MG Motor India made a bold entry into the Indian auto market in 2019 with the launch of its first offering — the MG Hector. Priced competitively between ₹12.18 lakh and ₹16.88 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hector stood out as India’s first truly connected SUV, boasting futuristic features, robust design, and an ownership experience that set new industry standards.
Inspired by Strength and Innovation
Named after the legendary Trojan warrior Prince Hector, the SUV represents strength, reliability, and heroism. It was adapted extensively from MG’s global platform to suit Indian roads and consumer preferences. Every element, from its design to its drivetrain, was tailored to meet local expectations.
India’s First Internet Car
The Hector introduced Indian buyers to a whole new era of smart mobility. Developed in collaboration with global tech giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe, SAP, TomTom, Nuance, Unlimit, and Gaana, the SUV delivered over 75 connected car features through MG’s advanced iSMART system.
The highlight was its Voice Assistant, developed by Nuance, designed specifically to understand Indian accents. Activated by saying “Hello MG”, the system allowed over 100 voice commands for controlling the sunroof, windows, AC, navigation, and more—even in low network areas—thanks to cloud and onboard processing enhanced with AI and ML.
Industry-Leading Ownership Package
To ensure a worry-free experience, MG launched the Hector with the MG Shield, offering:
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5 years of unlimited kilometer warranty
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5 years of free roadside assistance
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Zero labour charges for the first five scheduled services
This made it the most attractive vehicle ownership proposition at the time.
Strong Customer Response
MG received 10,000+ bookings in just 23 days and crossed 21,000 bookings within a month, showing instant market acceptance. Demand was especially high for the Sharp and Smart variants, which together made up over 50% of orders.
Powertrain Options with Hybrid Innovation
The Hector came with three engine choices: Petrol, Diesel, and a segment-first Mild-Hybrid Petrol. The hybrid version featured a 48V lithium-ion battery that offered enhanced fuel economy and torque support of up to 20 Nm. ARAI-certified mileage figures included 15.81 km/l for the petrol hybrid and 17.41 km/l for the diesel model.
Premium Features & Safety
The SUV was equipped with 25 standard safety features, including ABS, ESC, hill-hold assist, and traction control. It also featured the largest-in-segment 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, redefining the digital driving experience in its class.
MG Hector Plus: The 6-Seater Evolution
Building on the Hector’s success, MG introduced the Hector Plus on July 13, 2020, at a starting price of ₹13.48 lakh. This 6-seater SUV added enhanced comfort and luxury, with a focus on larger families. Featuring a panoramic sunroof and internet-enabled features, it was built at MG’s state-of-the-art plant in Halol, Gujarat.
MG’s aim was clear: to redefine family driving experiences in India by integrating space, tech, and sophistication.
By early 2021, MG had already produced 50,000 Hectors, with the milestone unit manufactured by an all-women team—a move that underscored the company’s commitment to gender diversity and empowerment in the automotive sector.
Next-Gen Hector: A Step into the Future
In January 2023, MG raised the bar again with the Next-Gen Hector, featuring Level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) for enhanced driver support. Key highlights included:
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A striking Argyle-inspired diamond mesh grille
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India’s largest 14-inch HD vertical infotainment display
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Digital Bluetooth® Key with key-sharing functionality
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Advanced ADAS tools like Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Auto Turn Indicators
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Improved iSMART 2.0 tech suite with over 75 connected features
High Resale Value & Low Ownership Cost
A recent market study by Droom revealed that the MG Hector maintains an impressive 70-75% resale value, outpacing competitors like the Tata Harrier and Mahindra XUV700. Furthermore, with an average monthly maintenance cost of just ₹500, it is one of the most cost-effective SUVs to own.
The diesel variant, known for its efficiency, delivers up to 21 kmpl on highways, making it a practical choice for long-distance drivers.
Final Thoughts
From redefining tech-driven driving experiences to offering unmatched resale value and safety, the MG Hector has carved a unique identity in India’s SUV landscape. With its constant innovation, customer-first approach, and commitment to diversity, MG Motor India continues to set new standards in the automobile industry.
The Hector is more than just a car — it’s a glimpse into the future of smart mobility in India.
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