The Hector may not be purchased primarily for its driving dynamics; nonetheless, it remains an accommodating and functional SUV to live with.
The new MG Hector features an updated front face featuring an enlarged argyle grille, as well as Level 2 Autonomous Driver Assistance Systems hardware.
MG Hector features a spacious rear seat designed to comfortably seat three passengers and panoramic sunroof, as well as 75 i-SMART connected features including 100 voice commands and navigation for multiple Indian languages, such as Hinglish.
Engine
MG Hector models offer both petrol and diesel engines that comply with BS4 emissions standard, with each available engine option offering its own benefits. Unlike its previous generation counterpart, however, this version doesn’t feature an automatic diesel variant – instead focusing on turbo petrol variants which are the primary choice among customers.
Hector’s 1.5-litre petrol engine features mild hybrid technology to deliver 143bhp and 250Nm, while its 2.0-litre diesel unit generates 170bhp with 350Nm of torque. Both engine types feature six-speed manual or CVT automatic gearboxes for optimal performance.
Safety-wise, the Hector provides six airbags, ABS with EBD brakes on all four wheels, hill start assist, traction control and rear view camera as standard features on all variants. All trims also include leather seats and wireless charging capability – in addition to 14-inch infotainment systems featuring vertical layout. Plus it comes equipped with Level 2 ADAS features like forward collision warning, active lane departure warning autonomous emergency braking traffic sign recognition and bend cruise assist!
Transmission
The Hector comes equipped with both petrol and diesel engines, offering 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission options – unlike its predecessor which had a 48V mild hybrid powertrain option.
The Hector’s small engine feels lively in city traffic and the CVT balances performance and fuel efficiency well, but highway speeds take their toll as its small capacity engine must work harder than anticipated to move a large SUV up to high-speeds and thus compromise fuel economy.
MG offers an S mode that sharpens throttle response and retains lower gears for sportier driving, but since Hector wasn’t intended to be driven quickly around town, we found that regular D mode worked just as effectively.
MG’s Hector competes with Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Harrier as well as higher-spec versions of Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta and Skoda Kushaq. The newly facelifted Hector offers features like ventilated front seats, wireless charging and Hinglish voice commands for connected car technology – in addition to offering panoramic sunroof, cruise control and an 8.4″ vertical touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Safety
MG Hector offers numerous safety features. For instance, it is one of the first SUVs in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS hardware which allows various advanced driver assistance systems including adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and lane departure warning to be activated. Furthermore, Smart Auto Turn Indicators that adjust depending on steering angle also come standard on this SUV.
This feature can be especially helpful when entering or leaving a parking space. Furthermore, the Hector comes equipped with rear parking sensors that make parking in tight spots much simpler. Furthermore, both front and rear disc brakes help stop faster.
Furthermore, you can keep an eye on your driving habits using the i-SMART Next Gen app’s driver analytics feature. It will show how often and hard you use cruise control; how and when hard braking occurs; as well as driving routes taken.
Design
The MG Hector boasts an impressive road presence. Both visually and numerically it easily outshines its direct rivals such as Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos; yet this doesn’t make it look imposing or bulky.
Inside the Hector, details have been slightly adjusted but still provide an impressive cabin, boasting premium upholstery and an eye-catching 14-inch infotainment screen that supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There’s also a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree parking camera, ventilated front seats and more features available to make driving the Hector an exceptional experience.
MG has integrated Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology into the Hector as another segment-leading feature, making this one-of-a-kind car fully autonomous in terms of acceleration, deceleration and lane changes. Furthermore, its traffic jam assist feature can speed up or slow down as needed depending on circumstances; even offering assisted drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic jams!
The Hector SUV comes equipped with an emergency call feature called E-Call which notifies MG’s Pulse Hub 24×7 customer management center of any potential accidents along with registered emergency contact numbers. You can also authorize another driver to access and operate it for certain times and distances using its smartphone app.
Interior
The next-gen MG Hector comes equipped with a stunning interior redesign. It now looks more premium and exudes luxury thanks to dual tone paint treatments and materials used, with front seats becoming more comfortable as a result.
The primary difference is the new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system that exudes Tesla-esque aesthetic and offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, plus smooth user experience and straightforward functionality.
There’s also a panoramic sunroof for added light in the cabin. Other highlights include automatic climate control, ambient lighting and an intelligent power driver’s seat; plus there’s even key-less operation feature which lets you operate and drive the Hector using just your mobile app!
The Hector facelift keeps its previous powertrain options, such as the 1.5-litre petrol engine with 143bhp and 250 Nm output coupled to either a six-speed manual or CVT transmission; as well as its 2.0-litre diesel motor producing 170bhp connected to either an MT or CVT transmission; but has discontinued offering mild-hybrid petrol powertrain options.
