We put the specs of the Kia Seltos vs MG Hector to see how these newest SUVs from the two newest brands in India fare against each other on paper
Kia Motors has just launched the Seltos here in India today. The Seltos is Kia Motor’s first product in India and it has been much anticipated for. The Seltos has a very distinctive design and is loaded to the brim with features. The interiors are very premium too.
The Kia Seltos sits in the highly competitive mid-size SUV segment that includes the likes of the Hyundai Creta, the MG Hector, the Tata Harrier and also the Jeep Compass. The MG Hector really wowed us with all the features and practicality it was offering but after the coming of the Seltos, we might have to reconsider our statement.
Here we take a closer look at how the Seltos fares against the Hector, the two newest SUVs in the segment from two newest brands in the country.
Kia Seltos vs MG Hector – Engine Specifications (Petrol)
| Model | Kia Seltos | MG Hector |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol/1.4L Turbo Petrol Engine | 1.5L,Turbo Petrol Engine |
| Power | 115 Bhp/140 Bhp | 143 Bhp |
| Torque | 144 Nm/242 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Manual, CVT/7-speed DCT | 6-speed manual/7-speed DCT |
The Kia Seltos has two petrol engine options – a naturally aspirated 1.5L, petrol engine and a 1.4L, turbocharged petrol engine. The Hector on the other hand only has a 1.5L, turbocharged petrol engine.
Comparing the numbers of the turbocharged engines of both the cars, the MG Hector is just marginally ahead in all aspects, be it displacement, power or torque. But that shouldn’t make much real world difference. The Seltos has the advantage of a less powerful engine which will just widen its spectrum and make it quite affordable as well. Both cars have 6-speed manuals and 7-speed DCTs, but again the Kia has more options with a CVT gearbox.
Kia Seltos vs MG Hector – Engine Specifications (Diesel)
| Model | Kia Seltos | MG Hector |
| Engine | 1.5L, CRDi Diesel Engine | 2.0L, Multi-Jet engine |
| Power | 115 Bhp | 170 Bhp |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual/6-speed Torque Converter | 6-speed manual transmission |
The Kia Seltos and the MG Hector, both have one diesel engine option. However, the diesel engine in the Seltos is quite smaller than the one on the MG Hector. Its only a 1.5L engine compared to the Hector’s 2.0L engine and naturally power and torque figures are also low with the smaller engine. Both engines come mated to a 6-speed manual transmission but Kia again is rich on options with a 6-speed torque converter as well.
Kia Seltos vs MG Hector – Dimensions
| Dimensions | Kia Seltos | MG Hector |
| Length | 4,315 mm | 4,655 mm |
| Width | 1,800 mm | 1,835 mm |
| Height | 1,620 mm | 1,760 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm | 2,750 mm |
Well, the MG Hector is really a barge for a mid-size SUV. It absolutely dwarfs the Kia Seltos in every aspect, be it lenght, height, width or wheelbase. Naturally, the Hector will also be much more spacious on the interiors as well. The Seltos is no small car and perhaps has just the right size to be in this segment. Its just that the Hector is huge, almost like a full size SUV and Indians surely love the big size.
Also Read : MG Hector Vs Tata Harrier – Specification Comparision
Exterior Design
We thought that the MG Hector was a very handsome looking car and that its design was one of the highlight features of the Hector. Well, now that we have seen the Seltos, we can tell you that its easily the best looking SUV in its segment, perhaps even the best in segments one high and low.
The sharp lines beautifully brings out the muscles in the Seltos. The car is very proportionate, has the perfect stance and the LED head lamps and tail lamps will take your heart away. The Hector too has all the necessary bling but when compared to the Kia, it seems just a little blunt. Also, the proportions in the Hector are not helped by the 17-inch wheels which look quite small for such a large car. Nevertheless, looks are a subjective matter and both cars will sure turn heads.
Also Read : MG Hector Vs Hyundai Venue – ISMART VS BlueLink Smart Features Comparison
Interiors and Features
On this front, both cars are very well equipped. They both come with connected car technologies and the Hector has the biggest panoramic sunroof in the segment. Both of them have a lot of segment first features as well.
However, it is the Kia with a better interior design scheme and better ergonomics. All functions in the Hector and confined to the touchscreen system which makes things a little difficult. The fact that Kia has left enough switches on the dashboard makes things that much more convenient. Both cars have very good fit and finish levels, although here again, the Kia edges ahead for using better materials.
Prices
The Seltos has been launched today in India with an introductory starting price of Rs. 9.69 lakhs, and goes all the way up to Rs. 15.99 lakhs. The Hector was launched in the country at an introductory price of Rs. 12.18 lakhs – Rs. 16.88 lakhs, ex-showroom. These are still introductory prices and it would increase in the near future. Kia has absolutely nailed the segment with the pricing of the Seltos. With a wide variety of engine/gearbox combinations, they have atleast one variant in each price bracket within the range. Also given the looks and features of the Seltos, it is great value for money as well. The competition just got hotter here in this mid-size SUV segment.
