MG’S 19
FEATURES UNIQUE TO HECTOR
Internet car with OTA
(50+ connected features)
48V hybrid SUV
Biggest exterior dimensions
(length and wheelbase)
Biggest interior space
Biggest boot space
Biggest panoramic sunroof
10.4-inch HD touchscreen
7-inch digital coloured information
cluster display
LED lights (front and rear)
Floating turn indicators
3-point seat belts for all
5 passengers
360 Degree Camera
Front parking sensors
Premium sound system by Infinity
Heated ORVMs
Powered co-driver seat
Powered tailgate
8-colour ambient lighting
Best-in-segment fuel efficiency (MT)TOPGEAR.COM → JULY 2019 055
MG HECTOR
Petrol: 1.5L turbo, 141bhp, 250Nm,
6-8kpl (estimated)
Diesel: 2.0 turbo, 168bhp, 350Nm, 14kpl
(estimated)
Price: `16-22 lakh (on-road)
Pros: Interior space, remote connectivity,
ride quality
Cons: Smallish tyres, no 4x4 gizmos
Bottomline: A comfortable and sorted
SUV with new-age connectivity charm.7
10the time you read this, the Hector will be on
sale with both petrol and diesel engine options.
The former is a 1. 5 -litre turbo-charged unit
with 141 bhp of power and 250 Nm of torque
at its respective peaks. It is a smooth engine,
though our test-car had a continuous whine at
speed. While cabin insulation isn’t too bad this
prompts me to suggest maybe it needs some
more. While the petrol will be mated to a dual-
clutch transmission, what we got was the 6 -speed
manual. The auto was still at certification when
we drove this car. The gearbox is quite slick and
throws are predictable. But you need to wrest the
bottom-end shove from the engine by rev ving it a
bit. Going uphill to Conoor, on the steeper, sharp
turns is when you have to downshift to keep
moving. Maybe the automatic would be more
seamless if you frequent the hills.
Where the petrol gets better though is with
the mild-hybrid. Unlike the prevalent norm of
mild hybrids, this one has a larger 48 volt lithium
ion batter y that stores energ y and provides
torque assistance of up to 20 Nm when required.
Four-times stronger than competition, claims
MG. With three functions – engine auto start/
stop, regenerative braking and E-Boost it results
in 12 per cent reduction in emissions compared
to the regular petrol version.
Just like its faith in this 'hybrid', MG is still
keen on continuing diesel powertrain. At launch,
also on offer is a 2. 0 -litre diesel engine that
makes a healthier 168 bhp and 350 Nm of torque.
This is a meatier unit in comparison. What
helps is slightly better torque at the low end. No
incessant whine either like in the petrol engine
variant. The typical diesel clatter inside the cabin
isn’t intrusive.
Hector moves like a proper full-sized SU V,
feels planted and secure. Quick lane changes or
sudden braking don’t unsettle it. The steering
is on the lighter side. No heft like German cars
but pointy. A good thing is that it weighs up a bit
as speed builds up, aiding confidence. Body roll
makes its presence felt under extreme duress
only. Give the Hector a flowing highway and it
will not disappoint. City driving is effortless too.
This segment has some noteworthy names
and from the looks of it, more will follow.
Internet inside is going to be standard for
automobiles, although MG does have a first-
mover advantage. Morris Garages was once a
typical British car maker with the USP of making
great-handling cars. But that was in the past. In
this life, it has go beyond that in order to make
an impact. MG India has brought in a sorted,
spacious and comfortable SU V with some
segment-first features. But it is in the overall
scheme of things that the Hector would make
sense. Especially if its makers don’t get carried
away with the pricing.MG HECTOR