It was the first AI SUV in the country. Now MG Hector Plus has been launched this July. It is a 6 seater SUV with many changes to the exterior and interior, due to which it is different from the five-seater model.
Recently we got a chance to play MG Hector Plus. We ran the diesel variant of Hector and brought you its first-drive review. Will MG Hector be able to compete with Toyota Innova Crysta in India? Let’s know
MG Hector Plus Design & Styling
MG Hector Plus has undergone major changes in design and styling, which makes it look different from the 5 seater model. This SUV looks more premium than before and looks better than other models of the brand.
Like the Hector model, it has also been designed in such a way that the SUV offers a commanding presence on the road. The MG Hector Plus model has a height of 1760 mm, width 1835 mm and wheelbase 2720 mm. Although major changes have been made to its length, it is already 65 mm long. MG Hector has a length of 4720 mm.
Talking about the design, the front part of MG Hector Plus has been given a new look, it has a chrome grill on the front. Its bumper has been redesigned, as well as new LED headlamps, dynamic turn signal indicators and fog lamps.
The MG badge is placed in the middle of the grill and a camera has been installed to improve driving. The scuff plate and air dam have been redesigned, which gives it a new look from the front. The door handle features a chrome element, including push-button, lock and unlock button. Chrome has also been given to denote the name MG in the footboard.
Its roof rail has been strengthened which can carry a good amount of weight. It also has a shark fin antenna. The rear of the Hector Plus SUV gets a redesigned bumper, LED tail lamp, new design boot lid and electronic tailgate. A new cool feature is that the tailgate can be opened by swiping the foot under the scuff plate.
MG Hector Plus interior
MG Motor has done everything to make the interior attractive and comfortable. The MG Hector Plus dashboard is made of high-quality material and uses leather that gives it a premium feel.
The multifunction steering wheel of this SUV has a strong feel and provides good feedback. With this, the volume control, calling function, a push to talk button and cruise control have been given. There are two horizontal air conditioning vents in its dashboard.
It has a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system which is easy to use due to its easy layout. In this system, a new version of MG i-smart connected technology has been given, which now also has the chit chat feature.
Under this new feature, you can talk to the car, it can be used well while travelling alone. A total of 55 features are provided under MG i-Smart Connected Technology. It has a SIM card already installed which is 5G enabled.
Its main features include geofencing, find my car, voice assistant, remote function for start/stop, air conditioning, lock and unlock, emergency call feature. It also supports the system over the air updates.
Hector Plus has 8 speakers and tweeters, which is very good. This SUV has a power-adjustable driver seat which is designed in Sepia Brown leather, it is very comfortable. There is no doubt that the seats are designed for road trips.
The middle seat of the captain seat is exactly like the door which allows the children to move easily to the third row. This third-row seat is made for children only. In its second and third row, limited legroom has been given, which falls for the adult.
This seat can be folded in a 50:50 split way, it can be folded several ways as per the requirement. The third-row seat also has air conditioning control. Dual pan panoramic sunroof has been given in MG Hector Plus. This roof can be opened with the touch of a button, but it opens in two phases. The first half of it opens, followed by another button, and half of it opens.
MG Hector Plus Practicality, comfort and boot space
SUVs are designed in such a way that they are practical, very comfortable and have excellent boot space. The Hector Plus is a truly plus size car, with maximum comfort configuring personal space and boot space.
The driver and front passenger seat are very comfortable and provide excellent Thai support. Its second-row seat is also comfortable, it also has separate armrests. The space given between the two seats gives passengers good personal space.
The third-row seat has limited legroom and is designed for children only. The MG Hector Plus offers a small boot space of 155 litres but increases further after the third row is folded.
It is very easy for the front passenger to get in and out but it is a bit difficult for the second row, but it becomes easier if the seat is slightly rearward. In such a situation it is easy for children in the third row but difficult for adults.
Engine performance and driving experience
The MG Hector Plus is available in two engine options including a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is also available with the petrol hybrid. Both petrol variants provide 141 bhp of power and 250 Newton meter of torque. It has the option of 6-speed manual and DCT gearbox but the only 6-speed manual has been given in hybrid variants.
