MG Hector Outsells Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500, and Jeep Compass

The MG Hector has just outsold its direct competitors in a big way. The 5 seat SUV, which is largest in its segment, has just beaten the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass, by selling 2,018 units in August 2019. In comparison, the Mahindra XUV500 managed 928 units, the Tata Harrier did only 635 units and the Jeep Compass fell to a low of 605 units.

MG Motor is sitting on an order book of over 25,000 units, which means that the Hector will have a steady 2019, at a time when most automakers are really struggling to maintain sales momentum. We expect the Hector to clock about 2,000 units a month or even go up to nearly 3,000 units as MG Motor has planned a production increase to reduce waiting times. Currently, MG dealers are not accepting fresh bookings for the SUV as the automaker works hard to reduce waiting times and service current orders.

The MG Hector, launched earlier this year, surprised buyers with a very competitive price tag of Rs. 12.18 lakhs. This pricing meant that the Hector undercut all its competitors – the Tata Harrier, the Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass. Currently, the SUV is a 5-seater, and has a 7-seat variant coming in during early 2020. There are 3 engines and 3 transmission options on offer. The more affordable variants get the 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 141 Bhp-250 Nm outputs. This engine is available with 6 speed manual and 6 speed twin clutch automatic gearbox options.

The other powertrain on offer is a 48V petrol mild hybrid unit, and uses the same 1.5-liter turbocharged engine in conjunction with an electric motor. The petrol mild hybrid version gets a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. The diesel motor is a 2-liter Fiat MultiJet unit with 170 Bhp-350 Nm, and a 6-speed manual gearbox accompanies it. All variants of the Hector are front wheel driven, and MG Motor has no plans to offer a four-wheel drive layout with the monocoque bodied Hector.

Key selling points of the MG Hector are is imposing dimensions, which make it the longest SUV in its class, a feature-rich interior, sharp pricing across variants, an attractive buy back scheme, and a massive touchscreen infotainment interface that adds many connected car features to the SUV. Key features on offer include 6 airbags, ESP, ABS, hill start assist, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, traction control, a panoramic sunroof, the 10.25-inch Tesla-style touchscreen infotainment unit with on-board internet, navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and a reclining rear seat. The SUV is built at the erstwhile General Motors factory in Halol, Gujarat. MG Motor also offers the MG Shield, which consists of a 5-year warranty, 5 free services, free road side assistance package and a buy back scheme.