MG Hector ‘Internet Car’ Features Revealed; Gets A Massive Touchscreen!

• Hector will feature a 10.4-inch tablet with Android-based OS. 
• Will get 4G connectivity and is also 5G-ready.
• Internet connection in the car will enable features like emergency alerts, vehicle status, remote control for features and more.
• In-built navigation with live traffic assist.
• MG Hector will rival the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass.

The race to transform in-car infotainment is speeding up in the country. With Hyundai also pitching its Venue as a connected SUV, MG today has revealed the ‘internet car’ features of its upcoming SUV, the Hector. The British carmaker has equipped the Hector with its iSMART system, which features an in-car Android-based tablet with 4G connectivity. This GSM connection enables a lot of functions in the car including features like emergency calls, vehicle status, remote control for the sunroof, tailgate, door lock and a whole lot more. More importantly, this system is also 5G-ready and will receive over the air updates for software and features like new themes, apps and entertainment content.

The Hector’s 10.4-inch tablet features a 4G connection which can be updated to a 5G network in the future. This system is connected to local servers, thus enabling a lot of emergency safety and remotely connected features. For instance, the system comes with an Emergency Call feature that connects to a 24/7 Pulse Hub. If involved in an accident, the airbags are deployed, an E-Call is activated and a text message sent to the Pulse Hub with the car’s location. An emergency message is also sent to the registered emergency contact. The Pulse Hub also makes a call to the head unit of the car and in case of no answer, the owner’s phone is called followed by emergency contact. The Pulse Hub can also initiate an emergency response to the authorities if required.

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The iSMART’s internet connection also enables owners to remotely connect to the car with a smartphone application. This allows for remote operation of features like climate control, tailgate, sunroof and door locks. The GSM connection also enables the in-built navigation to display real-time traffic updates, so that it can always display the quickest route to your destination. The Hector will also feature voice assist which can be activated by saying “Hello, MG” -- this assistant has been tuned for Indian-English pronunciation, which should make it easier to use.

Being an Android-based system, the infotainment allows for a lot of customisation options. It features 16GB of internal memory along with a file manager, which helps the user get easy access to their stored entertainment. The system also has a display for the tyre pressure monitoring system, a 360-degree camera and even features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The SUV will also get features like mood lighting, separate volume controls for media, phone and system alerts, and a single-zone climate control.

The MG Hector’s launch has been confirmed for May 2019 in India and will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier. Expect it to be priced close to Rs 17 lakh - Rs 20 lakh in the market. Hyundai's Venue is another upcoming SUV that is poised to give the Hector a run for its money in terms of connected features.

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