MG Hector SUV debuts in India

MG has launched its new mid-size SUV Hector in India. The assembly takes place in the local city of Halol, and the first cars should arrive in the dealerships early next month. The company is currently considering the viability of exporting some Hectors to Great Britain.

In terms of exterior design, the newcomer is essentially a slight facelift of the China-sold Baojun 530 SUV. That notwithstanding, it comes with a different on-board tech and engines. For instance, the Hector ships with a 2.0-liter Fiat diesel unit rated at 170 hp (127 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb×ft) of torque. The cheapest trim version gets a 1.5-liter gas-turbo V4 with 143 hp (107 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb×ft) of torque. You can pay extra to get this engine as part of a mild-hybrid drivetrain based on a 48V electrical system.

The Hector is 4,655 mm (15.27 ft.) long, 1,835 mm (6.02 ft.) wide and 1,760 mm (5.77 ft.) tall with 2,750 mm (9.02 ft.) between the axles. It road clearance amounts to a rather respectable 192 mm (7.5 inches). As some of you may have noticed, these are the exact dimensions of the Baojun 530. The differences boil down to a new radiator grille, headlights, and badges (duh).

The company calls the MG Hector “India’s first Internet car” that boasts around fifty online features and services. It comes with a 10.4-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen display, voice control support, a multi-function steering wheel, a 360-degree camera system, a parking assist, and a hill start assist.

Photos: MG Motor