Facelifted MG Hector To Be Offered With 6 Seats In China

• The facelifted SUV gets revised headlights, grille and lower bumper design.
• The Baojun 530 facelift is 40mm longer than the previous version.
• It is offered in three seating configurations -- 5/6/7 seater.
• Revised rear bumper gets reworked taillamps.
• Expect it cost Rs 1 lakh over the current Hector.

Going by the numbers, Indian buyers seem to have welcomed the Hector with open arms. Size and presence are something that the Hector has in dollops. As we reported earlier, the Wuling Almaz/Bajoun 530 (rebadged version of Hector) is already available with seven seats in China while the Hector in India makes do with five seats. Yes, we will be getting the 7-seater version by 2020 but from what appears now, the SUV is also available with a 6-seater option with captain seats for the middle row.

The Baojun 530 facelift looks more or less similar to the Hector. However, it is now 40mm longer and also sits 10mm lower. The SUV already comes with 5/7-seater layout in Asian markets. Now, with the facelift, it also gains a 6-seater layout with captain seats for the second row. Considering the increasing popularity of this seating layout in our market with options like the recent Maruti Suzuki XL6, MG could also offer the same. The Hector, with its acres of space and ride quality, is an ideal SUV for those who like to be chauffeured around. The captain seats for the second row further increases the desirability quotient for those looking to do the same.

Other changes on the facelifted model include the new front grille, new projector headlamps, and different bumper design. The side profile doesn't get any changes barring the new alloy wheels.

The rear end, meanwhile, features a new lower bumper design and slightly different tail lamps. Engine options remain the same; the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that’s good for 140PS of power and 250Nm of torque is offered in markets abroad. We also get a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine that puts out 170PS and 350Nm.

It is yet to be seen whether MG will bring in the 7- or 6-seater layout. The latter makes more sense for the Indian markets given our penchant for captain seats. Anyway, we will get more clarity as time marches forward. As for the pricing, expect it to carry a premium of around Rs 1 lakh over the Hector ( Rs 12.18 lakh to Rs 16.88 lakh).