MG Hector Plus launched
The 3-row MG Hector Plus has just been released on our market, with introductory prices starting at Rs 13.49 lakh for the Super Model base petrol and rising to Rs 18.54 lakh for the Sharp diesel model top-spec. Last week, MG already officially started taking orders for the Hector Plus, with the booking sum set at Rs 50,000. MG is positioning the new Hector Plus as an alternative for chauffeur-driven SUV buyers with middle-row captain’s chairs being the point of discussion. The third row is meant ‘for teens,’ as MG puts it.
Outside, there are a few differences including the reprofiled front and rear bumpers (which add 65 mm to the length of the Hector Plus), redone headlight clusters, and a new grille mesh design. MG Motor India provides six exterior paint choices for the Hector Plus-Starry Sky Blue, Glaze Red, Burgundy Red, Starry Black, Candy White, and Aurora Gold.
The most noticeable difference is the extra seating line in the middle row, with individual captain seats. The Hector Plus is available in a 6-seat configuration for the moment only. A 7-seat variant is planned to be added to the line-up later, with bench-style seats in the middle side.
Compared to the all-black color scheme of the Hector, MG’s also made other improvements on the inside to help differentiate the two SUVs such as the tan brown leatherette upholstery.
To put it quickly, not by much. Unlike the 5-seat model, the MG Hector Plus is fitted with a multi-function steering wheel, a 7.0-inch MID analog instrument cluster, a 10.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto and connected vehicle software, an Infinity audio and ambient lighting system and a panoramic sunroof. Packs in LED headlamps and DRLs, adjustable wing mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and electric front seats are the range-topping Hector Plus model. Six airbags, ABS, ESC, stability control, hill-hold assist, a tire pressure monitor, and a 360-degree camera are included as safety features.
The only difference in kit terms is that the MG Hector Plus gets the tailgate with a hands-free opening feature. Upgrades like the cheeky ‘chitchat’ feature have been given to the connected car software too.
The MG Hector Plus has all four options available on the Hector Engine-Gearbox. A 170hp, a 2.0-liter diesel engine is equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox; a 143hp, 1.5-liter turbo-petrol mill is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic DCT; and the same gasoline unit combined with a 48V mild-hybrid system and a 6-speed manual gearbox.
Considering that the Hector Plus is a 3-row mid-size SUV, its closest competitor is the Mahindra XUV500, but when it is launched the upcoming Tata Gravitas will be a rival too. MG also aims to mark the Hector Plus as an alternative to the successful Toyota Innova Crysta, drawing customers in its MG Shield program by being more affordable and offering a longer standard warranty. Another rival to the 6-seat MG SUV will be the 7-seat version of the new Hyundai Creta, which is set to arrive in the second half of 2021.
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