Following the latest price revision, the Hector range starts at Rs 14.73 lakh (ex-showroom).

MG Motor India has reduced the prices of the Hector and Hector Plus SUVs by up to Rs 1.29 lakh and Rs 1.37 lakh, respectively.

Following the latest price revision, the Hector range starts at Rs 14.73 lakh for the Style Petrol MT variant and Rs 17.99 lakh for the Shine Diesel MT trim. The price of the top-spec Savvy Pro Petrol CVT variant has been reduced by Rs 66,000. It now costs Rs 21.73 lakh. The top-spec Sharp Pro Diesel MT costs Rs 21.51 lakh (ex-showroom), a price cut of Rs 1.21 lakh.

The base Hector Plus costs Rs 17.50 lakh, which is Rs 50,000 less, while the base diesel variant costs Rs 19.76 lakh, a price cut of Rs 1.04 lakh. The Savvy Pro Petrol CVT variant costs Rs 22.43 lakh, while the top-spec diesel trim is priced at Rs 22.21 lakh (ex-showroom).

The MG Hector and Hector Plus SUVs are available with two engine options. These include a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 141 BHP and 250 Nm and a 2.0-litre diesel unit that puts out 168 BHP and 350 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and CVT.

Source: Autocar India

The other cars in the comparison include the Tata Safari, Mahindra Scorpio N, MG Hector Plus, Hyundai Alcazar and Toyota Innova Crysta.

BHPian RahulNagaraj recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Maruti Invicto

Maruti Invicto Pros

• A great-looking MPV. SUV’ish styling packs appeal
• Nicely designed interiors, good comfort in all 3 rows and usable boot (even with third-row up)
• Many Maruti dealers across the country are currently offering faster delivery than that for the Innova Hycross
• Loaded with features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree camera, connected car features, leather upholstery, drive modes, paddle shifters, ambient lighting etc.
• Hybrid powertrain makes it lighter on the pocket than diesel and future-proof too. Very good fuel efficiency
• Lower emissions will appeal to environmentally-conscious buyers. And those who aren’t ready for an EV yet
• Impressively fast for a MUV. Very quick straight-line performance
• Monocoque construction results in sorted handling, comfortable ride quality & overall better driving experience than a body-on-frame UV
• Brilliant NVH levels result in a quiet and serene experience inside the cabin
• Toyota's bullet-proof reliability combined with Maruti's excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, ISOFIX & 3-point seatbelts for all

Maruti Invicto Cons

• Expensive with on-road price crossing Rs. 35 lakhs. This is the most expensive car Maruti has ever sold
• Toyota offers you a longer warranty, better badge (the big "T") and nameplate ("Innova")
• Top-end variant is only available with captain seats in the middle row. No bench option is inexplicable!!
• Innova Hycross has more features. Missing on the Maruti are Ottoman seats, ADAS, fore & aft adjustment levers on the second-row seatbacks, foglamps, 9-speaker JBL system etc.
• 17" wheels with 60 profile tyres compromise the overall stance; they look very small
• Monocoque construction won’t be as rugged & abuse-friendly as a body-on-frame build
• Interior plastic quality is very mediocre, some parts feel budget-grade
• Non-hybrid regular petrol engine unavailable on Invicto (it is sold on the Hycross). Further, Invicto is available only in 4 colours and 2 variants
• Poor sound quality from the 6-speaker system (subwoofer missing too), poor camera resolution and a basic infotainment system display
• Both cars - the Invicto & Hycross - don't offer rain-sensing wipers or lumbar adjustment
• The already-good ride quality could be even better with higher-profile tyres (e.g. on craters)

Link to review

Toyota Innova Hycross

Toyota Innova Hycross Pros:

• A great-looking MPV. SUV’ish styling packs appeal
• Upmarket interiors, good comfort in all 3 rows and usable boot (even with 3rd row up)
• Loaded to the gills with features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, electrically adjustable rear ottoman seats, multi-zone climate control, connected car features, leather upholstery, drive modes, etc.
• Hybrid powertrain makes it lighter on the pocket than diesel and future-proof too. Very good fuel efficiency (expect city FE of 15-17 km/l)
• Impressive performance with a sub-10 second 0-100 km/h time (Toyota claims 9.5 seconds)
• Monocoque construction results in sorted handling and comfortable ride quality
• Brilliant NVH levels result in a quiet and serene experience inside the cabin
• Toyota's bullet-proof reliability, excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, Toyota Safety Sense (ADAS), ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, Isofix & 3-point seatbelts for all

Toyota Innova Hycross Cons:

