MG Hector 2020-2022

The massive 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment unit is something you'll notice as soon as you sit in any of the front seats. The touchscreen will include air conditioning controls, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and navigation options. A 360-degree camera display, iSMART connected apps, rain-sensing wipers, a large panoramic sunroof, cruise control, ambient lighting, and an electric tailgate are among the options. The facelift, which debuted in January 2021, added a few new features such as ventilated front seats, a wireless smartphone charger, dual-tone beige-black upholstery, and leather seats. Hector has also received support for a set of Hinglish voice commands such as "Hello MG, Sunroof khol do."

The large dimensions translate into a very spacious cabin, both in the front and in the back. The seats are quite supportive, with just the right amount of cushioning, and will keep you comfortable on long road trips. There is plenty of storage space throughout the cabin, with numerous cubby holes strewn about. Furthermore, the boot space is a massive 587-litre with all the rows up and can carry a lot of luggage.

The only oddity here is that the carmaker offers anti-clockwise tachometer movement. As a result, the speedometer and tacho needle move in opposite directions. Fortunately, the 7-inch MID has appealing graphics and a well-organized layout. It also provides a wealth of information, such as navigation alerts and tyre pressure status.

The MG Hector has been on sale with as many as three engine options – 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol hybrid and 2.0-litre diesel. Among these, our favourite is the Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre MultiJet motor that is found even under the hoods of Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. For Hector, this oil-burner outputs 170 PS-350 Nm. The oil-burner offers a strong performance with decent refinement for a diesel engine. The turbo-lag is well-contained and even the in-gear acceleration is strong. The only grouse we have is with the very sharp clutch.

The petrol engine is also smooth and the NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) levels are quite low. However, despite the petrol variant having a lower kerb weight, the 100 Nm difference in the torque output of the micro-hybrid-equipped version and the diesel variant is highly felt. That said, in most conditions, the petrol motor will feel powerful and even impress with the high refinement. The transmission offers a smooth experience and even the clutch action is better. The carmaker claims a 12 per cent increase in efficiency through the 48V mild-hybrid setup along with an 11 per cent drop in CO2 emissions. The 6-speed dual-clutch transmission performs efficiently but won’t feel as sharp as DSG or DCT units from VW Group and Hyundai, respectively. The CVT offers a jerk-free performance and works best for urban use.

The MG Hector isn’t too poised around the corners; and in spite of sufficiently powerful engine options, it’s no driver’s car. The high ride height and the long overhangs, along with the soft suspension setting, have led to a high body roll. The plus side of the softly sprung suspension is that the car keeps everyone comfortable on broken roads. Even the light steering won’t be a delight to the driving enthusiasts but it helps one easily make his way through the crowded city streets.

The high-speed stability is nothing to write home about. While things never get too unnerving, the Hector doesn’t feel as confident as either the Compass or the Harrier. There’s even a lot of understeer in the corners, which, together with the high body roll, will keep you from going fast on mountain roads. Overall, the ride-handling package comes across as a mixed bag. The soft suspension keeps everyone comfortable at low-to-moderate speeds, but the high body-roll and ordinary high-speed stability will leave the driver wanting more. Plus, the light steering that acts as a boon in the city plays a huge spoilsport at high speeds.

MG Hector is yet to be tested by Global NCAP, but the gamut of passive and active safety features it comes with should work well to offer protection to the occupants in an unfortunate event of a crash. Highlights of the standard safety equipment list includes - Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat anchors and rear parking sensors. The higher versions even get side and curtain airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, hill hold control, 360-degree camera, and fatigue warning.

Moreover, the connected features suite offers emergency calling facility. Plus, one even benefits from geo-fencing and vehicle collision alarm features. Finally, there’s even an app to track stolen vehicles in case of theft.