and progressive clutch. Ride quality is on the softer side with good comfort levels at most speeds.
Verdict
With high stakes riding for MG on the Hector and this being their very first model for India it can be said that they have got their formula right in terms of packaging and loading the car till the brim. With the Hector MG Motor surely has its path rightly set into India. We expect the MG Hector to be priced in the Rs 15 Lakh to Rs 20 Lakh price segment.
