Hard-to-beat comfort: MG Hector design upgrade

Hard-to-beat comfort: MG Hector design upgrade

The MG Hector has been a strong seller in the midsize SUV segment ever since its launch in 2019. It has since moved ahead with more modern, better-performing and feature-rich SUVs entering the fray. Now, MG gives Hector its biggest update with more features, tech and refreshed looks. Here is a look at what the 2023 MG Hector is like.

The Hector now gets a larger front grille, with diamond-like chrome inserts, which gives it more presence on the road. It retains the split headlight arrangement from the older model, but you now get what MG calls intelligent indicators, which turn on — if you have not already done so — when you turn the steering more than 30 degrees in either direction.

Along the sides, it gets the same 18-inch alloys with a dual-tone finish and a chrome garnish on the window line. MG has made changes to the rear though, with the Hector now getting LED lighting elements that connect the tail-lamps on either end. The Hector badging is also now more prominent and lower down on the tailgate, while the ‘Internet Inside’ badge on the older model has made way for an ADAS badge.

It is on the inside where the new MG Hector takes things to a whole new level. While the 10.4-inch touchscreen of the older Hector was one of its highlights, this new one gets a massive 14-inch unit. The unit itself marks a big step up from the previous one, as it feels slicker to use and has better resolution. It still is not tablet-like slick, but the response time is much better and it is not as laggy as the previous one.

The touchscreen packs in a whole host of features and it is even used to control some functions of the SUV. The unit gets wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay compatibility and it can be used to open/close the sunroof, adjust the ambient lighting and control the HVAC system. However, operating the AC controls on the move remains a cumbersome process, as you have to take your eyes off the road to do so.

Thankfully, another new feature addition does help alleviate this issue. The Hector now gets the MG Assistant, which debuted in the Astor and works via a set of voice commands to carry out functions such as operating the sunroof, adjusting the AC temperature and fan speed, changing ambient light shades and more.

MG has also redone the dashboard layout to accommodate the larger screen. The AC vents have been repositioned and they are now a bit smaller than before. You also get soft touch material on the dash top, which feels quite premium. The centre console is also new, with a new gear lever and there are more physical buttons to control some key functions. Also part of the package is a new fully digital instrument cluster.