MG Hector variants explained

MG has launched the Hector in India at an introductory price of Rs 12.18 lakh (ex-showroom pan-India). Offered in four variants: Style, Super, Sharp and Smart, the Hector is available with both petrol and diesel engine options along with a mild-hybrid version. Where the diesel Hector comes with a 2.0-litre unit, the petrol SUV gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit under its hood. The latter also powers the 48V mild-hybrid variant equipped. Both the engines come mated to a 6-speed manual as standard while the petrol is available with a 6-speed DCT as well. If you are confused about the right combination for you, read on as we explain each variant and their features.

Here’s a table about which MG Hector variants offer automatic and hybrid options.

Here’s the detailed price list of the MG Hector:

MG Hector Colour Options:

• Candy White
• Starry Black
• Aurora Silver
• Burgundy Red
• Glaze Red

Standard Safety Features:

• Dual front airbags
• ESP and traction control
• Hill hold
• ABS with EBD
• Rear disc brakes
• Rear parking sensors
• Rear defogger
• ISOFIX
• Speed-sensing door lock
• High-speed alert
• 3-point seat belts with reminder for front passengers

MG Hector Style

Exterior – Roof rails, LED indicators on the ORVMs, halogen projector headlamps, steel wheels, front and rear skid plates and rear spoiler.

Interior – Fabric upholstery, adjustable headrests for all seats, driver armrest and storage space, centre armrest with cupholders in the 60:40 split-folding rear seats and rear seat recline.

Comfort – Manual AC with rear AC vents, front and rear USB charging ports, 12V charging port, power adjustable outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs), tilt-adjustable steering, keyless entry, rear wiper and washer.

Audio – 4-speaker audio system

Verdict

While Style is the base variant of the MG Hector, it is decently loaded and despite the competitive pricing doesn’t miss out on the necessities. Some buyers may miss alloy wheels, but those can be fitted after you’ve bought the SUV. With all the basic features in place, it’s worth considering the Hector Style variant if you can’t stretch your budget further and want this MG SUV. Read on to find out our recommended variant.

MG Hector Super

Additional equipment over Style variant:

Safety –  Rear parking camera, front parking sensors, cornering fog lamps

Exterior – LED tail lamps, LED rear fog lamps, silver alloys

Interior – Rear parcel curtain, chrome inside door handles Comfort – Cruise control, follow-me-home headlamps

Infotainment – 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility

Audio: 2 tweeters

Verdict

The Super variant brings one of the Hector’s USP, the biggest-in-segment 10.4-inch touchscreen unit that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The Hector Super variant feels like a contemporary offering and if a petrol MT is what you’re looking for, it makes for a sensible option since the next variant sees a heavy price jump. The Rs 1 lakh price premium for the diesel-MT version also makes for a decent value for money upgrade from the base Style variant.

MG Hector Smart

Additional equipment over Super variant:

Safety – two additional side airbags, bringing the total to four.

Comfort – Power folding ORVMs, tyre pressure monitoring system, push-button start/stop, telescopic steering adjustment and electronic parking brake (AT only)

Interior – Leather seats, six-way power-adjustable driver seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, chrome finish door armrest and LED reading lamps.

Exterior – 17-inch machine-cut alloys, LED front fog lamps, floating-light turn indicators, chrome finish on door handles and window beltline

Audio – Infinity sound system with four speakers, four tweeters and a subwoofer

Technology – e-SIM internet connectivity with remote car operation through iSMART suite of connected apps.

Verdict

The MG Hector’s Smart variant brings a host of additional features which make it feel like a proper luxury car, just how MG Motor intended it to be. This is the variant from which you get the Hector’s internet-based services that provide an array of connectivity and convenience features, along with some more premium features.

With an additional Rs 2.30 lakh over the previous variant, the Smart not only gets the extra features, but also a 6-speed DCT. If you are looking for the convenience of an automatic and can’t stretch your budget further, this is the variant to go for. Those eyeing a diesel MT get the added features at a justifiable premium of Rs 1.30 lakh. But if it’s the petrol manual you are looking for, then you pay an additional Rs 1.70 lakh (Rs 40,000 more than the diesel), thanks to a segment-first 48V smart-hybrid system which improves fuel efficiency and provides a mild torque boost at lower rpms. These two variants are quite well priced, but for the best value for your money, we would suggest stretching your budget for the next variant.

MG Hector Sharp

Additional equipment over Smart variant:

Safety – Six airbags.

Interior – Four-way power adjustable front passenger seat.

Comfort – Panoramic sunroof, sunglass holder, heated ORVMs, rain-sensing wipers, an eight-colour ambient lighting, auto headlamps, 7-inch MID on the instrument cluster, powered tailgate and a 360-degree surround view camera.

Verdict

This variant captures the true essence of the MG Hector as it offers more premium features such as the ambient lighting, surround view camera, a big panoramic sunroof and the safety of two additional airbags. The premium charged over the last variant is quite justifiable too. So, if you can stretch your budget from the Smart variant, we would have no hesitation in suggesting this one. If not, our original recommendation, the Hector Super variant should suit your needs just fine.

(Source: www.cardekho.com)