MG Hector [2021]

Exterior

The MG Hector definitely comes across as a stylish SUV, and that chrome all around is sure to get the attention of Indian buyers. Up-front, the split headlight design trend continues on the Hector, with the upper half being the LED DRLs, and the lower half, the main headlamp. There are also fog lamps right below. Even the taillamps get the LED treatment. The side profile gets a sharp beltline, and the squared-off wheel arches house the now upsized 18-inch wheels. It also gets an 'Internet Inside' badge just below the A-pillar.

Variants

The MG Hector variants are as follows: Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. Features include rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, panoramic sunroof, mood lighting in 8 colours, heated ORVMs, cruise control, navigation, 6-way electrically adjustable driver's seat, 4-way electrically adjustable front passenger seat, internet connectivity via SIM, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cooled glovebox, rear AC vents and a 7.0-inch multi-information display. With the 2021 update, MG has added ventilated seats, wireless smartphone charging pad, and Hinglish voice commands support to the Hector. The MG Hector on-road price also gets you safety equipment such as ABS with EBD, ESP, 6 airbags, reverse parking sensors, rear camera and a 360-degree camera.

Interior

For the said price, MG Hector’s cabin feels pretty premium, with the right blend of good materials and tech bits around. Space is never an issue; there's loads of it around, and the seats are very comfortable. They're wide and well-bolstered. The steering also adjusts for rake and reach. Legroom and headroom at the rear are more than sufficient even for six-footers. Three occupants can be seated on the rear bench without having to squeeze in. The big infotainment screen features in-built navigation with traffic updates by TomTom and is pre-loaded with apps like Gaana and AccuWeather.

The top-of-the-line model also comes with an 8-speaker Infinity sound system, coupled with an amplifier and sub-woofer. Coming to the 'Internet Inside' badge: the MG Hector new model offers segment-first connectivity features. It also comes with an embedded 5G-ready eSIM from Airtel that provides wireless software updates for the Hector and gets a digital instrument cluster with a 7-inch TFT screen in the middle that displays tyre pressure, fuel economy and how the smart hybrid system works.

Engine Specifications & Performance

The MG Hector is powered by two engine options: a 1.5-litre, turbo petrol engine producing 141bhp and 250Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre, diesel engine good for 168bhp and 350Nm of torque, the latter being Fiat-sourced. We drove the mild-hybrid petrol version that comes paired to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The dual-clutch automatic and CVT automatic gearbox options are limited to the standard (non-hybrid) petrol variants. The diesel engine, lastly, only comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.