MG Hector, Hector Plus facelifts launched at Auto Expo 2023
The biggest takeaway from the updated Hector and Hector Plus is the addition of Advanced Driver Assistance System with Level 2 autonomous technology.
has launched the updated range of Hector SUVs, including the five-seater Hector and the six/seven-seater Hector Plus in India, with prices starting at Rs 14.73 lakh (ex-showroom). Both SUVs flaunt redesigned exterior styling along with a host of new features.
The five-seater Hector is available in six trims–Style, Shine, Smart, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro, while the six/seven-seater Hector Plus is available in four trims, namely Smart, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro. Prices for Hector Plus start at Rs 20.80 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Hector facelift being unveiled by Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India
Revamped exterior
In their latest iterations, Hector and Hector Plus look visually identical to each other unlike the pre-facelift models that were slightly differentiated in their exterior design. The new Hector range of SUVs receive a heavily reworked front face featuring a huge grille, comprising new diamond-like inserts, and are surrounded by an angular chrome element that seamlessly merges with sleek high-mounted LED DRLs.
The main split-headlamp cluster is housed within the front bumper, lending the SUV a bold look. A chrome-studded bash plate on the front bumper accentuates the car’s premium appeal. The side profile remains unchanged, featuring the same 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels as their predecessors.
Rear view of the facelifted MG Hector
At the rear, both SUVs get refreshed tail lamp assemblies connected by a redesigned LED strip and underlined by a chrome garnish. Other visual highlights include the ‘Hector’ lettering embossed on the tailgate, twin faux exhaust tips with chrome surrounds, and a chrome-embellished skid plate on the rear bumper.
Updated interiors and features
The interiors of Hector and Hector Plus witness a major overhaul with a redesigned dashboard featuring more horizontal lines and redesigned D-shaped AC vents. Hector gets a faux aluminium treatment on the centre console whereas its three-row sibling receives a faux wood finish on the same.
Speaking of the centre console, its layout has been reorganised with a new cup holder, an electric parking button, and lots of new buttons. Moreover, the five-seater Hector wears an all-black upholstery with satin silver accents, whereas the six- and seven-seater Hector Plus wear a different dual tone argyle brown and black upholstery.
Facelifted MG Hector gets a larger 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display
As far as features go, both SUVs are heavily loaded with creature comforts, including a massive 14.0-inch touchscreen infotainment display along with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. The systems are embedded with iSmart infotainment software. Another valuable addition is the automatic turn indicator that lights up even when the indicator isn’t turned on while changing lanes.
Other prominent features offered in the package include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a wireless phone charger, ventilated front seats, an air purifier, a panoramic sunroof, and a 360-degree camera. The new Hector range benefits from 75 connected car features that can be accessed via more than 100 English commands and over 50 Hinglish commands.
Facelifted MG Hector gets over 75 connected car features under iSmart suite
In terms of safety, MG now offers the biggest talking point–the addition of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System that boasts of features such as lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and lane-departure warning.
Other standard safety features include six airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system) with electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, and tyre pressure monitoring system.
Powertrain specs
Both SUVs retain the same set of engine options–a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The former churns out 141 bhp and 250 Nm of peak torque and can be had with either a six-speed manual or an eight-step CVT automatic transmission. The diesel mill, on the other hand, generates 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.
MG Hector and Hector Plus continue to rival mid-size SUVs such as Tata Harrier, Safari, Hyundai Alcazar, Mahindra XUV700, and Jeep Compass.
Edited by Swetha Kannan