MG Hector Bookings Begin, Launch This Month

UPDATE: The MG Hector has been launched with prices starting at Rs 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom pan India). Check out the complete prices and other details here. 

• The Hector is MG’s first offering in the country.
• It will take on other mid-size SUVs like the Harrier and the XUV500.
• Will be launched with 1.5-litre turbo petrol and 2.0-litre turbo diesel engines.
• Will debut a 48V mild-hybrid system with the petrol engine.
• Expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh to 20 lakh (ex-showroom).

MG’s first ever offering in the Indian market, the Hector, is all set to make its debut later this month. However, you do not need to wait that long to confirm yours, as the carmaker has officially opened bookings for the mid-size SUV today. At a token of Rs 50,000, you can get in queue for the country’s first connected mid-size SUV, for which deliveries are expected to start soon after the launch.

Available with a choice of two powertrains --a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and the FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel-- the Hector will offer a choice of DCT and 6-speed manual transmissions. While the diesel motor makes 170PS and 350Nm of torque, the petrol engine churns out 143PS and 100Nm less than the diesel. The petrol motor will also feature a segment-first 48V mild-hybrid setup, which MG claims will aid fuel economy and limit emissions as well. Speaking of fuel economy figures, according to a leaked document, the petrol version will return 14.16kmpl with the manual transmission and 13.96kmpl with the dual-clutch automatic. The diesel Hector, on the other hand, is expected to deliver 17.41kmpl.

Apart from a combination of powerful engines, MG is also betting on the connected tech wave that has hit carmakers in the country. With its iSMART system and 4G connected features, the Hector will raise the benchmark for in-car entertainment and services in the segment. Not only does it get a remote mobile application to access and operate various features on the SUV, it also comes loaded to the gills with a massive infotainment 10.4-inch display, lots of space and a sunroof.  

With around 50 dealerships and 120 touch points already in the country, MG is looking to establish itself as a serious carmaker, and the Hector is in a way a make or break product for the company.

Expected to be priced between Rs 15 lakh and 20 lakh (ex-showroom), it will take on the likes of the Tata Harrier, XUV500 and Jeep Compass. Stay tuned to ZigWheels for all updates on the launch of the Hector and for our first drive review head here.