MG has planned a ton of launches for this year including the MG Hector-facelift, Hector Plus (7-seater) and ZS Petrol. The cars in question here are the MG Hector facelift and the new Hector Plus 7-seater. The Hector was launched in India in June 2019. Since then it has been received very warmly by the Indian buyers and it has been a success. Now, a year and a half later, Hector is receiving a facelift to keep the product fresh. It must be kept fresh in order to compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Motors, which are the segment leaders month after month. We have already reported what to expect from the new Hector. But let’s take a look at the major changes and highlights from eh launch event.
Also read: Creta-based 7-seater due for launch in 2021 – Expected prices, features and competition!
2021 MG Hector – Exterior and Interior
The new Hector does look a lot more blingy and busy at the front than the outgoing model. The new-look includes a Thermo-pressed bold front grille, new front and rear gun-metal grey skid plates and plenty of chrome surrounds for the headlamp unit, which is placed on the bumper like before. There are new 18-inch dual-tone machine alloys which makes it look very sporty from the side, making it a welcome change.
The interior includes a new dual-tone theme, which MG likes to call Champagne and Black theme. The upright 10.2-inch Digital Infotainment System now comes with even more connected features than before. MG hare taking the internet-connected game to a new level. The Voice Commands now take Hindi words as input as well, increasing the convenience quotient of the car. The new additions also include Ventilated Front Seats and Wireless Charging for your Smartphone. The large panoramic sunroof continues to make the cabin look roomier. The flat surface bottom makes the rear seat comfort stand out.
Also read: XUV500 spied testing and interior – Launch in early 2021!
2021 MG Hector Plus 7-Seater – Exterior and Interior
The exterior of the new Hector Plus 7-seater looks a little less busy than the Hector. There are not too many chrome inserts that stand out. However, that does not mean that the Hector Plus looking less attractive than the Hector. In fact, to differentiate the Hector from the Hector Plus, the front grille is larger and broader in the case of the 7-seater version.
On the inside, however, the features and tech remain more or less the same. The only change, obviously, is the addition of a third row. This does mean that the second row will have a bench instead of the captain seats as is the case with the 6-seater version. The 6-seater variant will be the only one with the second-row captain seats. MG is calling the third-row best equipped for children. So, we can safely infer that the room at the third row will not be much.
Also read: 9 new cars set to launch in 2021 – XUV500, Hornbill, Rapid, Celerio and more!
2021 MG Hector and Hector Plus 6/7-Seater – Engine and Transmission
All three siblings will continue with the same three engine options as before. The 2.5-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre turbo petrol with mild-hybrid technology. Both these engines make 143PS and 250Nm and can be mated to either a manual or a DCT automatic gearbox. The 2.0-litre diesel engine makes 170hp and 350Nm and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission option only. The engine options are carried on from the outgoings models without any changes at all.
MG Hector and Hector Plus 6/7-Seater – Prices and Competition
There clearly has been a price revision for the new models as expected. The new Hector starts at Rs 12.89 lakh and goes all the way up to Rs 18.32 lakh, ex-showroom. The Hector Plus 7-seater on the other hand ranges between Rs 13.35 lakh and Rs 18.33 lakh, ex-showroom. Finally, the Hector Plus 6-seater costs Rs 16 lakh to Rs 19.13 lakh, ex-showroom. This is an exciting price point, considering the facelift and new year has not added much to the pricing of the Hector family.
It will be very interesting to see how much market share the Hector versions are able to snatch from their competitors. The competitors of the Hector family include Creta, Seltos, Harrier, upcoming XUV500 and Creta-based 7-seater SUV. This segment is about to get a lot more interesting and competitive.
