MG Hector’s Indonesia Cousin Gets A Dramatic-looking Facelift

• The MG Hector’s cousin, the Wuling Almaz, gets a facelift.
• Features a sleek closed off grille and a large rectangular air dam. 
• Other design changes include new alloys and a slightly tweaked rear. 
• Indonesia-spec Hector gets a choice of a strong-hybrid powertrain. 

The MG Hector’s Indonesian cousin, the Wuling Almaz, has received a facelift on its home turf at the 2023 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS). As per Wuling’s website, it seems like the updated Almaz will be sold alongside the pre-facelift (2021) MG Hector as both models are listed side-by-side. That said, the design changes are drastic, so let’s get cracking. 

The revised Wuling Almaz gets a heavily revised front that might need a bit of getting used to. Gone is the large grille and in its place you now get a sleek closed-off unit housing the Wuling logo, connecting both the headlights. Right below is the large rectangular air dam with chrome elements, houses the headlights. If you opt for the hybrid model, there is a splash of blue to denote it’s the cleaner variant. 

In profile, changes are limited to a new set of alloys, while the rear now sports a gloss black bar with ‘Wuling’ badging connecting the tail lamps. A tweaked rear bumper with chrome elements round off the overall design. 

If you’re familiar with the pre-facelift (2021) MG Hector’s cabin, then you’re at home here, as the cabin design and layout is identical. It isn’t a bad thing and the all-black hue makes it look sporty. But MG India had updated the Hector’s cabin for 2023 with a much larger 14-inch touchscreen that looks even more modern and upmarket. 

The Almaz gets two powertrain options: a 140PS 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 2-litre strong-hybrid powertrain. Power is sent to the front wheels and they are automatic only: CVT for the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and e-CVT for the strong-hybrid. To take a closer look at the Hector hybrid’s specs, head to this report. 

In India, the MG Hector is priced from Rs 14.99 lakh (ex-showroom) and is offered in either a five-, six- or seven-seater guise. This particular update could also preview what to expect from the next update for Hector in India. The five-seater model goes up against the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV700 5-seater, Kia Seltos and Maruti Grand Vitara. On the other hand, the 7-seater locks horns with Tata Safari, Hyundai Alcazar and Mahindra XUV700 7-seater.