Photographs by: Sachin Kawankar and MG India’s official website

As the sun kissed the tarmac of Pune, we bid farewell to the urban jungle and set our sights on the open road, armed with the revamped 2023 MG Hector. MG Motors India had stirred the waters of the SUV market in 2019 with the Hector, but the time had come for a major facelift, promising enhanced features and a refreshed appearance. Our destination? The idyllic beaches and winding roads of Goa are the perfect playground to put Hector to the test.

Bold and Aggressive: The Exterior Reimagined
Standing before the Hector facelift, its revamped facade exuded a newfound boldness and aggression. The enlarged front grille, adorned with diamond-like chrome inserts, commanded attention on the bustling streets. As we embarked on our journey, the innovative split headlight arrangement caught our attention. Imagine our surprise when we discovered that the headlamps doubled up as smart turn indicators, a boon on the narrow, winding roads that awaited us in Goa.

While the sides retained their familiar silhouette, the rear had transformed. LED lighting elements seamlessly connected the tail lamps, and the Hector badging claimed a more prominent position. As we loaded the cavernous 547-litre boot with our gear, the Hector promised both style and substance for our adventure ahead.

Elevated Interiors: A Tech Marvel
Inside Hector’s cabin, a realm of technological marvels awaited us. The previous 10.4-inch touchscreen had evolved into a sprawling 14-inch unit, boasting seamless integration with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Navigating the touchscreen felt smoother, with enhanced resolution and responsiveness, a welcome improvement for our journey ahead.

The addition of MG Assistant proved invaluable, offering voice-controlled functionality for various features, including the sunroof and ambient lighting. Despite the advanced features, the layout retained a sense of familiarity, with soft-touch materials adorning the dashboard and a new digital instrument cluster commanding attention.

Seated comfortably in the electrically adjustable front seats, we marvelled at the spaciousness and premium feel of the cabin. Even our tallest companion found solace in the rear seats, where ample legroom and headroom beckoned for a journey of unparalleled comfort.

Safety and Beyond Unraveling the ADAS Tech
As we delved deeper into the Hector’s features, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) emerged as a standout addition. Adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist promise a heightened sense of safety and control on the road. We put these features to the test, marvelling at Hector’s ability to navigate curves and slow-moving traffic with ease, particularly during the bustling evenings of Goa.

Power and Performance: Unleashing the Hector’s Potential
Under the hood, the Hector facelift offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel or a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. Opting for the latter, we experienced the exhilaration of 143hp and 250Nm paired with an 8-step CVT automatic transmission. The turbo-petrol engine proved responsive, effortlessly navigating the twists and turns of Goa’s coastal roads. Though the CVT exhibited some turbo lag under heavy acceleration, the three drive modes—Normal, Eco, and Sport—offered versatility for varied driving conditions.

Comfort Redefined: Ride, Handling, and Braking
As we traversed Goa’s diverse terrain, the Hector’s soft suspension and comfortable interior provided a welcome respite from the road. While sharp bumps occasionally unsettled the ride, the disc brakes offered confident stopping power, ensuring a smooth and safe journey for all onboard.

Price and Verdict: A Reflection
Returning from our adventure, questions lingered about Hector’s place in the competitive SUV market. Priced from Rs 14.73 lakh to 21.73 lakh (ex-showroom, India), Hector faced stiff competition from Tata Harrier, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos. However, its blend of spaciousness, comfort, and advanced features elevated it above the fray.

In conclusion, the Hector facelift epitomised refinement and innovation, building upon the strengths of its predecessor while embracing new technologies and design elements. Though not designed for the thrill-seeking enthusiast, the Hector offered a compelling proposition for those seeking a premium SUV experience. As we bid adieu to the coastal paradise of Goa, Hector’s legacy of comfort and sophistication lingered, a testament to MG Motors’ commitment to raising the bar in the SUV segment.