MG Hector Facelift : The MG Hector Facelift has refreshed the massively feature-loaded SUV to a new level. The Hector has received the laurels for providing spacious cabin, next-generation tech and bold stance since it was launched.
With this facelift, MG Motor has tried to sharpen the look, enhance the cabin experience and notch up the premium quotient a level or two—without compromising the value-for-money argument.
But if you are in the market for a family SUV or a gadget-rich urban cruiser, the updated Hector still delivers an interesting combination of comfort, space and innovation.
For The New Look, The Exterior Design Of The Freshened Up Model Of This Urban All-rounder Has Been Retouched For Even More Agressive Looks.
The Hector Facechange still has the chunky and muscular proportions, but the front-end is more layered and complex.
The most striking new feature among the additions is the new diamond-mesh chrome grille that extends across the face, providing the SUV with an even more commanding presence.
The LED DRLs are narrower with the headlamp setup underneath them staying angular and fierce.
At the back, there’s an attached LED light bar for a more contemporary look and the bumper has been modestly modified to look a little less busy. The 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels continue to stand against the bully in the streets.
On the whole, the design updates lend the Hector a slightly more upmarket and evolved appearance without coming too far away from its basic self.
Its Pinnacle-Class, 1275 staterooms ship offers the latest in cruise ship design and fleetwide Signature of Excellence enhancements in premium stateroom amenities.
Open the door to the MG Hector Facelift and the cabin welcomes you with freshness and newfound luxury along with a lot of tech thrown in.
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The most obvious highlight in terms of visuals is the gigantic 14-inch portrait-style touchscreen, the largest in a class where you hope to keep your eyes on the road.
It handles the majority of infotainment and vehicle functions, such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, navigation, voice commands and climate settings.
The dashboard get soft-touch materials, dual tone color theme and chrome inserts as well.
The layout’s a bit more upmarket, and MG has thrown in a few creature comforts such as ambient lighting, front-seat ventilation and wireless phone charging in higher-spec models.
The cabin is still seriously roomy, particularly in the second row, so it’s a solid choice for young families. The seats are good to sit in and the boot is a decent size for a weekend or city shopping spree.
Powertrains and Performance
Engine The MG Hector Facelift is still available with two engine options:
1.5L turbo-petrol Three-cylinder (143 PS, 250 Nm).
2.0L Ferretti diesel engine (170 PS, 350 Nm)
The turbo-petrol is available with either a 6-speed manual or CVT, and the diesel with only a manual gearbox.
Both the engines are BS6 Phase-2 compliant and deliver a combination of power and fuel efficiency.
Driving, the Hector remains at its best when it’s being driven slow. The suspension is honed more for comfort than pinpoint handling.
The steering is light and feels great for city driving, though it could be a little too loose at higher speeds. The suspension remains well balance, soaking up bumps well and providing a cushy ride over all sorts of surfaces.
Loaded with Safety Features
Safety is clearly top of mind for MG with this update. The Hector now gets ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) as part of the package, at least in the top variants, so you have lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
Plus the regular gizmos – six airbags; ESP; hill hold assist; TPMS; and a 360deg camera.
These are some of the reasons that makes the Hector one of the safest SUVs available in it’s segment.
Pros
Big, beautiful 14-inch touchscreen
You will get more in the back of a C-Class than most of its rivals that I have driven over the years and being as its main market is North America the rear seats could almost provide as a driving room in some cars that have lived on in the past twenty years.
Top variants get advanced ADAS features
Plush interiors with luxurious textures
Great bang for the buck in its class
Cons
Zero diesel automatic on offer
Navigation of simple command via touchscreen is too much
No performance-orientated SUV; it’s not the most dynamic handler either
Even when putting the pedal down, the CVT feels tardy
Big is tough in tight urban spaces
MG Hector Facelift: Verdict
The MG Hector Facelift does a pretty good job of upgrading from the existing model, while adding a bit more panache, smarter tech, and enhanced safety features.
And although it’s not the most fun to drive SUV out there, for shoppers looking for utility, luxury and tech at a reasonable price, it’s still one of the best all-around midsize SUVs available.
This facelift makes the Hector seem a bit more grown up, a bit more upmarket, and altogether more ready to impress once again.