The MG Hector finally goes on sale in India and the all-new "connected" SUV has been launched at rather competitive prices. The Hector is priced between Rs. 12.18 lakh and Rs. 16.88 lakh (ex-showroom, India), which makes quite the value-rich offering with its extensive list of features. In fact, the newest compact SUV on sale promises to offer an exhaustive list of tech wizardry and creature comforts including a hybrid engine as part of its line-up. That's clearly a first in the sub Rs. 20 lakh price bracket and makes for a promising start to the brand in India. There's more to the MG Hector then, and we list down the top 10 features on the SUV that are also segment-first offerings. The MG Hector SUV will rival the likes of some of the well established players in the segment like the Hyundai Creta, Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier along with the the upcoming Kia Seltos. The long feature list and premium cabin are sure to give it enough credibility to stand tall against the competition.
Also Read: MG Hector Launched In India
The MG Hector comes pre-fitted with a 5G ready M2M SIM card that connects the car to the internet
The MG Hector is the first compact SUV to be sold with the connected car tech. The SUV literally gets the 'Internet Inside' badge on the tailgate and fender to denote this feature. Morris Garages calls it iSmart connectivity and brings a host of features that connect to the internet via a 5G ready M2M SIM. MG says the system comes with over 50 connectivity features including goefencing, vehicle theft tracking and immobilisation, remote vehicle control over the AC on/off as well as the sunroof and tailgate open/close functions via the mobile app. The system also comes with over-the-air (OTA) updates that will regularly bring new features and fix bugs as and when the company rolls them out. The system will also automatically connect with the emergency services, in case of an accident.
The 10.4-inch HD touchscreen controls most in-car functions. And it is quite intuitive too
While touchscreen systems are increasingly becoming common, MG goes a step further to offer a 10.4-inch HD display on the new Hector. This unit though replaces buttons for most of the controls on the centre console with most features accessible via the touchscreen system. The unit gets an easy-to-use interface and is pre-loaded with navigation, weather updates, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The unit will also will also respond to over 100 voice commands when owners say "Hello MG" to change teh volume, open and close the sunroof or the power windows. The buyers also get the system pre-loaded entertainment and a free Gaana app subscription.
Also Read: MG Hector First Drive Review
The slim LED DRLs and the LED projector headlamps offer good throw. The fog lamps get LED units too
The MG Hector gets a segment-first full LED lighting set-up. This includes the headlamps, taillights, as well as the front and rear fog lamps. The car also gets the split headlamp design with the LED DRLs doubling up as the indicators as well. On the Hector though, the unit gets dynamic function quite similar and popularised by the Audi range of vehicles.
The mild hybrid system is paired with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine and develops 141 bhp and 250 Nm
In a major boost towards making hybrid tech accessible. The MG Hector becomes the first compact SUV to get a hybrid powertrain. The model uses a 48V mild-hybrid system that is paired with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. MG says the 48 volt battery-powered system increases the fuel economy by 12 per cent and reduces CO2 emisssions by 11 per cent. The system comes with idle start-stop, regenerative braking, E-boost and more. MG claims an ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 15.81 kmpl on the hybrid.
The top-spec variant of the MG Hector gets a 360-degree camera along with front parking sensors
The MG Hector is also the first car in the segment to get a 360-degree that provides a complete bird's eye-view of the SUV. This system helps gauge a better idea when parking, which is a boon for a car that measures 4655 mm length, 1835 mm in width and 1760 mm in height. The wheelbase stands at 2750 mm.
Also Read: MG Hector Receives 10,000 Bookings In 23 Days
With rear parking sensors now mandatory on all cars, the MG Hector will also come with front parking sensors as a standard feature across all four variants. The system is a boon when parking in tricky spaces.
All five seats get three-point seatbelts on the Hector while the rear middle seat also gets a headrest
The Hector will be the first SUV in its space to get three-point seatbelts for all five passengers. The middle passenger in the rear usually gets only a lap belt, which did increase the chance of an injury in a mishap. In addition, the SUV gets a fatigue reminder setting that will warn the driver if they are starting to feel tired.
The driver side seat is 6-way adjustable, while the passenger seat can be electrically adjusted in 4 ways
The MG Hector comes with electrically adjustable seats for the driver and passenger. While the driver's seat can be adjusted in six ways, the passenger seat is four-way adjustable. The car also offers ample of cabin space, especially in the second row with the panoramic sunroof a novel addition.
Also Read: MG Hector vs Kia Seltos: Design & Features
Anothe luxury feature to make it to the MG Hector, the SUV will get ambient lighting as a segment-first feature with eight colour options. There's also an eight-speaker sound system from Infinity that adds a subwoofer and amplifier for a better acoustic experience.
The powered tailgate can be adjusted to a specific different height levels
The MG Hector features a powered tailgate that can be opened and closed at the touch of a button. The system also gets a height adustability function that allows users to set the height and angle, which is a boon in tight spaces with a low ceiling height. Lastly, the top-variants of the Hector get heated outside rear view mirrors (ORVMs) that improve visibility, especially during rain or snow.
