After Gloster, the MG Hector is slated to get Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions too. It looks like JSW MG Motor is focusing on attracting new customers with special edition models of existing cars. We know that no new product is about to arrive soon. However, MG had promised to start delivering new vehicles for the Indian market at regular intervals after a while. Until then, to capture the attention of potential buyers, the JSW-owned British carmaker is experimenting with unique iterations of its existing SUVs. We recently saw the launch of Gloster in Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions. The Hector mid-size SUV is readying with a similar approach.
MG Hector Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions
We have seen with the MG Gloster Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions that the SUVs boast slight tweaks to the exterior design and appearance to set them apart from the regular trims. While there were no additions to the features list or any radical customization to the exterior styling, there were minor changes to make them look distinct. For instance, the Snowstorm iteration of the Gloster had a white colour with black and red accents which highlight the overall sportiness of the SUV. We know that red denotes sportiness in any car, especially if the colour is used specifically at some areas.
This includes areas like bumper lining, grille, special edition badges, brake callipers, and on the interior like seat stitching, centre console, door panels, steering wheel, etc. Hence, that is what I expect the Snowstorm iteration of the MG Hector to boast as well. In fact, some spy shots indicated all these changes. What was interesting about the spy images though was the fact that the alloy wheels on that test mule were single-tone and looked relatively basic. Also, there were no red brake callipers. This indicates that MG might offer these special edition models with lower trims as well. Hence, it is targeting a wide range of potential customers even with these special models.
Similarly, the Desertstorm version is expected to feature a golden brown colour scheme, reminiscent of desert sand. It is a unique colour which has been quite popular in recent times. To offer an attractive contrast to the exterior, it mixes with black elements like the roof, ORVMs, inserts on the bumper, grille, side pillars, tailgate, roof rails, alloy wheels, etc. I expect most of these elements on the new MG Hector SUV in Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions. In fact, there could even be some more such changes which we will come to know as the launch nears. Note that the Blackstorm Edition of the MG Hector is already on sale at the moment. Hence, these will add to the Storm Series to give the buyers more options.
Interior and Features
Most special edition models even bear some key characteristics on the inside. That helps them establish themselves as something unique in comparison to the stock models. To accentuate sportiness, generally, a combination of black and red is used. For instance, in such models, we often see an all-black interior theme. Most elements of the cabin are finished in jet black colour including the dashboard, upholstery, door panels, central console, etc. To give some character to the cabin, red inserts are used. You could find these in upholstery stitching, door panels, ambient lighting, steering wheel stitching, etc. Apart from this, I don’t expect any major changes to the features list of the MG Hector. Therefore, we can expect it to carry on with:
- Segment-first Colossal 14-inch Portrait-styled Touchscreen Infotainment Display
- Level 2 ADAS for Active Safety Functions
- Over 100 Voice Commands
- Ambient Lighting
- i-Smart Connected Car Tech with over 75 Features
- Digital Bluetooth Key
- Dual Pane Panoramic Sunroof
- Front Ventilated Seats
- Leather Materials for the Cabin
- Fully Digital Instrument Cluster
- Electrically Adjustable Front Seats
- Automatic Powered Tailgate
- Wireless Charger
- Air Purifier
- OTA (Over-the-air) Updates
- Premium Audio System by Infinity
Specs
Since these will just be special edition models, I don’t expect any changes to the powertrains. Hence, the MG Hector will continue to get a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine which generates a decent 170 PS and 350 Nm of peak power and torque. This engine is available with a sole 6-speed manual transmission. On the other hand, the buyers can even opt for the 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine which produces a healthy 143 PS and 250 Nm of peak power and torque. With the petrol mill, however, you can get either a 6-speed manual or a CVT automatic. At present, the prices of the MG Hector range from Rs 13.99 lakh to Rs 22.02 lakh, ex-showroom. Depending on which variants the MG Hector Snowstorm and Desertstorm Editions come with, the prices could be anywhere in this vicinity.
| Specs | MG Hector (P) | MG Hector (D) |
| Engine | 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 2.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Power | 143 PS | 170 PS |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | 6MT / CVT | 6MT |
Our View
Launching special edition models is a direct way of the carmaker to announce that they are looking to attract more customers without having to launch an entirely new product. It can work well in certain situations. Hence, we shall have to wait to see how well the customers embrace these models. The competition in this segment is quite fierce with mid-size SUVs ruling the roost. Hence, such measures are necessary to attempt to snatch some market share from the segment leaders.
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