MG Hector Plus

Buying a new car in India is a big decision, isn’t it? You think about so many things: your budget, how safe your family will be, what the monthly maintenance will cost, the latest features you want, and how good the company service is. It is a puzzle with many pieces. But what if there was an SUV that ticks most of these boxes, offering a blend of style, space, features, and comfort? Today, we are going to dive deep into the new MG Hector Plus – a popular choice in the Indian SUV market that promises a lot for your money.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The MG Hector Plus offers a choice of two robust engine options to suit different driving preferences:

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: This engine provides a good balance of power and refinement, perfect for city commutes and highway cruising.
• 2.0L Turbo Diesel: Known for its strong torque, the diesel engine is ideal for those who frequently travel long distances or need that extra grunt for hauling passengers and luggage.

Design Overview

Exterior:

The Hector Plus stands out with its bold and imposing presence. It features a prominent chrome grille, sleek LED headlamps with integrated DRLs, and a sculpted bonnet. The extended length and revised rear design, including new tail lamps and a redesigned bumper, give it a more sophisticated and mature look compared to the regular Hector. It is designed to look premium and substantial on Indian roads.

Interior:

Step inside, and the Hector Plus greets you with a spacious and premium cabin. The dual-tone interior theme, soft-touch materials, and comfortable seating immediately impress. The layout is clean and user-friendly, with most controls easily accessible. The overall feel is one of comfort and modern connectivity, especially with the large central infotainment screen dominating the dashboard.

Key Features

MG has packed the Hector Plus with a host of advanced features to enhance convenience and comfort:

• 14-inch HD Portrait Infotainment Screen: One of the largest in its segment, offering crisp visuals and intuitive controls.
• i-SMART Connectivity: Advanced connected car tech with over 75 features, including voice commands, remote functions, and geofencing.

Panoramic Sunroof: Adds to the sense of spaciousness and lets in plenty of natural light.360-degree Camera: Aids in parking and maneuvering in tight spots by providing a complete view around the vehicle.Wireless Phone Charging: Keeps your compatible devices charged without the clutter of cables.Dual-Pane Climate Control: Allows driver and co-passenger to set their preferred temperatures.Ventilated Front Seats: A welcome feature for hot Indian summers, providing enhanced comfort.Powered Tailgate: Offers convenience for loading and unloading luggage.Digital Instrument Cluster: Provides all vital information clearly.

What is the Ground Clearance of MG Hector Plus?

The MG Hector Plus offers a practical ground clearance of 192 mm, which is quite good for navigating varied Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and uneven terrain, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of MG Hector Plus?

The boot space of the MG Hector Plus depends on the seating configuration:

• 5-Seater Version: Approximately 587 Litres (with rear seats up).

6/7-Seater Version: Reduced when all rows are in use, but still practical for small bags. With the third row folded down, it expands considerably.

 

What are the Dimensions of MG Hector Plus?

• Length: 4700 mm
• Width: 1835 mm
• Height: 1760 mm
• Wheelbase: 2750 mm

Powertrain Options

• 1.5L Turbo Petrol: Available with both a 6-speed Manual Transmission and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic.
• 2.0L Turbo Diesel: Available only with a 6-speed Manual Transmission.

Safety Features

MG has equipped the Hector Plus with a strong array of safety features:

• Up to 6 Airbags
• ABS with EBD (Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
• ESP (Electronic Stability Program)
• TCS (Traction Control System)
• Hill Hold Control
• All-Wheel Disc Brakes
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• ADAS Level 2 features (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) in top variants, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking.

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a top concern for car buyers. Here is how the MG Hector (on which the Hector Plus is based) has performed in NCAP tests:

NCAP Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Remarks
Global NCAP	5 Stars	4 Stars	Tested under Global NCAP’s updated 2024 protocols (applies to Hector)
Bharat NCAP	Not Tested Yet	Not Tested Yet	Hector Plus has not been tested by Bharat NCAP as of now

Rivals of MG Hector Plus

The MG Hector Plus competes in a very tough segment in India. Its main rivals include:

• Tata Safari
• Mahindra XUV700
• Hyundai Alcazar
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara (some variants)
• Kia Seltos (some variants)

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros:

• Spacious and Comfortable Cabin: Especially impressive for long journeys, offering ample legroom and headroom.
• Feature-Loaded: Comes packed with tech and convenience features, making it feel very modern and premium.

Commanding Road Presence: Its size and bold styling give it a distinct look on the road.Smooth Petrol-CVT Option: The automatic petrol variant offers a very relaxed driving experience in city traffic.Good Ride Quality: Absorbs bumps and undulations well, providing a comfortable ride.Advanced Safety Features: ADAS Level 2 and comprehensive passive safety ensure peace of mind.

Cons:

• Diesel Engine Only with Manual: The diesel engine lacks an automatic transmission option, which many buyers now prefer.

Light Steering at High Speeds: While easy in the city, the steering can feel a bit light at higher highway speeds.Third Row Space (6/7 Seater): The third row is best suited for children or short distances for adults.Fuel Efficiency: While competitive, it is not the absolute best in class for both engines.Brand Perception: Though improving, MG is still a newer brand compared to established players, which might be a factor for some buyers.

Conclusion

The MG Hector Plus truly stands out as a compelling choice for Indian car buyers looking for a feature-rich, spacious, and comfortable SUV. It brings a lot to the table with its bold design, advanced technology, and comprehensive safety suite, including a strong Global NCAP rating for the Hector model. While it has a few minor drawbacks like the lack of a diesel automatic and slightly limited third-row space, its overall package – especially the premium feel and the sheer number of features – makes it a very attractive option. If you are in the market for a family SUV that offers great value and a modern driving experience, the MG Hector Plus should definitely be on your test drive list. It is a car that aims to deliver more, and largely succeeds.