• Premium pricing. More expensive than the already-pricey Innova Crysta
• Top-end variants are only available with captain seats in the middle row. No bench option is inexplicable!!
• 18" wheels with 50 profile tyres compromise the overall stance; they look very small
• Monocoque construction won’t be as rugged & abuse-friendly as the Crysta's body-on-frame build
• Rear seat ottomans are useless for taller passengers
• Average sound quality from the JBL system, poor camera resolution and a basic infotainment system display
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, lumbar adjustment, boss lever on the front passenger seat...
• The already-good ride quality could be even better with higher-profile tyres (e.g. on craters). 225/50 sidewalls are on the shorter side

Link to Review

Toyota Innova Crysta

Toyota Innova Crysta Pros:

• Indestructible build & durability. The Innova is known for its bullet-proof reliability
• Spacious, flexible & practical cabin. An extremely comfortable long-distance commuter
• Upmarket interiors. The ZX variant is plush
• Powerful diesel engines with user-selectable driving modes
• Balanced suspension & road manners. High-speed stability is rock solid
• Top-notch safety kit. 7 airbags, ABS, ESP, TC, Isofix & 3-point seatbelts for all
• Feature packed! Leather seats, LED headlamps, mood lighting, cruise control & lots more
• Toyota's excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences

Toyota Innova Crysta Cons:

• Top ZX variant is unavailable with a middle-row bench seat (8-seater)
• Lower variant's interior looks too basic
• 2.4's NVH package still has holes to fill (engine clatter, dancing gear lever)
• Heavy steering at parking / low speeds. It can get cumbersome in the city
• Poor sound quality from the ICE. Cheap speakers beg for an upgrade

Link to Review

Mahindra XUV700

Mahindra XUV700 Pros:

• Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
• Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
• 182 BHP turbo-diesel & 197 BHP turbo-petrol make for a potent line-up
• Smooth 6-speed torque converter Automatics available with both engines
• Sorted suspension with good road manners & high-speed stability
• AWD is available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
• Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25" infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
• 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You'll enjoy its sound quality
• Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX...

Mahindra XUV700 Cons:

• Negligible boot space with the 3rd-row seat up. Either 5 on-board or 7 with a roof-top carrier
• Cramped 3rd-row seat is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds...
• Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra. We saw 2!
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• AWD is available just with the Diesel AT, and not the MT or petrol motor

Link to Review

Tata Safari

Tata Safari Pros:

• The iconic brand “Safari” is back! We agree with using the legendary nameplate for this car
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Extra 3rd row of seats brings lots more practicality & utility
• Superb captain chairs available as an option for the middle row (top variant only)
• Extras over the Harrier include rear disc brakes, TPMS, e-parking brake, auto-hold, boss mode…
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. The sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• 168 BHP 2.0L diesel offers good driveability and a punchy mid-range
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• Sufficient ground clearance + terrain response system for rough and wet roads
• Top-notch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, rest break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

Tata Safari Cons:

• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• 3rd-row access is too difficult in the captain seat variant
• Negligible boot space with all the seats up - a paltry 73 litres
• Safari AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Our test car had a problem too!
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12 months is the norm today)
• Diesel engine does get loud above 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Although improved, the Safari's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• We don’t agree with the excessive chrome (outside), impractical white interiors & 18” rims (bit firmer ride)

Link to Review

Mahindra Scorpio-N

Link to review

MG Hector Plus

Link to Close Look

Hyundai Alcazar

Hyundai Alcazar Pros:

• A 3-row family car that's well-built inside out
• User-friendly interiors look really good (brown shade is awesome) and have quality parts
• Economical 1.5L diesel is available in MT & AT variants. Offers good driveability
• Comfortable ride quality with neutral road manners
• Unladen ground clearance of 200 mm is perfect for Indian roads
• The Alcazar's safety package includes 6 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, auto-hold, TPMS etc.
• Impressive kit (fully digital instruments, 360-degree camera, 2nd-row wireless charger, panoramic sunroof, paddle shifters, Bose sound system, cooled seats & loads more)
• Hyundai's competent after-sales service & wide dealer network

Hyundai Alcazar Cons:

• Oddball love-it-or-hate-it face. We find the Alcazar's front design to be weird & overdone
• 2nd-row legroom is mediocre (captain seat variant). Compromises have been made to accommodate the 3rd-row & boot
• 3rd-row seat is best suited to kids only. Not really a place for adults
• Rs. ~3 lakh OTR premium over the Creta on the higher variants is too much!
• Diesel’s 113 BHP & 250 Nm – although adequate – is the lowest in the segment
• Competitors like the Tata Safari & MG Hector Plus offer way more spacious cabins
• Some misses (no auto wipers, illuminated window buttons, full-size spare tyres on top trims etc.)

