MG Hector SUV was spotted testing alongside the Hyundai Tucson and the Honda CR-V.
The MG Hector SUV has been spied on test again, with the latest image showing MG’s first model for India being put against the Hyundai Tucson and the Honda CR-V. The spy shot has also revealed minor details about the new SUV’s exteriors.
The images show that the Hector gets a wide honeycomb grille with the MG badge at the centre, a dual-headlamp setup with thin LED DRLs above and the main headlight unit below like that on the Harrier, and alloy wheels of similar size to its rivals; the CR-V gets larger 18-inch wheels while the Tucson gets 17-inchers. The image also shows a significant overhang at the rear.
The MG Hector is longer and taller than both the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Tucson. This means that the 5-seater SUV will have more space than the other two. The interiors are likely to be quite plush especially in the top-spec trims with MG throwing in everything to make this SUV worthy of its price. Soft-touch materials, premium leather and chrome surround for the AC vents are expected.
The equipment on offer is likely to outdo the competition with a 360-degree camera as part of the features list. The display for the camera will be on a portrait touchscreen infotainment system mounted at the top of the centre console. Other expected kit includes a panoramic sunroof, rear AC vents, a TFT multi-info display, power adjustable front seats, cruise control and an electronic parking brake.
Like its key rivals, the MG Hector SUV will come with petrol and diesel powertrain options. Power figures for the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and the 2.0-litre diesel engine (sourced from Jeep) are likely to be in the range of 170 BHP apiece. This means that the Hector petrol will be more powerful than its equivalent competition. The Hyundai Tucson petrol produces 155 BHP and the Honda CR-V petrol produces 154 BHP.
On the other hand, the Hector will outclass CR-V’s diesel (120 BHP) but will be less than Tucson’s diesel (185 BHP). Gearbox options for the Hector will likely be a manual and an automatic transmission. The Tucson gets a 6-speed manual and automatic options while the CR-V gets a petrol CVT and a 9-speed torque convertor automatic for the diesel. Both the cars in their top-spec diesel versions offer an all-wheel-drive system and it is likely that the Hector will come with that option too.
MG Motor India claims that it has achieved 75 percent localisation of parts at SAIC’s plant in Halol, Gujarat, which should help in pricing the Hector competitively, significantly lower than the CR-V and possibly even lower than the Tucson. The SUV goes on sale in mid-2019.
MG Hector SUV
– MG Motor India’s first SUV was spotted with its arch rivals
– The SUV will feature bold styling with large dimensions
– Likely to be priced competitively
Source – AutocarIndia.com
