MG Motors has launched the Hector Plus SUV in India on July 13, 2020. This marks the introduction of a 6-seater version of the Hector SUV that has already been on sale in the country for close to a year. It is worth noting that the regular Hector has a seating capacity of 5 people, while the Hector Plus gets a three-row seating arrangement and can accomodate 6 people comfortably.
The MG Hector Plus has been launched at an introductory price starting from Rs. 13.49 lakh and going up to Rs. 18.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It is important to note that these prices are introductory in nature and will be applicable only for the first month. The company has announced that it will increase prices of the Hector Plus by Rs. 50,000 after August 13th.
At the introductory price, the MG Hector Plus is priced at a premium of around Rs. 65,000. For this extra money, you get captain seats in the second row, and a third row of seats. The third row, according to MG Motors, is best suited for younger people with smaller body frames. To put it clearly, a six-footer would not be comfortable in the third row of the MG Hector Plus.
In addition to the added third row of seats, the Hector Plus gets some tweaks to the exteriors. The bigger model gets new front and rear bumpers. The Plus is also 65 mm longer than the regular Hector. The headlamps are also slightly revised, and so is the larger grille that now gets a mesh pattern. The Hector Plus is available in a total of 6 colour options – Starry Sky Blue, Glaze Red, Burgundy Red, Starry Black, Candy White and Aurora Silver.
On the inside, the MG Hector Plus gets tan brown leather upholstery. This is in contrast to the all-black colour scheme found inside the regular Hector. It is worth noting that though the Hector Plus currently only gets a 6-seat version, a 7-seater is also expected to be launched sometime later this year.
Features, both convenience and safety related, are borrowed from the regular model. Hence, user get a 7.0-inch MID screen, ambient lighting, panaromic sunroof, LED headlights, heated wing mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, and powered front seats. Infotainment system on offer is a 10.4-inch touchscreen unit with Applr CarPlay, Android Auto and connected car features. The most significant feature-related change seen on the Hector Plus includes a hands-free opening mechanism for the tailgate that can respond to the users swiping their feet below the car’s rear end to open the boot.
Under the hood, the MG Hector in India gets two engine options. These include a 2.0-litre turbo diesel putting out 170 PS while being mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. There is also a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine on offer rated at 143 PS and available with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT automatic. The petrol engine even gets mild-hybrid tech on the top-spec trim. This includes an additional 48V battery working in tandem with the engine, which is mated to a 6-speed MT gearbox.
In India, the MG Hector Plus competes against the likes of the Mahindra XUV500, Toyota Innova, and the upcoming Tata Gravitas.