Link to Review

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

XUV700 AT is my first choice. Would choose the turbo-petrol because my running is very low, and the motor is very fast. The car is nice to drive as well.

Hycross would be my second choice (very close 2nd choice). It's a great MPV, quick, efficient, spacious & practical. I'd buy the Hycross over the Invicto for the Toyota badge & the additional features that the top variant gets.

3rd choice would be Scorpio-N if I needed something brute. But I doubt I'd ever buy the Scorpio-N over the XUV700.

Love the Safari's styling, but not the unfinished areas & niggles. Hector is a great family cruiser, although not my kind of car at all. The Alcazar is flawed - the 2nd seat row isn't as good as the Creta & the 3rd is just there as a namesake. Plus, the styling of the new Creta / Alcazar is a big turnoff for me. Any car I buy just has to be good-looking, am a sucker for aesthetics.

Here's what BHPian mgastor2022grey had to say about the matter:

Tata Safari. Have always been a Tata fanboy since my childhood and I just love the way the new Safari has been styled. Its luxurious interiors, sexy exterior and subtle applique of chrome, are just the way I like. I also love the minimalist design and the powerful 2.0L engine is just like a beast who is tamed for humans.

I would have actually chosen the Hycross over the Safari, but I am a technology freak and those old and slow interiors in the front put me off. Also, I have always had the heart to appreciate Indian products more than other countries' products.

Here's what BHPian Bhalla had to say about the matter:

Toyota Innova Hycross. The main reason is Toyota’s proven reliability record. The second reason is the presence of a proper Petrol Hybrid. So reliable, future-proof proof and fuel efficiency at the same time. Hycross is mind over heart choice.

The second option is Safari. Loved Safari since childhood. Love the looks, space on offer and features of the current generation Safari. The biggest reason for not voting in favour of Safari is the reliability factor. Safari is going to heart over mind choice.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

Overall, in the city, expect a fuel efficiency of 6-8.5 km/l when driving through bumper-to-bumper traffic.

BHPian ankan_g recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Got the delivery of my Hector Plus 7str on 28th April. Have driven approx 600 km to date. 90% drive has been Delhi-Gurugram-Delhi during peak office hours. Sharing my initial quick observations. Will start a more detailed ownership thread in a week or 2 after clocking another couple of 100 km and the second tank's full fuel efficiency reading for a more comprehensive understanding.

The points below are in no specific order:

1. The excellent driving dynamic within city limits, bumper-to-bumper traffic and also picks up speed well on those open stretches. Power delivery is linear and does not feel underpowered at any point. But the pickup is not explosive if you want to compare it to XUV700. Stand alone, you will not be disappointed with Hector. It's a smooth daily driver.
2. Ride and handling too wouldn't give you any reason to complain. Feels planted on those long stretches and handles well over easy corners as long as you realize it's a large SUV and not a sports car.
3. Big on space and comfort. The protruding lumber positioning that few complained for front seats didn't feel uncomfortable at least to me. Large windows help with the sense of space and all-around visibility.
4. Excellent Infinity audio system. I use both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Quality of output is fantastic as long as you have opted for 'High Quality' output in the specific app over data use.
5. I initially booked the black colour but changed it to dual tone later. Super happy with my decision. In dual tone, the Hector stands out within a crowd and looks classy and butch. For me, the lit-up connected tail lamp looks the best on the dual tone.
6. The touch sensitivity of the infotainment screen is vastly improved from when I first tested it in February this year. MG has worked well on improving the user experience and reducing the overall lag. However, I do feel the overall UI (especially the AC) has major scope for improvement. Will elaborate further on my ownership thread.
7. The interior design with the smoke sepia brown leather looks classy and premium. Everyone, who has either sat in the car and seen it, says the interior looks like one from a BMW machine.
8. AC is excellent. Cools real quick. However, navigating through the AC controls on the screen while driving is not the best user experience, especially when using Android Auto and CarPlay as reaching the AC controls is a minimum 2-step affair. However, you can use the voice command to skip through the process. The same works seamlessly.
9. Apparently, MG has removed the steering adjustment for reach and now it's only adjustable for height. Got to know about this only when I took the delivery. Hated this cost-cutting as it took me 2 days to get the right driving position, or rather get used to the 'not my preferred' driving position for the steering. Yet to figure out what has been removed.
10. The first tank-to-tank full fuel efficiency is at 6.93km/l. This included a ride back home from Gurgaon on a rainy evening with a crazy traffic jam that took me 3hr 15mins to cover 20kms. Will get the second tank full over the weekend. Overall, within the city, expect 6-8.5km/l when driving through bumper-to-bumper traffic.
11. Trip information on the app is not very accurate. Fuel efficiency is definitely not correct, have also noticed the top speed not getting captured accurately.
12. Most connected features work well. Will try to detail out further in my ownership thread.
13. Booking, the waiting period, delivery and the post-delivery experience have been very average. The team at MG's flagship store in Gurugram has been shockingly unresponsive. Overall, disappointed with the experience. Even contemplated cancelling my booking in between. But the product is good, so went ahead with the purchase. Keeping figures crossed for the ASS.
14. The SUV has been mostly self-driven with just a couple of short trips within the city with 5 on board. Passengers in the second row had nothing to complain about and found the ride very comfortable. My mom is 75+ and average height, getting in and out for her wasn't a challenge.
15. As a 'gadgets on wheels' car, the SUV definitely lacks enough USB/Type-C ports. Second-row seats should have had at least 2 USB/Type-C ports, currently offered only 1 USB port. My 2013 Honda City has 2 12V sockets, which I find very handy.

