MG Hector Plus: Being launched in the midst of a market riddled with mid-size SUV prospects aiming to grab the attention with racy designs and peppy performance, the MG Hector Plus cuts a different figure.
It offers comfort and tech integration, road presence, and three-row seating to be more versatile as well, and in this case, it is a smart pick for Indian families who want more than a five-seater SUV.
What is it Over and above the regular MG Hector (review), the Hector Plus is essentially the same SUV but with 6- or 7-seat cabins, subtle design changes and a greater emphasis on the in-cabin experience. Hector Plus makes the cut if interior space, connected tech and yawn-inducing cruising are you things than, say, outright performance.
MG Hector Plus Design – Classic but Better Looking
From the outside, the Hector Plus gets the boxy design language from the regular Hector but with some unique touches.
The front grille, LED DRLs and light set-up are still the same but it gets more upmarket touches such as re-modelled bumpers and sleeker tail-lamps.
A longer profile makes it look distinctive, particularly from the side, and chrome accents, supplemented by dual-tone paint choices, make it feel richer.
It’s certainly not too forward like some rivals can be, but it definitely has the road presence of a proper premium SUV.
Cabin and space – A family oriented layout
Step into the MG Hector Plus and you are greeted by a cabin that is obviously built around comfort and tech features. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with a large 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage.
The materials are plush feeling in the top trims, while the soft leatherette finish gives off an upscale impression.
It is the third-row of this Hector Plus that however makes it stand apart. It is not a monocoque and the Harrier offers two different seating configurations (6-seater with captain seats and 7-seater with bench seats) for that touch of flexibility depending on what your family needs.
Second row captain seats are roomy and …very comfortable for long drives and the third row is only for kids or short adults.
Boot space is limited with all rows up, although fold the third row and there’s plenty of room for weekend luggage.
Technology and Features – Packed to the Hilt
MG hasn’t scrimped on features. The Hector Plus offers:
10.4-inch touchscreen that is (you guessed it) wireless and offers both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
A digital instrument cluster
Car tech with voice control and remote operations
Panoramic sunroof
Powered tailgate
Ventilated front seats
Wireless charging and air purifier in top-spec variants
The i-SMART connectivity system provides remote start/stop, cabin pre-cooling, live vehicle tracking and more. And while the infotainment system can occasionally be a teensy bit laggy, overall, it provides a modern, intuitive interface.
Performance — Smooth, but Not Splashy
The MG Hector Plus offers a choice of two engines: a 1.5L turbo-petrol (143 hp) and a 2.0L diesel (170 hp). The petrol model also gets a mild-hybrid system in certain trims.
The car is available with three transmission options for the petrol engine – a 6-speed manual, CVT and dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and only manual for the diesel.
Smoothness and efficiency take precedence with both engines as opposed to sporty dynamics. The petrol is smooth and refined while the diesel has more torque for consuming highway miles.
That being said, the handling is homing in on the softer side of things, and the emphasis is clearly on comfort instead of sporty driving.
Pros:
Comfortable cabin with ample room for third row
Feature-packed, particularly for technology and infotainment
High-end interior materials, panoramic sunroof in the upper trim levels
Decent presence on the road with subtle design tweaks
Cons:
Third row is tight for adults
No automatic gearbox with diesel variant
My guess is the handling is more geared towards comfort, not sport festival deco.
Ginormous touchscreen can be sluggish at times
Third row of seats more for kids than adults Boot space restricted with all seats up
MG Hector Plus Final Verdict
With that in mind, the MG Hector Plus is a very competent SUV for families who prioritize comfort, interior space and tech. Performance enthusiasts and off-roaders won’t be excited, but it delivers a plush, connected, confident ride that feels more expensive than it actually is.
For anyone after a genuinely feature-rich SUV with 6/7-seat versatility, the Hector Plus is a winner here.