MG Hector production starts ahead of schedule, May launch confirmed

In an exclusive, IAB can reveal that the series production of the MG Hector has commenced ahead of schedule. The launch has been confirmed to take place in May.

MG Motor India completed the takeover of the Halol plant in September 2017 and then started refurbishing the plant. “In a span of just about 16 months, we have refurbished the plant completely,” P Balendran, Executive Director, MG Motor India, told IAB on the sidelines of the drive.in event. “Though we are saying that the start of production is on the 20th of April, the production has already started,” he added.

The MG Hector will come with two engine options: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel. The petrol engine will produce 143 hp and 250 Nm of torque. It will be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In a segment-first, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivering 20 Nm of additional torque will be offered as an option in the petrol engine model. The mild-hybrid petrol configuration(s) will be nearly 12% more fuel efficient than the standard petrol configuration(s).

The diesel engine, FCA’s MultiJet II unit from the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier, is expected to produce 173 hp and 350 Nm of torque. It should come with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. The availability of an AWD system is unlikely.

Also Read: MG Hector officially revealed, technology features detailed

MG Motor aims to achieve a high localisation level of 75% with the Hector, and this should lead to competitive pricing. The new C-SUV will mainly compete with the Tata Harrier and Jeep Compass.