Sharing a few pictures.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

I really wanted to buy another Kia Seltos GT Diesel (it's a wonderful car) but due to the long waiting period, we took the delivery of the Hector Plus 6 seater.

BHPian Dcsastudent recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Here is my ownership review of the 2023 MG Hector Plus Facelift 6 seater Petrol AT. The variant is Sharp Pro.

I'm not attaching any photos/videos of the car since they are available aplenty on the net. If anyone wants any specific photos or videos to substantiate what I have written below, I'd be happy to click them for you.

We were looking for a car in this segment, and although I really REALLY wanted to buy another Seltos GT Diesel (It's a wonderful car), due to waiting times, we took delivery of the Hector Plus on the next day after booking the car (booked on 24th Jan, got delivery on 25th Jan). The reason we didn't go in for the top variant was that we didn't want to waste 2L on ADAS - which to me is a gimmick since we already have the XUV700AXL. I have driven the car for 1152 Km till now, and here's the no holds barred version.

The Positives

1. The car is good-looking from all sides. The rear lights look awesome!
2. Interiors are very good-looking (but painful to operate, more on that later).
3. The ride quality is good and the cabin is very quiet under 60-70kmph. Above 70ish, there is a good amount of road noise.
4. Turbo Flutter - from day 1, if I lightly press the accelerator and then stop pressing it, I hear the gorgeous stututu sound from the turbo. Now I don't know whether this can damage the turbo or not (internet searches are confusing), but yeah this happens. I love listening to it, but I don't know if I'm going to be in trouble later.

The Negatives

1. The main screen is painfully slow - so much so to the point that I once timed the screen from a cold start to full functionality - it took 36 seconds! 36 full seconds before I could push any button on the screen.
2. AC Recirculation - the ventilation system switches from internal ventilation to external ventilation every time you start the car. Every time! And then you have to painfully wait for the screen to start working, then click on the AC controls, and then click on the ventilation mode - which is a pain again since even if you click on the button properly, you have to push on it 2 or 3 times to get the desired response.
3. AC vents position - The position of the central vent for the driver is behind the steering - so you will never get a straight draft of air on your face. It will hit the steering only - all this just to have a big screen.
4. Fuel Lid - there is a very very small (maybe 5-6mm long) notch to hang the fuel lid - without it touching the body. This is not such a big issue but can lead to scratches on the body in the long run with the fuel lid hanging on the body.
5. Gear Shift delay - When you shift from P to either D or R, or from R to D and vice versa also, you have to wait for about 4-5 seconds and then it shifts into the proper gear. Very irritating!
6. Steering Wheel is very thin - doesn't have any meat to it. Feels very weird and uncomfortable.
7. Since the central screen is so big, it is a distraction all the time. Best option is to switch it off by long pressing the home button, but if you do that, you can not operate the steering wheel volume buttons or skip songs/change FM stations if the screen is off. You have to again switch on the screen to do anything.
8. Seat Lumbar Support is horrible. For the first 10-12 days, my back ached terribly after having driven the car. It has become better by now, but I'm guessing that is due to me getting used to it, or maybe the seat lumbar support getting a bit pushed down.
9. Second row seats don't tumble - which means in order to get to the third row, you have to climb the cabin, bend down and walk between the 2 captain seats and into the third row.
10. Fuel Efficiency is shown only on the app, and not in the car - which I feel is weird!
11. Rear camera shows a delayed picture - it's not a delay in showing the real situation behind your car. When you shift to R, it shows you a "static" view for about 2 to 3 seconds - which was the view 1-2 seconds before you shifted to R - and not what it currently is. I'll explain: If I shift to R, and there was nothing behind the car before I shifted to R, it will show me empty space on the camera. If I immediately proceed to press the accelerator, there are chances that I will run into something which could have come behind my car in the last 3-4 seconds.
12. High-speed warning - The high-speed warning on 80 and 120 is shown on the driver's screen (behind the steering). It shows the warning constantly non-stop till you come below 80. During that time, you can not see your tyre pressure, cruise control settings, and all other things on that screen. Extension to this point - suppose you are coasting in D, the speed will gradually reduce. The 80 speed warning does not go away till about 67 - 68.
13. Fonts - To a person with good eyesight, it looks good but there is a mix-up between 5, 6 and 8 for people with reading glasses. Mom pressed on the brake pretty hard one time - thinking that she had reached 80 - where in fact she was on 50-something.
14. Body roll is a big concern above speeds of 60-70kmph.
15. The "Turn Traction Control OFF" button is conveniently placed between the hazard lights button and the co-passenger seat ventilation button. Since we use seat ventilation extensively, it has happened once that I accidentally pushed the traction control off button. Placement of this very dangerous button should have been at a hard-to-reach place.

