Morris Garages is gearing up for the launch of their first offering in India. Called Hector, it will launch in India by the end of May 2019. Expected price range is Rs.13-16 lakhs. It will compete with the Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500 and Jeep Compass in this segment.
It will be bigger in size, as compared to rivals, and more value for money than any other car in the segment. The Hector will be produced at the manufacturing unit in Halol, Gujarat, which was earlier used by General Motors. Annual production is set at 1 lakh units with investments from MG Motors to the tune of Rs.2,000 crores being extended to Rs.5,000 crores over the next 6 years.
The MG Hector features LED projector lamps, LED DRLs, LED turn indicators, and chrome finished front grille with multiple slats in the front. It also gets alloy wheels and body cladding along with a faux skid plate. The rear appears to be inspired by the Audi Q5, with a similar hatch gate.
Interiors will sport a 10.4” portrait style touchscreen infotainment system supporting eSIM and offering advanced connectivity options. It will also get a 7” driver information display, a Harman sourced Infinity audio system with 4 speakers and 4 tweeters along with a subwoofer and a 360 degree camera. It will come in with electric seats and electric parking brake. The latest teaser video by MG India, gives a peek into some of the features on offer. One of them is a panoramic sunroof.
MG Hector will be powered by a 1.5 liter, turbocharged petrol engine with a mild hybrid system offering 143 hp power and 250 Nm torque mated to a 6 speed manual and dual clutch automatic transmission.
It will also get a 2.0 liter turbo diesel engine sourced from FCA, which also powers rivals Compass and Harrier. This engine will be capable of 173 hp power and 350 Nm torque but no automatic transmission will be offered with this engine. It will be mated to 6 speed MT.