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MG Hector Vs Jeep Compass Vs Tata Harrier — How Does The Brit Stack Up Against It Rivals?
MG Motor India recently unveiled their first product for the Indian market in the form of the Hector. Positioned in the mid-size SUV segment in the country, the MG Hector will rival the likes of the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the Mahindra XUX500 in the segment.
We recently, also got the opportunity to drive the Hector SUV and came out pretty impressed — read our detailed review here. However, being the first product from the Chines-owned British brand in India, how does it stack up against its main rivals in the segment. Let's find out.
Design
In terms of design, the MG Hector offers a stylish look. The design up front is characterised by the large grille, with the 'MG' logo at the front. The grille is flanked on either side by a dual headlamp set up with the LED DRLs on top and the LED projector lights below on the front bumper.
The side profile offers a boxy look with squarish flared wheel arches and the chrome strip at the bottom of the front doors, with 'Morris Garages' embossed on it. The rear again comes with LED tail lights connected at the centre. However, for the big and bulky look of the SUV, the only sore point is the 17-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, which look a tad small for the SUV.
Moving onto the Jeep Compass, the SUV offers a perfectly proportionate stance. The signature Jeep grille makes up the front fascia, flanked on either side by projector headlamps and LED DRLs. The front bumper houses the fog lamps, giving it a rather sporty look.
The side and rear profile continue the sporty theme of the SUV, with sharp shoulder lines and creases, accentuated by the flared wheel arches. The rear is primarily made up of the neatly designed wrap-around LED tail lights.
The Tata Harrier uses the brand's latest design language, called the 'Impact 2.0'. It is the first product from the brand to feature Tata's new design philosophy. The Harrier comes with a dual headlamp setup, with the LED DRLs on top and the projector lights housed below. The Tata Harrier looks bulky from all angles, giving it a premium and large look.
The side and rear profile, continues to carry forward the same bulky feel with large wheel arches, sharp lines. The sleek LED tail lights at the back is surrounded by black accents, which runs along the entire width of the boot. Tata also has the 'HARRIER' badging placed uniquely at the bottom centre of the boot lid.
Overall
Design
Rating:
MG
Hector:
7.5/10
Jeep
Compass:
8/10
Tata
Harrier:
7.5/10
Dimensions
In terms of overall dimensions, the MG Hector comes with the largest length and wheelbase compared to its two main rivals. However, the Hector feels compact due to its width, which it makes up for in height as well.
Overall
Dimensions
Rating:
MG
Hector:
8/10
Jeep
Compass:
7.5/10
Tata
Harrier:
8/10
Here is a summary of the dimensions of the three models in question:
Dimensions | MG Hector | Jeep Compass | Tata Harrier |
Length
(mm) |
4655 |
4395 | 4598 |
Width
(mm) |
1835 |
1818 | 1894 |
Height (mm) | 1760 | 1640 | 1706 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2750 | 2636 | 2741 |
Ground Clearance (mm) | 198 | 180 | 205 |
Engine Specifications
All three SUVs carry the same diesel engine, borrowed from FCA. This is in the form of a 2.0-litre BS-IV compliant diesel engine. However, while the Jeep Compass and the MG Hector produce the same power output of 173bhp and 350Nm of torque; the engine on the Tata Harrier has been tuned down to churn out just 143bhp and 350Nm of torque.
Apart from the diesel engine, the MG Hector also offers a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine churning out 143bhp and 250Nm of torque. Both the petrol and diesel engines on the Hector is offered with a six-speed manual, with the petrol receiving the optional seven-speed DCT automatic as well.
The Jeep Compass is also offered with a 1.4-litre petrol which produces 163bhp and 250Nm of torque. Jeep also offers either a six-speed manual or a DCT automatic option on the petrol motor. The Tata Harrier is the only model in the three to not receive a petrol variant. The Harrier is also offered with a six-speed manual, with no automatic option.
Overall
Engine
Specifications
Rating:
MG
Hector:
8/10
Jeep
Compass:
8/10
Tata
Harrier:
7/10
Here is a brief look at the engine specifications of the three models:
Specifications | MG Hector | Jeep Compass | Tata Harrier |
Engine | 1.5 Petrol/ 2.0 Diesel | 1.4 Petrol/ 2.0 Diesel | 2.0 Diesel |
Power (bhp) | 143/170 | 163/173 | 143 |
Torque (Nm) | 250/350 | 250/350 | 350 |
Transmission | DCT/MT | DCT/MT | 6MT |
Features
This is one aspect, where the MG Hector really stands out from its competition. The MG Hector comes with the tag of being 'India's first Internet Inside Car'. The Hector houses the largest display in the segment, a 10.4-inch vertically-stacked infotainment unit. This comes embedded with a e-sim and a AI-enabled 'i-Smart' connectivity function.
The MG Hector comes with little to no physical buttons or dials, with most of the functions controlled through touch or using the AI-enabled voice commands, activated by saying 'Hello MG'. The Hector also comes with the largest-in-segment electronic panoramic sunroof among a host of others.
The Jeep Compass and the Tata Harrier come with standard large infotainment touchscreen systems with smartphone connectivity and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, they also offer a number of features and equipments as well.
Overall
Engine
Specifications
Rating:
MG
Hector:
9/10
Jeep
Compass:
8/10
Tata
Harrier:
8/10
Price
The MG Hector in India is offered with a starting price of Rs 12.18 lakh for the base petrol variant. The top-spec diesel trim on the other hand comes in at Rs 16.88 lakh. Both prices are ex-showroom (India). This makes its more affordable than the Tata Harrier priced between Rs 13 lakh to Rs 16 lakh. The Jeep Compass on the other hand comes with a starting price of Rs 15 lakh while the top-spec 'Trailhawk' variant is offered with a price of Rs 26.8 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.
Verdict
The MG Hector is a great first product from the Chinese-owned British brand in the country. It offers a host of features, drives well, offers impressive performance. However it all comes down to the pricing in the market. If the brand prices the Hector competitively, it has a serious potential of offering a good challenge to its rivals.