The three-row mid-size SUV segment is gaining prominence in India and we have seen an influx of quite a few new models in this segment. The MG Hector Plus is one of the latest entrants in this segment and was later joined by the Tata Safari and now the Hyundai Alcazar. Now these models are positioned in between two segments with the Ertiga and XL6 being on the starting range of the price bracket while the Toyota Innova Crysta being on the higher end. The MG Hector Plus is essentially the three-row version of the MG Hector and is one of the strong contenders in this segment. Here are the highlights.
It gets a dual-tone treatment with black roof along with few cosmetic upgrades in its face like the ZS EV inspired grille.
There have been quite a few styling updates made to the new Hector. For instance, it gets a dual-tone treatment with black roof along with few cosmetic upgrades in its face like the ZS EV inspired grille that sports chrome-stud pattern and a revised bumper. Then the facelifted model also gets a set of new five-spoke alloy wheels. Even on the inside you'll see new dual-tone black and beige cabin while the overall layout remains unchanged.
While the six-seater trim gets captain seats in the middle row, the seven-seater version gets bench like seats.
The big update in the cabin is of course addition of the third-row seats. The MG hector Plus is offered with both six and seven seater option. While the six-seater trim gets captain seats in the middle row, the seven-seater version gets bench like seats. The interior is now available in dual-tone champagne-gold colour option along with the existing all-black scheme as well as an option.
It gets the same 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and i-Smart connected car tech.
The 10.4-inch touchscreen stays the same as well. The new i-Smart system now also responds to 'Hinglish' voice commands, which the company says is an industry first. The system understands about 35-odd Hinglish commands such as 'Hello MG, AC chalao', 'Hello MG, sunroof kholo', 'Hello MG, Radio Bajao' and so on.
It's loaded to the brim with features.
There is a new wireless mobile phone charger and the front seats get three-step ventilation system. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control and ambient lighting among others.
It is offered with three powertrain options.
Both the MG Hector Facelift and Hector Plus are offered with the same engine options- 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol, a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid, and the fiat-sourced 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine. The petrol and mild-hybrid versions make 141 bhp and 250 Nm torque and come mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional DCT automatic (mild-hybrid only) or a CVT transmission. The diesel version, on the other hand, puts out 168 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque and gets the 6-speed manual gearbox as standard.
