Morris Garages India has finally launched the Hector SUV. Ex-showroom India prices start at Rs 12.18 lakh and go all the way up to Rs 16.88 lakh. They are, of course, introductory in nature. As we are sure most will agree, the MG Hector is a head-turner. But it isn’t just the looks that the Hector has. Available in four trim levels – Style, Super, Smart and Sharp – it has also got an extensive list of features inside and out, as well as potent powertrains.

A total of three powertrains are available – petrol-MT, petrol-AT and diesel-MT. The petrol-MT can also be had with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, which not only aids in improving fuel efficiency but also takes the load off the internal combustion engine in certain scenarios. The petrol engine is a 1.5-litre unit which produces for 143PS/250Nm and can be had with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DCT (dual-clutch transmission). Diesel-fed variants house an FCA-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine which generates 170PS/350Nm and is available with a 6-speed MT only.

As far as claimed mileage figures are concerned, the petrol-MT, hybrid-MT, petrol-AT and diesel-MT can return 14.16kmpl, 15.81kmpl, 13.96kmpl and 17.41kmpl, respectively. MG is offering a total of five colour options for the Hector – Candy White, Aurora Silver, Starry Black, Burgundy Red and Glaze Red.

Time to unravel the list of features. Stuff like rear parking sensors, dual airbags, reclining second-row seats with 60:40 split, rear AC vents, a cooled glovebox, rear wiper with washer and traction control system are part of the standard kit. However, opting for range-toping Sharp trim will get additional stuff like six airbags, heated ORVMs, a 360-degree view camera, MG’s iSmart tech, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, 8-colour ambient lighting and electrically adjustable front seats.

MG India is offering five free services, 5 years of roadside assistance and 5 years/unlimited km warranty with the Hector. The company reckons that the maintenance costs for the Hector are 45 paise/km for petrol and 49 paise/km for diesel variants. In India, the MG’s first product becomes a direct rival to the Tata Harrier, Mahindra XUV500 and the Jeep Compass. Later this year, Kia Motors India will launch the Seltos SUV and some of its variants are expected to overlap Hector’s price list. Speaking of which, here it is:

MG Hector Price List (Ex-Showroom India)