MG Hector has been a strong seller in the mid-size SUV segment ever since its launch in 2019. Since then it has gone ahead with more modern, better performing and feature rich SUVs. Now MG has given the biggest update to the Hector with more features, technology and new looks. Here’s a look at how the 2023 MG Hector fares.
The Hector now gets a bigger front grille, with diamond-like chrome inserts, giving it more presence on the road. It retains the split headlight arrangement from the older model, but you now get what MG calls intelligent indicators, which turn on – if you haven’t already – when you turn the steering 30 degrees in either direction. rotate more than
Along the edges, it gets 18-inch alloys with dual-tone finish and chrome garnish on the window line. MG has made changes to the rear, with the Hector now getting LED lighting elements that connect the tail-lamps at either end. The Hector badging is also now more prominent and is further down on the tailgate, while the ‘Internet Inside’ badge on the older model has made way for the ADAS badge.
It is on the inside where the new MG Hector takes things to a whole new level. While the 10.4-inch touchscreen of the old Hector was one of its highlights, the new one gets a massive 14-inch unit. The unit itself is a big step up from its predecessor, as it feels easier to use and has better resolution. It’s still not as sleek as the tablet, but the response time is much better and it’s not as slow as the previous one.
The touchscreen packs in a whole host of features and is also used to control certain functions of the SUV. The unit gets wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility and can be used to open/close the sunroof, adjust ambient lighting and control the HVAC system. However, operating the AC controls on the move is a cumbersome process as you have to take your eyes off the road to do so.
Thankfully, the addition of another new feature helps alleviate this problem. The Hector now gets MG Assistant, which debuted in the Astor and comes with a set of voice commands to carry out tasks like operating the sunroof, adjusting AC temperature and fan speed, changing ambient light shades and more. works through.
MG has also reworked the dashboard layout to accommodate the larger screen. The AC vents have been replaced and are now slightly smaller than before. You also get soft touch material on the dash top, which feels quite premium. The center console is also new, with a new gear lever and more physical buttons to control some of the key functions. Also a part of the package is a new fully digital instrument cluster.
The electrically adjustable front seats have ventilation and are large and supportive, but the lumbar support is excessive and not adjustable either. The rear seat of the Hector remains unchanged, but that is not a bad thing. You still get the wide seat, which can easily seat three adults and you can recline the seat rest for better comfort.
There’s ample leg and headroom even for a six-footer and the flat floor is comfortable even for middle passengers. The rear seat occupants also get a center armrest and dedicated AC vents. The light beige upholstery also does wonders in making this cabin feel airy, but it will be hard to keep clean. Overall, the cabin feels more premium than before as the quality has taken a step forward, with nicer materials and better fit and finish.
Other features of note on the top-spec Hector facelift include auto headlamps and wipers, powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, MG’s i-Smart connected car tech, an Infinity audio system, leatherette upholstery and PM 2.5 air purifier. Safety kit on the Hector Savvy includes six airbags, 360-degree camera with 3D mode, TPMS, ESC, traction control and front and rear parking sensors.
A major addition to the Hector facelift’s already extensive equipment list is ADAS technology, which brings features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency bracing. We tested the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist on our drive, and the system managed to keep the SUV well within its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the car in front. It was only when we encountered a poorly marked stretch of road that the system shut down.
Other ADAS features include bend cruise assist, which – when cruise control is activated – adjusts the vehicle’s speed when it encounters a curve; and Traffic Jam Assist, which when activated helps the SUV crawl through slow-moving traffic.
With this update, MG has removed the 1.5-litre petrol mild-hybrid powertrain from the range, so your choices are now limited to either a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol we tested produces 143hp and 250Nm, paired with an 8-step CVT automatic transmission.
On the move, the Hector facelift feels similar to the older model. The top of the line turbo petrol-CVT is responsive and in general quite comfortable to drive. While the CVT does a good job of keeping the engine in the optimum rev band, you can still feel some turbo lag, especially when you drive with a heavy foot. And when you drive spiritedly, the gearbox exhibits the typical rubber band effect associated with a CVT.
The Hector facelift comes with three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – but the difference in performance between the modes is barely perceptible. It’s only during part-throttle input that you’ll feel the difference between them.
In our performance tests, it did the 0-100kph dash in 11.9s in Sport, 11.94s in Normal and 12.28s in Eco. As for roll-on acceleration, the 20-80kph run is dispatched in 6.7s in Sport, 7s in Normal and 7.47s in Eco. In terms of fuel efficiency, the Hector petrol-CVT returned 8.3kpl in the city and 9.6kpl on the highway while being driven in Eco mode on our test cycles.
The Hector is not going to be an enthusiast’s SUV. Due to its soft suspension set-up, it tends to roll a lot when you take turns at speed and the steering doesn’t feel great either.
The Hector facelift continues to get disc brakes all around, which do a decent job of slowing the SUV down. There is initially a strong and confident bite followed by progressive stopping power.
Priced at ₹14.73 lakh to ₹21.73 lakh (ex-showroom, India), the Hector facelift will rival mid-size SUVs like the Tata Harrier, the 5-seater version of the Mahindra XUV700, the Hyundai Creta, the Kia Seltos, the Volkswagen Tigun, the Skoda Kushaq is continuing. , Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyder.
The Hector facelift takes all the strong points of the outgoing model and further builds on them. It remains a spacious and comfortable SUV and now feels more premium and packs in even more equipment to impress you. Sure, it’s not engaging to drive and the turbo-petrol engine is on the thrusty side, but if you just want a refined SUV that also offers comfort, the Hector facelift is hard to beat.