MG Hector and Kia Seltos are the two in-demand SUVs in India currently. Hector has been already launched, while Seltos is getting ready for launch. The demand for both has created records, when it comes to booking numbers. In just 22 days since launch, Hector bookings crossed 28k, which resulted in MG India shutting down bookings for 2019.
Which means, MG Hector, also known as the Internet car, is sold out in India for 2019. The yet to be launched Kia Seltos, registered 6,046 bookings on 1st day. Booking numbers have now raced past 23k mark, and we still have about 10 days before the car is launched.
Though both Seltos and Hector are 5 seater SUVs, compared to the Hector, Seltos is a smaller car. Not only it low and space, it is also less powerful. Where the Hector is priced in the range of Rs 12-17 lakhs, Seltos is expected to be launched in the range Rs 10-15 lakhs, ex-sh. Below is a short video by Sekhar Reddy Goluguri, comparing the two cars side by side for the first time.
The MG Hector was launched in India on 27th June in four variants of Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. It came in with a starting price of Rs.12.18 lakhs and a long list of features and is known as India’s first ‘Internet Car’. The MG Hector comes in with a total of 50 connectivity features.
These include i-Smart technology offering connected functionalities with an e-SIM embedded into the infotainment system. The e-SIM from Airtel not only ensures connectivity but also offers real time navigation, geo fencing, remote location and emergency response and has been designed to understand the Indian accent.
Kia Seltos on the other hand, comes with UVO connected car technology that offers 37 internet connected smart features spread across navigation, remote control, safety & security, convenience and vehicle management. Some of the key UVO features include live car tracking, find my car, car location sharing, live traffic information, remote engine start/stop, remote AC control, remote air purifier on, and remote door lock/unlock.
UVO safety and security features include stolen vehicle tracking, stolen vehicle immobilization, speed alert, idle alert, geofencing, auto collision notification, panic notification, emergency call, and road side assistance. UVO also supports in-car air quality monitoring, AI voice command, vehicle health report, maintenance alert, and vehicle diagnostics.
Both cars target a different set of buyers. But there will be segment of buyers, who might get it difficult to chose between the two. Of the two, it is the Seltos which is a driver’s car. Compared to the Hector, it is the Seltos which is more fun to drive. Being smaller in size, it is also easier to manoeuvre in traffic. Comfort levels on both cars are very good.
But when it comes to space, it is the Hector which is a winner. Apart from large windows, what helps the big cabin of Hector feel even bigger, is its panoramic sunroof. Engine options on offer with Seltos, though less powerful, are more fuel efficient. Which implies that cost of ownership of a Kia Seltos will be lesser as compared to the MG Hector.
Both cars come from company’s who have just entered India. Seltos is Kia’s first car for India, while Hector is MG’s first car for India. With Hector sold out for 2019, will those planning to buy Hector continue to wait till 2020, or switch to Seltos?