All in all, if I could go back a month, I would not buy this car, and I would strongly suggest everyone experience these issues in person before deciding to book/buy the car.

Here's what BHPian Tanmay_868 had to say about the matter:

I own a 2021 Hector. In my case, if I press the ‘OK’ button the warning disappears both for 80 and 120.

And regarding AC Recirculation I think you have kept your AC on ‘Auto’ mode. Maybe that is the reason.

Here's what BHPian kadanaJ had to say about the matter:

Some of the points from this list are simply terrifying.

Points 2,5,7,11,12,13,15.

Especially points 7,11,15. Those are enough to make the car quite unsafe.

Here's what BHPian the.dogfather had to say about the matter:

These are major issues, and I think the gear shift delay would be quite difficult to live with and something not easily fixable.

The high-speed warnings, and rear camera delays might be things that might be fixed later with software updates, but the gear shift delay is a really painful one.

In some AMTs I have noticed a 1-2s delay and even that I feel is too much. It becomes a real pain in 3-point turns and in situations where you are pulling onto the main road from parking.

I cannot understand the reason for this delay here in a CVT. I usually drive a Toyota Corolla Altis CVT and have driven the CVTs by Honda. In both of these, the gear change is immediate from R-D or P.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The updated Hector will offered with RDE-compliant 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre diesel engines

MG launched the 2023 Hector facelift earlier this year. The latest images captured at a dealer yard suggest that the SUV will now come with new design alloy wheels.

The MG Hector received significant updates in January. It got a revised chrome grille and a split headlamp design. However, the 18-inch dual-tone alloys were carried over unchanged. The new set of wheels features a dual-tone 5-spoke design.

MG has also made several changes to the interior of the 2023 Hector. The dashboard now features redesigned air-con vents and a 14-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system in the centre.

The updated Hector is available with two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 141 BHP and 250 Nm and a 2.0-litre diesel unit that puts out 168 BHP and 350 Nm. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and CVT.

Source: Rushlane

Last month itself, the carmaker increased the prices by up to Rs 1 lakh.

MG Motor India is set to increase the prices of its models by up to Rs 60,000. The new prices will be applicable from March 1, 2023.

The MG Gloster and diesel variants of the Hector will see the most significant price revision of Rs 60,000, while the prices of the Hector petrol will increase by Rs 40,000.

MG will also increase the prices of the Astor. The SUV will command a premium of Rs 30,000. Similarly, those looking to purchase the ZS EV will have to shell out Rs 40,000 more for the electric SUV.

This is not the first price hike announced by MG this year.

The fuel efficiency in the city is around 10 km/l whereas on the highways it's 15-16 km/l when driven at 90 km/h.

BHPian TSEA recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

10,000 Kms Update

The car is about to reach the 10,000 kms mark. Here is a summary of some points that might be useful for others thinking about getting this vehicle.

1. Interior quality is the same as it was on day 1. Nothing has faded or given away.
2. The steering feel is excellent, especially the way the steering returns.
3. Mileage in Bangalore city traffic hovers around 10 kms to a litre for shorter runs.
4. Mileage for highway runs stays at 16-15 if one drives at 90. It drops to 14-13 if we go faster than that. Fuel efficiency can be improved further by using Cruise Control.
5. There is zero rattling sound (so far so food), though Bangalore roads have not been kind.
6. The screen needs improvement in response. It also needs better usage of screen space. For eg - In the Gaana app, the frequently used icons (play, pause, search etc.) should have been larger.
7. Soft suspension is a blessing on Bangalore roads.
8. Burgundy Red color is a pain to maintain. Would not advise it for folks who do not have covered parking.
9. Due to the additional boost from the hybrid setup, acceleration at lower speeds is good for a vehicle of this size/weight.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The 2023 MG Hector and Hector Plus facelift come equipped with new features including ADAS.

