MG Hector Plus production begins in India, gets second-row captain seats

Tuhin Guha Updated: June 29, 2020, 11:41 AM IST

MG Motor India has begun production of its next offering the Indian market, the MG Hector Plus. This SUV is the three-row version of the MG Hector, the firm has confirmed that the Hector Plus will get second-row captain seats, at least as an option.

The MG Hector Plus is also differentiated by reworked exterior styling. There is a larger grille, new headlamp design and DRLs, and revised skid plates. In profile, the SUV now has a stretched-out glass element around the C-Pillar. The rear rounds things off with a new bumper and tail lamps. New paint options are also expected. The interiors of the Hector Plus haven't been shown but expect an updated infotainment screen with OTA updates and tan leather upholstery.

The Hector Plus should get the same engine options as the standard car. This means one petrol will be a 1.5 litre turbocharged unit with 143PS and 250Nm while the other will add a 48V mild-hybrid system to the mix. This will allow for it to feature a start-stop system, regenerative braking and add torque fill functionality. The diesel engine will be the 2.0-litre FCA Multijet unit as seen on the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. The Hector will get it in the 173PS and 350Nm guise. Gearbox options should be a six-speed manual and DCT (petrol only).

The Hector Plus is being manufactured at MG Motor India's Halol plant. The MG Hector Plus should demand a premium of up to Rs 1.5 lakh over the standard Hector. Prices of the Hector start at Rs 12.74 lakh for the base petrol manual, ex-showroom. When launched, it will compete with the upcoming Tata Gravitas, which was also shown at the Auto Expo.