British car marque MG, which is currently owned by Chinese SAIC Group, has announced its intentions to expand to India with its new crossover/SUV called the MG Hector. A closer look at the car reveals that it is really a clone of the China-made softroader Baojun 530 released two years ago.
Then again, the MG Hector is not the first alias of the Baojun 530. In Thailand, the same vehicle is being offered as the Chevrolet Captiva, while Indonesia knows it as the Wuling Almaz. The British version does have a few differences from the rest, though, including the radiator grille, an extra couple of bumper-mounted headlights, and a red reflector stripe between the taillights.
The manufacturer says you will find most of the novelty inside the car. This includes an updated dashboard, a new infotainment system with SIM card / 5G support, voice control and a large vertical display, an all-around view camera system, a keyless entry and start feature, a high-end audio system etc.
The basic trim will ship with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine rated at 143 hp (107 kW), linked to either a manual or a six-speed semi-automatic transmission. You may order it with an optional 48V starter-generator that is supposed to improve acceleration times. Another option is a 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine rated at 173 hp (129 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lbft) of torque. This is the same engine the Jeep Compass ships with, and it only links to a manual transmission. Regardless of your choice, the car will ship front-driven.
The MG Hector will enter production in Halol, India, and should arrive by mid-June 2019.
Photos: indianautosblog.com