MG Motor India has launched the 2023 Hector and Hector Plus in the Indian market. The Hector facelift is priced at Rs. 14.73 lakh, while the Hector Plus starts at Rs. 20.80 lakh (ex-showroom).

The Hector and Hector Plus get subtle cosmetic changes for the 2023 model year. The SUVs feature a massive chrome grille which dominates the front fascia, while the split headlamp design has been carried over from the previous model, albeit with minor changes.

Minor changes have been made to the rear end of the SUVs as well. These include redesigned tail lights that stretch across the width of the car, a new chrome garnish and a 'Hector' badge on the tailgate. The SUVs ride on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

The new Hector and Hector Plus get a revamped dual-tone interior. The dashboard now features redesigned air-con vents and a 14-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system in the centre. The SUVs get a 3-spoke steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster. Changes have been made to the switchgear on the centre console and gear lever as well.

The most notable addition to the feature list is the Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), which includes features like lane keep assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and high beam assist.

MG hasn’t made any mechanical changes to the Hector and Hector Plus. The SUVs will continue to be offered with 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

God bless competition. And this isn't even including indirect competitors like the Carens, Scorpio-N etc.

Toyota Innova Hycross

Toyota Innova Hycross Pros:

• A great-looking MPV. SUV’ish styling packs appeal
• Upmarket interiors, good comfort in all 3 rows and usable boot (even with 3rd row up)
• Loaded to the gills with features such as a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats, electrically adjustable rear ottoman seats, multi-zone climate control, connected car features, leather upholstery, drive modes, etc.
• Hybrid powertrain makes it lighter on the pocket than diesel and future-proof too. Very good fuel efficiency (expect city FE of 15-17 km/l)
• Impressive performance with a sub-10 second 0-100 km/h time (Toyota claims 9.5 seconds)
• Monocoque construction results in sorted handling and comfortable ride quality
• Brilliant NVH levels result in a quiet and serene experience inside the cabin
• Toyota's bullet-proof reliability, excellent after-sales service and fuss-free ownership experiences
• Safety features such as 6 airbags, Toyota Safety Sense (ADAS), ABS, ESP, TC, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, TPMS, Isofix & 3-point seatbelts for all

Toyota Innova Hycross Cons:

• Premium pricing. More expensive than the already-pricey Innova Crysta
• Top-end variants are only available with captain seats in the middle row. No bench option is inexplicable!!
• 18" wheels with 50 profile tyres compromise the overall stance; they look very small
• Monocoque construction won’t be as rugged & abuse-friendly as the Crysta's body-on-frame build
• Rear seat ottomans are useless for taller passengers
• Average sound quality from the JBL system, poor camera resolution and a basic infotainment system display
• Missing features such as rain-sensing wipers, lumbar adjustment, boss lever on the front passenger seat...
• The already-good ride quality could be even better with higher-profile tyres (e.g. on craters). 225/50 sidewalls are on the shorter side

Link to Review

Mahindra XUV700

Mahindra XUV700 Pros:

• Handsome styling matched to solid build quality. Has street presence, feels robust
• Very spacious interiors with comfy seats and sorted ergonomics. 6-footer passengers welcome!
• 182 BHP turbo-diesel & 197 BHP turbo-petrol make for a potent line-up
• Smooth 6-speed torque converter Automatics available with both engines
• Sorted suspension with good road manners & high-speed stability
• AWD is available for the adventurous, unlike most FWD crossovers in the segment
• Loaded with features like radar-based driver assistance system, pop-out door handles, panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, 360-degree camera, 10.25" infotainment & instrument cluster etc.
• 12-speaker Sony audio system is fantastic! You'll enjoy its sound quality
• Safety features include 7 airbags, ESP, all-wheel disc brakes, hill hold, hill descent control, driver drowsiness detection, TPMS, ISOFIX...

