Click it and Unblock the Notifications
MG Hector Turns 6: Still The Smartest SUV On Indian Roads
It was the middle of 2019 when the dulcet tones of the modern-day Sherlock, Benedict Cumberbatch, alerted us to the arrival of India's first Internet Car, the MG Hector.
Priced between ₹12.18 lakh and ₹16.18 lakh, the Hector took its name and qualities from the legendary warrior prince of Troy. The MG Hector entered the Indian SUV scene with bold styling, a strong road presence, and more tech than anything else in its class.
The MG Hector's tech package was backed by tech heavyweights like Microsoft, Adobe, Unlimit, SAP, Cisco, and TomTom, and it featured a host of industry-first features for internet-enabled cars.
However, the star feature was surely the voice-assist system. Developed by Nuance for MG India, it was specifically tuned for India, with Indian accent recognition enhanced through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. The system responds to "Hello MG" and handles over 100 commands - from opening the sunroof to setting the AC - and even works when your data connection isn't cooperating.
The MG Hector also won the hearts and minds of its customers with "MG Shield", a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, 24/7 roadside help, and zero labour charges for the first five services.
Combine that with the big, comfy cabin and the segment's largest 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with MG's i-Smart connected tech, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and you can see why the Hector became a sales sensation, garnering over 21,000 bookings in a month, with the top-end Sharp and Smart trims quickly becoming the go-to picks for a majority of buyers.
The MG Hector offered three powertrain options - petrol, petrol-mild-hybrid (both sporting a 1.5-litre engine) and a 2.0-litre diesel, with the mild-hybrid giving a 20 Nm torque boost and a mileage of 15.81 km/l. The diesel was even better, delivering a mileage of 17.41 km/l (all mileage figures as per ARAI testing).
By 2020, the family grew with the arrival of the Hector Plus - an extended, three-row, six- or seven-seater SUV with a panoramic sunroof and a focus on comfort for those long weekend drives with the family.
A year later, the 50,000th Hector rolled out of MG's Halol plant near the city of Vadodara in Gujarat. The 50,000th Hector was built entirely by an all-women team - a proud moment for MG India. Every stage of producing the 50,000th MG Hector, from sheet pressing to welding, painting, and the final road tests, was handled by women-only teams.
Then, in January 2023, the Hector levelled up once again. The next-gen MG Hector sported a brand-new Argyle-inspired diamond mesh grille and, once again, a boatload of tech features, including Level-2 ADAS with a host of functions such as Traffic Jam Assist.
The next-gen Hector also featured a massive 14-inch portrait infotainment screen, a handy Bluetooth digital key, and over 75 connected features via MG's i-SMART connected car suite that ensured it remained at the top of the SUV tech race. The next-gen MG Hector also sports a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, wireless charging, and an 8-speaker Infinity sound system to play your favourite tunes.
Living with the MG Hector is also a breeze. According to Droom, the Hector's monthly maintenance costs are around ₹500, with the diesel Hector returning a mileage of 21 km/l on highways.Droom also states that when it comes time to upgrade, the Hector holds 70-75% of its value on resale.
It's been six years since the MG Hector first hit Indian roads. In that time, India's first "Internet Car" has turned heads with its style, kept passengers relaxed with its comfort, and amazed everyone with the cutting-edge tech packed into its ever-reliable, big-bodied shell.
The Hector's blend of space, style, and smarts has made it an absolute statement on wheels. We can't wait to see how the MG Hector evolves in the future, because if history's any guide, India's first Internet Car is only going to get better.
Continue with Google