MG's first SUV for India is called Hector, to launch in June 2019
MG Motor India has revealed the official name of its first ever SUV, the Hector. In addition to the name announcement, MG Motor India has also released a video of the MG Hector SUV being tested in extreme cold conditions at an elevation of 6,725 feet at Kyelang in Spiti. The MG Hector SUV is shown being driven on twisty roads in a snow-clad region. While the overall details of the MG Hector SUV are not shown clearly except for a sleek LED indicator that might double up as the DRLs, similar to what we have seen on the Tata Harrier SUV. The other bits that can be seen in the video is the availability of the ABS, traction control and also tyre pressure monitoring system. Additionally, MG Motor India has confirmed that the Hector SUV will launch in June 2019.
The SUV will be sized larger than a Hyundai Tucson, and will possibly offer seven seats as well. We can expect to see MG's 'Star Rider' grille and sleek headlamps, as seen on other MG models like the similarly sized HS. The latest crop of MGs offer slick all-digital instrumentation on a 12.1-inch scren, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, apart from the signature turbine-shaped air-conditioning vents on the far edges of the dashboard. The China-spec 530 SUV is a five-seater currently, but it is large enough to be able to accommodate a third row should the need arise. Just how large? It stands 4,655mm long, with a wheelbase of 2,750mm, which overshadows the Hyundai Tucson by 180mm in length, and 80mm in wheelbase. That almost puts it in the same league as the Skoda Kodiaq, at 4,697mm length and 2,791mm wheelbase. The real clincher is the claimed legroom in the second row. It's an unbelievable 330mm, which puts it on the same level as the long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz E-Class sold here!
It will come with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, the specifics of which haven't been shared - though in China it gets a NA 1.8-litre petrol, or a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, mated to an in-house developed six speed DCT. MG Motor will have its work cut out for itself with the ZS given the established competition it will have to face in this segment. The company can counter this by providing Indian buyers with a quality product at a price undercutting the competition.
Also see: MG Hector vs Tata Harrier
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