MG Hector

The MG Hector can be had with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol or a 2.0-litre diesel motor. The 1.5-litre petrol motor churns out 143PS of power and 250Nm of torque. It is also offered with a 48V mild-hybrid system which improves the fuel efficiency by 12 per cent, claims MG. It also provides torque boost. The 2.0-litre diesel motor, on the other hand, is from the Jeep Compass and puts out 170PS and 350Nm. While the petrol, mild-hybrid petrol and diesel come mated to a 6-speed manual, the 7-speed DCT can be had with the petrol only.

It has the right mix of aggression and ornamentation for a modern-day SUV. Those LED DRLs sparkle brightly as they are squeezed against the hood. The generous but tasteful use of chrome as it cradles the large grille and arcs around the fog lamps adds to the glitter effect. Then there are the all-LED headlamps and tail lamps which are available in all variants except for the base! The ORVM-mounted turn indicators, skid plates and roof rails ensure that even the base variant doesn’t look barebones either!It dwarfs other MG SUVs and its competition here in India too. Incredibly, it is longer than the Tata Harrier by a solid 57mm. That is an incredible stat, considering that the Harrier is larger than the Honda CR-V. From the rear, the Hector has some striking similarities to a German brand’s SUV design. The clamshell bonnet and tail lamps that fan out have a Q-factor to them. Get it? Despite the slight gangliness or its derived design, the Hector comes across as a head-turning SUV.

The MG Hector comes loaded with features to take on its well-established rivals. Some highlights here include a 10.4-inch Infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, i-SMART connected-car tech Panoramic sunroof, Electric tailgate 360-degree camera and front parking sensors.Safety features on the Hector include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, traction control and hill hold assist.

The Hector is available in a total of four variants -- Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. The MG Hector's 1.5-litre petrol engine is available in the Style, Super, Smart (DCT) and Sharp (DCT) variant. On the other hand, its mild-hybrid counterpart is available in the Super, Smart (MT) and Sharp (MT) variant. Its 2.0-litre diesel engine is available in the Style, Super, Smart (MT) and Sharp (MT) variant.

Tata Harrier: We don’t see any major deal breakers with the Harrier. It’s loaded, spacious, drives well and is built like a tank. Tata’s best yet? Without a doubt.

Mahindra XUV500: Like most Mahindra vehicles, the XUV offers a lot for the money. Quality is a bit of a hit or a miss, and there are known niggles too. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that Mahindra’s big boy is a well-packaged SUV for those who love munching miles.

Hyundai Creta : The Hyundai Creta might be a vanilla package, but that doesn’t stop it from being a potent one. It’s got the mix of looks, features and drivability which ensures thousands throng the showrooms. The waiting periods can get annoying though, so be warned!

Jeep Compass: If that Jeep badge tugs at your heart, the Compass is currently the most affordable way to scratch that itch. In return, you get a solidly built, fun to drive brute that can tear through the scenery if needed. Not a bad deal, we say!