MG Motors' first model for India is the Hector

MG Motors has finally revealed the name for its India-bound SUV – they have called it the Hector. The MG Hector is sold under different brands and different names in various Asian markets such as the Wuling Almaz in Indonesia and the Baojun 530 in China. However, the model that is scheduled to launch in India in May this year has been revised to suit our markets’ tastes.

A shade larger than the Jeep Compass, the MG Hector is a five-seater that promises to be a roomier alternative, equipped with segment-leading kit. Images of the SUV that had leaked online earlier showed the MG Hector is expected to get features such as a vertically-mounted touchscreen infotainment system (it doubles as a display for the 360-degree camera) with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink compatibility, along with a digital MID between the tachometer and speedometer, a push-button start, steering-mounted controls, a panoramic sunroof, leather seats with powered adjustability, cruise control and an electronic parking brake.

According to the carmaker, the name Hector draws inspiration from Trojan warrior hero – Prince HECTOR of Troy. The name stands for being strong, bold yet trustworthy and dependable, the company says there is also a deeper connection to its engineering and heroic references, and the SUV demonstrates the design influence of these values, as exhibited by the geometrical cuts and design.

According to MG Motor India, the SUV also pays homage to great British engineering tradition, as a nod to the Royal Hector biplane, used by the Royal Air Force in 1930.

The MG Hector is slated to go in production in Q2 2019 at the company's manufacturing facility in Halol, Gujarat. The SUV is claimed to have over 75 percent localisation levels to begin with and MG Motor aims to enter the growing premium SUV segment with a best-in-class offering.

“Based on the company’s global platform, the Hector has been heavily re-engineered to enrich product attributes and suit the evolving preferences of the customers and Indian road conditions.  With 100 sales and service touch points in place by May 2019, we are confident that we will be able to exceed the market expectations with Hector,” said Rajeev Chaba, president and MD, MG Motor India.

At launch, the MG Hector will be available with two BS-VI-compliant engine options – a 1.5-litre, direct-injection turbo-petrol mill and a FCA-sourced 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel motor. Leaked images had also shown an automatic gearbox.

MG is expected to price the Jeep Compass and Hyundai Tucson rival quite competitively (under the Rs 20 lakh ex-showroom mark) thanks to a high level of localisation achieved at parent company SAIC’s plant in Halol, Gujarat.

The carmaker had already started showcasing its global vehicles across 10 major cities in India to get closer to its prospective customers.