MG Hector SUV Launch In May; Will Rival Tata Harrier

• MG Hector launch confirmed For May 2019.
• Will be a connected SUV with its own Android-based OS.
• Will get both petrol and diesel engine options.
• Prices expected to start from Rs 14 lakh.

After revealing the new iSMART connected features of the Hector SUV, MG Motor confirmed that it will launch the midsize SUV in India next month. While the MG Hector was earlier pegged to be the first connected SUV in India, it now looks like the Hyundai Venue, which is also scheduled to launch in May, might beat it to that. However, the MG Hector will land in a different segment and will rival the likes of the Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass. Expect its prices to start from Rs 14 lakh.

The big talking point about the Hector is its connectivity options. The SUV gets MG’s iSMART system which runs on an in-car Android-based tablet with 4G connectivity. This enables the SUV to pack features like emergency calls, vehicle status, remote control for the sunroof, tailgate and door lock, voice commands for vehicle controls, real-time traffic updates and a lot more. In fact, the system is even 5G-ready and will receive over the air updates for software and applications.

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Its infotainment screen is a massive 10.4-inch touchscreen tablet in portrait orientation. This screen can display and lets you control or monitor most of the in-car functions like tyre pressure monitoring, climate control, weather updates, traffic updates, 360-degree camera, mood lighting and has 16GB of internal memory along with a file manager. This system also supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

Powering the Hector will be a Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre Multijet diesel engine, seen in the Compass in a 173PS/350Nm state of tune and in a 140PS/350Nm tune in the Tata Harrier. The diesel engine will only be available with a 6-speed manual transmission initially. The petrol engine option is going to be a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit with an expected power output of 143PS and 250Nm of peak torque. The petrol motor will also get the option of a DCT.

With big SUV looks and premium connected features, the MG Hector looks on track to generate a lot of interest in the market. The question, however, is, will buyers trust MG over more established rival brands like Jeep and Tata? Luckily, the answer is just a few weeks away now.

Recommended Read

• MG Hector Teased Again; More Features Revealed
• Hyundai Venue ‘Connected’ Features Revealed; Could Beat MG Hector To The Crown