Six years of MG Hector: The connected car trend starter
MG Hector
marked a significant entry into India's
mid-size SUV
segment, bringing with it several firsts in design, technology, and ownership experience. Priced between ₹12.18 lakh and ₹16.88 lakh (ex-showroom) at launch, the Hector positioned itself as India's first internet SUV. It was introduced not just as a product but as a technology platform backed by a suite of global partners and a strong consumer-focused value proposition.
The Hector was based on a global platform but underwent extensive re-engineering to suit Indian road conditions and consumer expectations. The name 'Hector' was chosen to symbolise strength, trust, and dependability—traits drawn from the mythological Trojan warrior Prince Hector of Troy. These values were reflected in the SUV's design, features, and technology integration. The company collaborated with technology players like Microsoft, Adobe, SAP, Cisco, TomTom, Gaana, Unlimit, and Nuance to build a connected mobility ecosystem. Its proprietary iSMART platform was a core part of this effort.
AI-powered Voice Assist system
One of the standout features of the Hector was its AI-powered Voice Assist system developed specifically for Indian users. With support for over 100 commands and the ability to function under poor network conditions, the voice system was built to understand Indian accents and preferences. Activated by the phrase 'Hello MG', it allowed users to control functions such as window operation, sunroof, navigation, and air conditioning. The SUV also offered what was then India's largest HD touchscreen display at 10.4 inches, integrated with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone connectivity.
Consumer response was swift and substantial. Within 23 days of pre-orders opening, the company received over 10,000 bookings. By the end of the first month, bookings had crossed the 21,000 mark, forcing the company to temporarily pause further orders. MG also backed the Hector with a five-year warranty with unlimited kilometres, five years of roadside assistance, and zero labour charges for the first five scheduled services—aiming to lower ownership anxiety for early adopters.
Back then, the Hector was introduced in four variants with eleven combinations across three engine options: petrol, petrol-hybrid, and diesel. It was also the first in its segment to feature a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which offered additional torque support of up to 20 Nm and enhanced fuel efficiency. According to ARAI figures, the petrol hybrid MT delivered 15.81 km per litre, while the diesel version offered 17.41 km per litre. Safety was also a priority, with 25 features provided as standard.
In July 2020, MG expanded the Hector family with the launch of the Hector Plus—a six-seater SUV with added comfort features and a panoramic sunroof. Priced at ₹13.48 lakh (ex-showroom), the Hector Plus was built at MG's manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat. It was positioned as a more family-oriented alternative with a focus on space and in-cabin tech.
Rollout of the 50,000th Hector
Production milestones followed quickly. In February 2021, MG celebrated the rollout of the 50,000th Hector, manufactured by an all-women crew at the company's Halol plant. This initiative highlighted MG's emphasis on diversity and inclusive growth in its manufacturing workforce, with women leading production, welding, painting, and quality testing.
In January 2023, MG introduced the next-generation Hector with significant feature upgrades. These included Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as Traffic Jam Assist and Intelligent Auto Turn Indicators. The SUV also featured a redesigned Argyle-inspired diamond mesh grille, a 14-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system (the largest in the segment), a digital Bluetooth key with key-sharing capability, and an upgraded iSMART interface with over 75 connected features.
Resale and ownership metrics have also played in Hector's favour. According to data from vehicle platform Droom, the Hector retains 70 to 75 per cent of its resale value, outperforming several competitors in the segment. This strong resale is complemented by low maintenance costs, estimated at around ₹500 per month on average. Fuel efficiency on the diesel variant has also been a key strength, with highway mileage reported at up to 21 km per litre.
As it completes six years in the Indian market, the MG Hector has carved out a space for itself as a technology-forward SUV with an ownership experience aimed at long-term reliability and value. From being India's first internet car to adding new benchmarks in connected tech, it remains a noteworthy case study in how to localise and differentiate in an evolving auto landscape.
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