IAB reader Arpit Goel has spotted two test mules of the MG Hector in Himachal Pradesh. MG Motor had initially stated Q2 2019 (April-June 2019) as the launch timeline, but now it says that the launch will take place in mid-2019 (May-August 2019).
The MG Hector is essentially a repurposed Baojun 530, a product of the tripartite Chinese joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling.
MG has named its first SUV for India after Prince Hector of Troy. The company says that the name “draws inspiration from the Trojan warrior hero”. Also, the name pays homage to the Royal Hector biplane that was used by the Royal Air Force in the 1930s and stands for qualities like “Strong, Bold, Trustworthy and Dependable”. In markets around the world, the Baojun 530 will go as the Wuling Almaz and the Chevrolet Captiva.
The Baojun 530 is available in two-row (with five seats) and three-row (with seven seats) versions. The MG Hector will come with only five seats at launch, but reports say that seven- and eight-seat options are on the table for a later rollout. The engine options will include a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel unit, both BSVI compliant well ahead of the deadline.
In addition to the popular two-tier headlight design inspired by that of the Baojun 510 and a unique, MG-style front grille, the MG Hector will feature a large colour driver information display, two-tone interior colour scheme, touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink, a 360-degree camera and panoramic sunroof.
Also See: MG India's first SUV spied with new interior [Video]
The MG Hector's production will take place at a refurbished plant previously owned by GM, located in Halol, Gujarat. It could cost lower than the Jeep Compass, the prices of which start at INR 15.39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards.