Mahindra XUV700 Cons:

• Negligible boot space with the 3rd-row seat up. Either 5 onboard, or 7 with a roof-top carrier
• Cramped 3rd-row seat is best suited to children only. A sliding middle row is sorely missed
• Petrol AT is thirsty due to its hefty weight, 197 BHP & torque-converter AT
• Some cabin plastics & a few rough areas don't feel premium in an otherwise loaded SUV
• Missing features such as an auto-dimming IRVM, ventilated seats, paddle shifters, full-size spare wheel, ambient lighting, rear sunblinds...
• Concerns over niggles & bugs in a freshly baked, complex Mahindra. We saw 2!
• Mahindra's after-sales service is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• AWD is available just with the Diesel AT, and not the MT or petrol motor

Link to Review

Kia Carnival

Kia Carnival Pros:

• A truly luxurious MPV that’s also high on practicality
• Top quality, spacious & comfortable interiors. 3rd-row is usable for adults too
• Fantastic engine & gearbox combination! 2.2L diesel & 8-speed AT impress
• Comfy ride quality & neutral road manners
• Available in 7, 8 and 9-seater configurations
• 540L boot space with all three rows up and 1,624L with the third row down
• Impressive kit (2 sunroofs, premium Harman Kardon sound system, electric rear doors & more)
• 5-star safety rating. Kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, HSA, CBC etc.

Kia Carnival Cons:

• Massive size can make it cumbersome in the city, while parking & in narrow lanes
• Ordinary urban fuel economy due to the 2.2-ton weight, 197 BHP engine & AT gearbox
• Underbody does scrape on bad roads & large speed bumps, especially with a full load
• Top Limousine variant isn't sold as an 8-seater & its 3rd-row access is difficult
• Steering is a level too firm at parking speeds & a level too light at 120 km/h
• Some misses such as paddle shifters, a skinny spare tyre, no auto-wipers or front camera...
• Model is now 5 years old in the international market; next-gen Carnival is being tested
• Stylish 4x4 SUVs like the Fortuner / Endeavour / Kodiaq can be had at the same price

Link to Review

Tata Safari

Tata Safari Pros:

• The iconic brand “Safari” is back! We agree with using the legendary nameplate for this car
• Stunning looks & strong road presence. Solid build too
• Classy, spacious cabin with comfortable seats & a chilling air-con
• Extra 3rd row of seats brings lots more practicality & utility
• Superb captain chairs available as an option for the middle row (top variant only)
• Extras over the Harrier include rear disc brakes, TPMS, e-parking brake, auto-hold, boss mode…
• Fantastic 9-speaker audio system. Sound quality & bass are enjoyable
• 168 BHP 2.0L diesel offers good driveability and a punchy mid-range
• Smooth & competent 6-speed automatic transmission
• Sufficient ground clearance + terrain response system for rough and wet roads
• Topnotch safety kit includes 6 airbags, ESP, rest break reminder, hill hold, brake disc wiping & more
• Features such as the panoramic sunroof, Eco & Sport modes, auto headlamps & wipers, cruise control…

Tata Safari Cons:

• Heavy steering gets cumbersome at parking / u-turn / crawling speeds (<5 km/h)
• 3rd-row access is too difficult in the captain seat variant
• Negligible boot space with all the seats up - a paltry 73 litres
• Safari AT’s focus is on smoothness & comfort; gearbox is not the most responsive
• Concerns over niggles & long-term reliability. Our test car had a problem too!
• Service visit every 6 months / 7,500 km (12 months is the norm today)
• Diesel engine does get loud above 3,500 rpm & its engine note is quite sad too
• No petrol option (almost all competitors offer it). No AWD for enthusiasts either
• Although improved, the Safari's steering @ 120 km/h is still a level too sensitive
• Tata's after-sales service quality is a hit or miss. Remains a gamble
• By 2021 standards, we’d expect wireless charging + front / 360 camera + ventilated seats
• We don’t agree with the excessive chrome (outside), impractical white interiors & 18” rims (bit firmer ride)

Link to Review

MG Hector Plus

Link to Close Look

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Customers sure are spoilt for choice now, aren't they! God bless competition. And this isn't even including indirect competitors like the Carens, Scorpio-N etc.

Here's what BHPian nfsfreak had to say on the matter:

Voted for Kia Carnival.

I'm currently looking for a comfortable 7 seater, having checked all cars in this list and Jeep Meridian, MG Gloster as well, with a budget of 45L. I currently drive XUV 500 - 2017, model.

My current preference is:

1. Carnival - waiting for a facelift - Auto Expo.
2. Innova Hycross - Waiting for a test drive vehicle. have an active booking but will decide after my test drive, which would happen by the first week of Feb per local dealers.
3. XUV 7OO - have an active booking with an expected delivery date of Apr 2023 - will proceed if the above options don't work out.

I sorely miss Endeavor which would have been my obvious choice for upgrade (was in my personal wishlist) but wouldn't want to go the pre-owned route now & take a chance with Ford shutting its shop here.

