MG Hector Review

MG HECTOR REVIEW

There’s a lot riding for the Hector as it marks the debut of the British brand, Morris Garages in a country that is largely dominated by just two automakers. To be completely honest, MG is under no illusions that it’ll be an easy run for the Hector in an already crowded segment as it will be locking horns against the Tata Harrier, XUV 500, Jeep Compass, Hyundai Creta and even the upcoming Kia Seltos. And yes, the brand is currently Chinese-owned. We’re here in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu to test out the car and draft an extensive MG Hector review.

First things first, and on the outside, the Hector looks dapper. In fact, the Hector proudly boasts aggressive and audacious bling that will be appreciated by most buyers. What accentuates it further is the huge imposing grille that carries out the massive MG insignia, split headlamps to keep up with the trends and Audi-esque matrix indicators that double up as daytime running lamps. On the side, the dual-tone 17-inch alloys are oppressed by the colossal size of the Hector, there is an immense badge that reads Internet Inside below the A-pillar and Morris Garages branding on the chrome outline near the rear door.

Inside, MG has made Hector’s cabin so special with the help of a prodigious 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen that takes up all your media, navigation and climate control knobs. What’s also nifty is the 7.0-inch MID stacked up between the speedo and tacho needles that take up all the vital information. The Hector also debuts a host of connectivity features that are processed through an embedded 5G-ready Airtel eSIM, for that connected tech wizardry. In our time drafting the MG Hector review, we did find the seats to be extremely supportive and supportive for your leg, head and torso.

Under the bonnet, the Hector is powered by two engine options – a 2.0-litre FCA sourced diesel heart that pushes out 168bhp and 350Nm of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The one we got our hands on in our Hector review, a 141bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol that belts out

350Nm of torque comes mated to both a six-speed manual and a DCT transmission. We drove the mild-hybrid petrol which only comes with manual transmission.

Right from the get-go, there is some amount of turbo-lag below the 2,000rpm mark. As you start gaining some pace, the engine feels lively and offers sufficient punch to cruise around the city. Out on the highway though, we did feel the need for more ponies. The ride quality is stupendous, the suspension carpets everything and there were no jitters throughout the ride even on broken roads.

Body roll was quite evident, and the steering felt soggy and uninspiring throughout corners. To sum it up, the Hector is not a driver’s car – but that’s not necessarily on the bucket list of a tech-savvy SUV buyer. To read the full verdict on our MG Hector review, make sure to lead your way to autoX.