MG Hector prices hiked by up Rs. 42,000 even as bookings reopen

MG Motor made a big splash a few months ago by launching the Hector SUV at a very competitive starting price tag of Rs. 12.18 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.  The sharp price tag attracted a lot of buyers and demand was such that MG Motor had to soon stop bookings for the SUV. Now though, the automaker has reopened bookings for the Hector SUV, and along with that, has given it a price hike of up to Rs. 42,000 (2.5 % of the original price) depending on the variant chosen. Bookings are now open at all MG Motor dealerships across the country, and the booking amount is pegged at Rs. 50,000. Production of the Hector has been doubled to 3,000 units/month, and this means that the waiting times should not very high going forward. The Hector is MG Motor’s first vehicle for the Indian market, and soon, the automaker will launch an-all electric SUV called the eZS.

Coming back to the Hector, the SUV rivals the likes of the Tata Harrier, Jeep Compass, Mahindra XUV500, Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta in pricing terms. It is available with a range of engine and gearbox options. MG Motor offers two petrol engines: a 1.5 liter-4 cylinder turbocharged petrol with 140 Bhp-250 Nm, and a petrol-mild hybrid version of the same engine, with similar power and torque figures.

While the turbo petrol non-hybrid engine gets 6 speed manual and twin clutch automatic gearbox options, the 48V mild hybrid powertrain gets a 6 speed manual gearbox as standard. The SUV is also available with diesel engine: the 2 liter-4 cylinder Fiat Multijet turbocharged unit with 170 Bhp-350 Nm outputs. The diesel engine gets a 6 speed manual gearbox as standard. All variants of the Hector are front wheel driven.

Commenting on the re-opening of bookings and the price hike, MG Motor had this to say,

During the latest booking period, any new Hector booking will reflect marginal price increase of approximately 2.5% (depending on the variant). However, the price at the time of delivery will prevail. As a special, first-of-its-kind gesture, customers who had booked MG Hector in the first phase will be protected from the price increase.

Early next year, MG Motor will launch the Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) emission norms compliant version of the Hector in India. Prices are expected to go up thanks to the additional emission control equipment required to meet the new norms. The SUV will also get a 6 seat version, with three rows of seats. The 6 seat version of the Hector is likely to get restyling, to make it distinct from the one that’s already on sale. The 6 seater is also expected to be pricier. Mechanically, it’ll be similar though, and will use BS6 compliant versions of the Hector’s petrol and diesel engines. Expect the new, 6 seat version of the SUV to be unveiled at the 2020 Indian Auto Expo early next year.