The second engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that provides 168 Bhp of power and 350 Newton meter of torque. It has a 6-speed manual gearbox. Due to lack of time, we got the opportunity to run only diesel variants and we have been very impressed with its power and performance.
It seems to be running a diesel engine because the diesel engine taken from Fiat is present in many other vehicles, including Hector. There has not been a big change in its performance. This diesel engine provides good performance levels throughout the rev range. Its power delivery is good for both the city as well as the long journey on the highway.
Most of its torque kicks around 1700 rpm which makes it easier to overtake in city traffic. Its power delivery also remains in the mid-range, due to which it becomes easy to walk on the highway.
Its clutch initially feels light but gets a bit awkward in stop and go traffic conditions and it takes some time to understand it. Its gear shift is very smooth and does not take much time to shift.
The suspension is slightly softer in the Plus model than the Hector SUV. It gets a premium ride in the Hector Plus, which easily passes on road bump, pothole and other areas. It has excellent braking and easily stops this 1700 kg SUV.
Its steering is also light and this 6 seater SUV can be easily driven at the edges and turns in the city. However, while driving on the highway, the steering is not weighed accordingly, which may slightly reduce the driver’s confidence.
A little body roll is also present in Hector Plus. The tires are small in size for large SUVs, which can shake your confidence while moving in the edges at high speeds.
Engine Specs | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid | Diesel |
Engine CC | 1541 | 1541 | 1956 |
No.Of Cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Power (bhp) | 141 | 141 | 168 |
Torque (Nm) | 250 | 250 | 350 |
Transmission | 6-MT/7-DCT | 6-MT | 6-MT |
MG Hector Plus Features and security tools
MG Hector Plus is loaded with features both inside and outside. Some of the main features are the following, which are given as standard in all the variants.
- Remote keyless entry
- Captain’s seat in the second row, with bending and sliding facilities
- Third row 50:50 split seat
- AC vents in the second and third-row
- Driver armrest, with storage and 12-volt power outlet ‘
- Power adjustable from
- Front and rear fast charging port
- Cooled glove box
Safety has also been taken care of in MG Hector Plus and many safety devices have been provided in it. Some of these main tools are:
- 6 airbags in total
- Electronic stability program
- ABS with EBD
- Rear parking sensor
- 360-degree camera (available in sharp variant)
- Isofix Child Seat Anchor
- High-speed warning system
- Speed Sensing Auto Door Lock
- Cornering Fog Lamp
- Traction control
Variants, colours and price
MG Hector Plus has a total of four variant options available in Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. The base petrol variant is priced at Rs 13.49 lakh which goes up to Rs 18.54 lakh for the top sharp diesel variant. This price is ex-showroom India.
The vehicle is available in a total of six colour options Stary Sky Blue, Glaze Red, Burgundy Red, Stary Black, Candy White and Aurora Silver.
Competition and Fact Check
According to MG Motor, MG Hector Plus is going to compete directly with the Toyota Innova Crysta, but will also compete with other six and seven-seater vehicles, including the soon-to-be-launched Tata Gravitas.
Competitors/Specs | MG Hector Plus | Toyota Innova Crysta | Gravitation daddy |
Engine | 1.5 Petrol / 2.0 Diesel | 2.7 Petrol / 2.4 Diesel | 2.7 Diesel |
Power (bhp) | 141/168 | 164/148 | 170 |
Torque (Nm) | 250/350 | 245/343 | 350 |
Transmission | 6-MT/DCT | 5-MT/6-MT/AT | 6-MT/6-AT |
Price (ex-showroom) | Rs 13.49-18.54 Lakh | Rs 15.67 – Rs 24.68 Lakh | *TBA |
Conclusion
The MG Hector Plus has priced at Rs 13.9 lakh (ex-showroom), it is well built, runs well and has a nice comfortable cabin. Especially for those who are looking for a second row Captain seat and a bigger cabin, this feature is available in Toyota Innova Crysta at Rs 15.66 lakh (ex-showroom). The third row of Hector Plus is not as comfortable for the jawans but is suitable for a large family with children.
Overall, Hector Plus is a better version of Hector, which is brought with premium interior and general design changes.