MG Hector And 6-Seater Hector Plus Gets New CVT Gearbox Option

MG Motors India has launched the new Petrol-CVT variants of the Hector and 6-seater Hector Plus at a starting price of Rs 16.52 lakh (ex-showroom). With this, the Hector range is now available with two automatic gearbox options; including the older dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).

The CVT automatic gearbox will be available with two petrol-powered variants- Smart and Sharp. And surprisingly, their prices are similar to their corresponding DCT variants. Here's look at the variant-wise asking prices: – 

*All prices ex-showroom pan-India (except Kerela). 

The CVT gearbox offered with MG Hector range is an 8-step unit, which will come paired to the existing 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, capable in producing 143PS of max grunt and 250Nm of peak torque. It also gets two driving modes: Eco and Sports. 

The same engine also powers the Hector petrol-manual and DCT variants. It also comes with a mild-hybrid technology, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission only.

The Hector and Hector Plus can also be had with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine (170PS/350Nm). However, the diesel trims do not get any automatic transmission option.

Also Read: 2021 MG ZS EV Launched With Extended Driving Range

Is there any other change?

There are no other changes have been made apart from the introduction of CVT-Petrol variants. For the people not in know, the brand has recently updated the Hector range. In the last update, the 5-seater Hector SUV gets minor aesthetic enhancements and some additional features, the Hector Plus, on the other hand, get more practical 7-seater variants along with a few new techy add-ons. The notable features of the 2021 Hector range include a 10.4-inch vertical touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity support, i-SMART connected car technology with remote control function via mobile app and smartwatch, 31 Hinglish voice command support, wireless charging, ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, auto climate control with rear AC vents, auto-dimming IRVM, up to 6 airbags, a 360-degree camera, cruise control, hill start assist, ESC, etc. 

Author's Take

The Hector & Hector Plus continues to rival the likes of the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500, Jeep Compass, and upcoming Tata Safari. However, the introduction of the CVT powertrain has not only increased Hector's dominance in the segment, but it has also become more influential than its lower-segmented competitors like Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. However, the price of CVT variants should have been kept lower than the DCT variants.