Hector Skelter  – The Hindu BusinessLine

For the moment, the talk about MG is usually around its rapidly widening lineup of all-electric cars, but that’s not where MG began its current Indian journey with. It all started with the MG Hector, a mid-sized SUV that didn’t take too long to be appreciated by Indian buyers. While now away from the spotlight, the Hector has been getting MG consistent sales. We decided to try one out to see how well it has aged. 

The latest update that the MG Hector received was in 2023: it got updated LED DRLs, a more imposing front grille, and slightly tweaked taillights. The original design continued, and with its in-your-face grille and the overall squared-off stance, the MG Hector is definitely hard to ignore. 

Spacious & comfort

Similarly, the interior isn’t something you’ll forget quickly. For it is spacious and comfortable (in both rows), and doesn’t miss out on features, either. The first thing you’ll notice as you step inside is the vertically oriented 14-inch touchscreen, which has been neatly integrated and makes accessing maps and media quite effortless. Plus, if you aren’t a fan of operating touch screens, the Hector offers voice commands for basic controls, and this functionality feels well-incorporated here. The 7-inch driver display isn’t bad, either; there’s also an 8-speaker audio system, leatherette upholstery, ventilated front seats, a large panoramic sunroof, and wireless phone charging. The Hector was one of the first connected SUVs to be offered in India, and the head start has worked in its favour; we feel that it’s more responsive to voice commands than many others in the segment. 

On the safety front, the Hector comes with six airbags, ADAS Level 2 features, ESC, and even automatically activated turn signals, among others. It takes some time getting used to the car switching on its indicators automatically as you turn the steering wheel, though, but it’s quite clever nevertheless. On the move, its handling is decent but how you would expect from a tall SUV, there’s a fair bit of roll. Despite that, the Hector remains composed. This one’s definitely not for spirited driving, but sudden aggressive inputs don’t destabilise it. 

Its ride quality, on the other hand, is remarkable. Tuned for comfort, its suspension readily soaks up road undulations with ease. Both at low speeds, where it gobbles potholes without any drama, and at highway speeds, where it continues to offer a plush ride, the Hector impresses. Powering the SUV is a familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which makes 141 bhp. Mated to the CVT gearbox (which our test car came with), it offers a relaxed drive, suited for a calmer driving style. It never feels powerless but it’s unlikely that a performance enthusiast will find it appealing. Similarly, the overall fuel economy, which varied between 9 km/l and 16 km/l during our test, is a mixed bag. 

Commanding presence: The 2025 MG Hector blends comfort, tech, and bold design into one practical, head-turning package.
| Photo Credit: Ishaan Jaiswal 

To conclude, the 2025 MG Hector might not be the freshest SUV in the segment, the most performance-focussed, or even the least expensive to run, but it’s an impressive piece of kit if you want superb ride comfort, an imposing design, and a tech-laden, spacious cabin. It offers a no-nonsense drive, feels practical, and is an attention grabber. The lack of a more sophisticated powertrain or a more focussed chassis might upset the enthusiast, but the MG Hector is built for a different purpose. 

The verdict

Prices start at ₹14.25 lakh onwards (ex-showroom), and for that money, you get a spacious, feature-rich SUV that’s also easy to live with. If you’re after fast charging and zero tailpipe emissions, MG has got you covered in that regard with its EV lineup, but if you are after great overall comfort from a conventionally powered vehicle, the Hector proves why it’s still a solid seller for the brand. Even away from the limelight. 

© Motoring World

Published on June 27, 2025

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