Its been over a year and a half since MG Motors launched the Hector SUV in India and while it was hugely popular initially, it somehow got a little subdued with the arrival of the Kia Seltos and the new-gen Hyundai Creta. Since then, MG Motors again created some buzz with the launch of the six-seater Hector Plus but that never quite made an impact like the Hector originally did. Earlier, we reported to you with spy shots of a camouflaged test mule of the Hector, possibly hinting at a facelift already. Now, the MG Hector facelift has been spied undisguised near its plant in Gujarat, hinting at its possible launch very soon, probably even next month.
The updates however aren't hugely significant. The MG Hector facelift gets a new grille with horizontal slats instead of the studded design as seen on the current car. The rest of the face remains pretty much unchanged otherwise. Even the shape of the grille hasn't been altered at all. The SUV continues with its split LED headlamp setup with high-set LED DRLs. The bumper too remains unchanged. We would have liked if the headlamp design was updated to that of the Hector Plus and if there was a little less use of chrome, which seems unlikely.
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One of the biggest changes is visible in the profile of the SUV. The Hector is quite a large SUV and it's 17-inch wheels look rather tiny and disproportionate with the rest of the body. Spy images of the MG Hector facelift suggest that the updated model could be using these new 5-split-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels, which are possibly 18-inches. They fill up the wheel arches much better and look more premium as well. It however does not seem like there will be any changes to the rear profile of SUV.
We also do not expect any major changes to the interiors of the Hector, as the Hector Plus itself isn't much different. MG could however spice things up by offering some different trim materials for the dashboard or new dual-tone theme for the upholstery for a fresh look. The cabin of the Hector is otherwise pretty fine with space being of its strongest points. Some of the standout features include a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car tech, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, automatic climate control, powered driver’s seat, and an Infinity sound system and much more.
There will certainly be no changes under the hood of the MG Hector facelift. It will continue with its FCA-sourced 170hp 2.0-litre diesel engine and the 140hp 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The petrol engine can also be had with mild-hybrid tech for start/stop functionality and additional torque boost. A 6-speed manual gearbox is standard while the turbo-petrol variants also get a DCT gearbox. The facelifted MG Hector could be launched sometime in 2021 and it will continue its rivalry with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Tata Harrier.
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