We have spotted the MG Hector testing on Indian roads multiple times in the last few months. But, all these were camouflaged images. Now, the first undisguised photo has emerged, thanks to eurocarspotter on Instagram.
Proudly wearing the MG Hector badge, the car was spotted near The Lalit Hotel in London. It was being filmed, for its official TVC, which will be launched along with the car in India. At the wheel of the car was British actor Benedict Cumberbatch, known globally for his role as Sherlock Holmes. In the past, Benedict has also featured in a Jaguar Land Rover ad as a narrator.
MG Motor had previously announced that it has achieved 75 percent localisation of parts at its Halol based plant. This will allow the company to price the Hector aggressively. Considering that the Hector will come with multiple segment firsts, a competitive pricing will work as icing on the cake.
The long list of creature-comfort features includes a large panoramic sunroof (on top-end variants), a vertically mounted 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plush leather upholstery, Harman Infinity sound system, a 360-degree surround view camera and a lot more.
It can now be confirmed that there will be 2 transmission options which will be available with the 1.5 litre turbocharged petrol engine of the MG Hector. One will be a conventional 6-speed MT and the other will be an in-house (by MG-SAIC) developed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This AT unit will come along a dedicated ‘Sport’ mode and mostly paddleshifters as well, which will be provided for a sporty driving feel. Reportedly, MG Motor has tested this unit for over 2.6 million kilometres across the globe. As reported earlier, the other engine option will be in the form of a Fiat sourced 2-litre multijet diesel engine.
Talking about the competition, currently it is just the Jeep Compass which provides a dual-clutch AT along with a petrol unit. Jeep has mated a 7-speed DCT to its 1.4 litre turbo petrol motor. Alternatively, the Tuscon uses a torque converter while the Honda CR-V employs a CVT.
The Hector is actually based on the China-spec Baojun 530 though MG Motor has been working rigorously to tune the SUV for Indian conditions and buyers. Pricing of the SUV is expected to be around the Rs 15-20 lakh mark and it will make it a direct competitor to products like the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass and the upcoming 7-seater variant of the Hyundai Creta.