Listing my observations on the cars checked based on my order of preference - Sorry for the long post, but this could help others in a similar predicament.

Kia Carnival

Loved the ride and ease of drive though the car is BIG. Truly a comfortable 7-seater by a mile, compared to others in the list. The current drawback is the lack of features (360 camera, adaptive cruise/ADAS etc) and a dated model but not real deal breakers for me.

With the facelift, I hope will get more features and remains within my budget (wishful thinking).

Toyota Innova Hycross

I liked Crysta's comfort and this being a Toyota, I just went ahead with a booking without even test-driving the car by looking at the initial pics and variants list (a first for me) based on Toyota's surprising efforts to match the features - Sunroof, ADAS etc and the new look is not van like, which was a concern before.

But second-row captain seats only in ZX(O) is a very big downer for me - why Toyota? why!!!. Even to carry 5 we need to use a third row which would compromise the boot space. XUV scores high here, as boot space, is more with folded 3rd row, for carrying 5. Now it depends on my test drive with family - especially the ride quality and third-row comfort for 3, to really proceed with the existing booking.

The current timeline for vehicle delivery is 90 days promised by the dealer.

Mahindra XUV 700

Not a big upgrade in terms of space and seating comfort compared to my current car but really liked the ride quality, safety kit, and features (hopefully the niggles are getting sorted in the fresh batches). Downers for me - White interiors (nightmare to maintain), manual IVRM, non-slidable second-row seats. Also I don't like the new look but I think that would grow on you over time.

With no major red flags, I just went ahead with my booking last week of Dec 2022 (Diesel AT AWD - Electric Blue) and surprisingly, the delivery date per initial communication is Apr 2023.

Tata Safari

Loved the look. Surprisingly found XUV 7OO ride better than Safari (was thinking otherwise, hearing about the famed Hexa/old-gen Safari ride quality).

Second-row comfort is better in XUV, but the third row is comparatively better in Safari with a slidable second row. Scored better in terms of comfort features that matter - Ventilated Seats, Electric IVRM, Slidable second row etc but missed 360 camera and ADAS (i think it will be part of the next facelift). Overall it was a really close finish, but seating comfort and ride quality tilted the scale towards XUV ahead of this.

MG Gloster

Loved the space on offer, and the features list (matched almost all the features of XUV and offered some more like ventilated seats). High & commanding seating position but the ride quality was harsh and my home minister did not like the drive. So removed it from my list straight away. Also expensive on the list with no discounts on offer (the top variant is close to 50L).

Jeep Meridian

Not a real 7-seater. The third row is only for kids. Heck, even in the middle row - you can only comfortably seat 2. I think Jeep consciously wanted to ensure the middle passenger is not welcomed - with no headrest or seat belt. With 3 in the back seat, it was not comfortable at all. So it is 4 + 2 seater.

But I loved the car for its ride quality, stability and interior quality. Actually, test drove the car clearly knowing I won't be getting this as I heard great things about the capability of this car. The test drive was very enjoyable as the SA had helped with roads/sections that you can really test this car - bad/no roads ride, highways etc. Great car for 4.

MG Hector Plus & Skoda Kodiaq

They are not real 7-seaters, strictly 5+2. Last-row space and comfort are laughable and only for kids below 5 feet in height. For Kodiaq, I did not even get the test drive vehicle from my local dealer.

Haven't driven Hector Plus after checking the third-row space & having driven Gloster

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.

The most notable addition to the Hector's feature list is the Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

MG Motor India has finally taken the wraps off the Hector facelift. Prices for the updated Hector and Hector Plus will be announced on January 11, 2023.

MG has made subtle changes to the exterior of the new Hector. That being said, there’s nothing subtle about the massive chrome grille which dominates the front fascia. The split headlamp design has been carried over from the previous model, albeit with minor changes.

Minor changes have been made to the rear end of the SUV as well. These include redesigned tail lights that stretch across the width of the car, a new chrome garnish and a 'Hector' badge on the tailgate. The SUV rides on 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

The new Hector gets a revamped dual-tone interior. The dashboard now features redesigned air-con vents and a 14-inch portrait touchscreen infotainment system in the centre. The SUV gets a 3-spoke steering wheel and a digital instrument cluster. Changes have been made to the switchgear on the centre console and gear lever as well.

The most notable addition to the Hector's feature list is the Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS). It comprises features like lane keep assist, forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and high beam assist.

MG hasn’t made any mechanical changes to the Hector. The SUV will continue to be offered with 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre petrol-hybrid and 2.0-litre diesel engines.