MG Hector SUV Production Begins; Launch in June
The MG Hector SUV will be launched in the first half of June 2019
The much-awaited MG Hector SUV will officially go on sale in India in the first half of June 2019. The company has already started mass production of the Hector SUV at the SAIC’s Halol based plant in Gujarat. MG Motor has recently showcased the new model to its dealer partners. The company will start its India innings with around 50 dealers and close to 120 touch-points across major cities.
The MG dealerships are expected to commence operations in the second half of May 2019. Additionally, the bookings for the SUV are likely to commence soon. The SUV will have close to 75 per cent localisation and is expected to come with competitive pricing. The MG Hector SUV will challenge the likes of Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and the Hyundai Tucson.
The MG Hector will be available with 2 engine options – a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel. While the former is capable of producing 143bhp and 250Nm of torque, the oil burner is good for 173bhp of power and 350Nm of torque. The Hector will also be the only SUV in its category to offer mild-hybrid system. The gasoline unit will be coupled to a 48V mild-hybrid system that is claimed to be 12% more fuel efficient than the regular petrol variant. Also See – MG Hector – 10 interesting facts
In terms of proportions, the MG Hector is longer, wider and taller than the competition. The company will initially launch the 5-seater version of the SUV, which will be followed by a 7-seater model in 2020. The new Hector is basically re-badged Baojun 530, which is currently on sale in China. It features a large chrome meshed front grille, dual-headlamp setup with LED DRLs on top and LED headlights placed lower on the front bumper, sloping roof, LED tail-lights, diamond-cut alloys, etc.
Called India’s first ‘Internet Car’, the MG Hector comes with an in-built SIM for internet access and over-the-air updates. It gets segment-first 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen unit with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, segment-largest panoramic sunroof, 360 degree camera, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic climate control, a tyre pressure monitoring system and others.
