Well, the wait is finally over! MG has pulled the wraps off the new Hector facelift, and honestly, they’ve managed to throw a real curveball. Instead of the usual price hike we see with facelifts, MG has slashed the starting price. We're talking a new introductory price of just Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a massive Rs 2.1 lakh cheaper than the outgoing model. It's a bold move that's sure to get everyone talking.
Key Highlights
- ✓Starts at a shocking introductory price of Rs 11.99 lakh, a huge Rs 2.1 lakh drop.
- ✓Features a massive, new portrait-style 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
- ✓Introduces new iSwipe touch gesture controls for climate and audio.
- ✓Gets a bold new look with a redesigned honeycomb front grille and new 18-inch alloy wheels.
- ✓Adds two fresh color options: Celadon Blue and Pearl White.
A Welcome Surprise on the Price Tag
Let’s dive right into the biggest news, because it's pretty significant. Slashing prices on a new model is almost unheard of, but MG has done just that. The base Style MT variant now starts at Rs 11.99 lakh, a full Rs 2.1 lakh lower than before. Even the top-spec Savvy Pro CVT model is now Rs 1.77 lakh more affordable, coming in at Rs 18.99 lakh.
The larger, 7-seater Hector Plus also sees a new starting price of Rs 17.29 lakh for the Sharp Pro MT variant, with prices going up to Rs 19.49 lakh for the Savvy Pro CVT. Keep in mind, these prices are for the petrol models only. MG has confirmed that details and pricing for the diesel variants will be announced next year. For now, the petrol line-up offers some seriously competitive pricing across its five trims: Style, Select Pro, Smart Pro, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro.
A Bolder, More Confident Look
So, what do you get for your money? Visually, the most striking change is right at the front. The already massive grille has been updated with new honeycomb-like slats, replacing the old diamond pattern. This gives the SUV a more modern and imposing presence on the road. The air dam below it has also been given a revised design for a fresher look.
MG didn't stop there. The facelift also brings redesigned 18-inch alloy wheels, which still wear the 215/55 section tires but look much sharper. Around the back, you’ll find a tweaked rear bumper. While the main lighting elements, like the signature split headlamp setup and the LED light bar connecting the tail-lamps, have been carried over, these subtle changes are enough to make the Hector feel new again.
To round things off, MG has introduced two beautiful new shades to the color palette. You can now get your Hector in Celadon Blue and Pearl White, joining the existing options of Aurora Silver, Starry Black, and Glaze Red. It’s always nice to have more choices, and these new colors really complement the updated design.
A Cabin Dominated by Tech
Step inside, and you're immediately greeted by that massive 14-inch portrait-style touchscreen. This isn't just a screen; it's the command center for the entire car and now features MG's clever iSwipe technology. The interface is expected to be revised for faster processing speeds, which is a welcome improvement. The infotainment system also gets a VRAM module that’s expandable up to 10GB, promising a smoother experience.
The interior ambiance has also been refreshed. The 5-seater Hector gets a classy dual-tone Ice Grey theme, while the 6 and 7-seater Hector Plus models come with a warm dual-tone Urban Tan cabin. Features we loved from the previous model are still here, including the panoramic sunroof, front ventilated seats, a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and ambient lighting. It’s a very well-equipped package.
Power and Safety Remain a Priority
Under the hood, MG has stuck with a proven formula. The engine and gearbox options for both the Hector and Hector Plus are carried over from their outgoing counterparts. The petrol lineup is powered by the familiar 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which generates a healthy 143 PS (or 141 bhp) and 250 Nm of torque. You can pair this engine with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a smooth CVT automatic.
For those who prefer diesel, the upcoming lineup will feature the 2.0-litre Fiat-sourced mill, producing a robust 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque. The big question on everyone's mind is whether MG will finally introduce an automatic option for the diesel engine. In the outgoing model, it was only available with a manual gearbox, so we'll have to wait and see if that changes.
On the safety front, the Hector continues to be a strong offering. It comes equipped with a Level 2 ADAS suite, which is a fantastic feature for this segment. This is complemented by six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), a 360-degree camera, and both front and rear parking sensors. It’s a comprehensive package designed to keep you and your family safe.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
With these updates and the aggressive new pricing, the 2026 MG Hector is ready to take the fight to its rivals. In the 5-seater space, it will go head-to-head with established players like the Tata Harrier and the Jeep Compass. The new tech and lower price point certainly give it a stronger edge than before.
Meanwhile, the Hector Plus, with its 6 and 7-seat configurations, will be competing against the likes of the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO, the popular Hyundai Alcazar, and the formidable Tata Safari. This segment is incredibly competitive, but the refreshed interior, feature list, and value proposition of the Hector Plus make it a compelling option for larger families.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that the MG Hector facelift is much more than just a minor cosmetic update. The company has clearly listened to the market and delivered a product that is not only more stylish and technologically advanced but also significantly more affordable. The combination of a bold new look, the industry-leading 14-inch touchscreen with gesture controls, and that headline-grabbing price cut makes the new Hector a seriously tempting proposition in the mid-size SUV segment. Bookings are open now, and it looks like MG has a real winner on its hands.
