MG Hector: Should You Wait For Its Launch Or Buy One Of Its Rivals?

The Hector is likely to be better equipped than its rivals, but should you hold your buying decision for the MG SUV?

The MG Hector is set for its India launch in mid-2019.

The MG Hector is set for its India launch in mid-2019. Thanks to some of the official images, videos and tech reveal, we now know that it will be a connected car, will have a large 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and will get features like panoramic sunroof and tyre pressure monitoring system. In the mid-size SUV space in India, the Hector will lock horns with the Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier, Hyundai Tucson and Mahindra XUV500. With its launch slated in a couple of months from now, we analyse based on current information whether you should wait for the Hector or go ahead and buy one of its rivals. Tata Harrier: BUY it for its competitive price With prices starting from Rs 12.7 lakh, the Harrier is the most affordable midsize SUV compared to its direct rivals. Even its most feature-loaded variant costs Rs 16.26 lakh, undercutting top variants of all the other SUVs in this list. However, the Harrier is available with a diesel-manual powertrain only. So, if you’re looking for an affordable large SUV with a diesel-manual powertrain, you can stick to the Harrier as the Hector is expected to cost more than the Tata. Mahindra XUV500: BUY it for its third row There’s only one SUV in this list that comes with the option of 7 seats -- Mahindra XUV500. It’s also priced competitively and is available with multiple powertrains, including a petrol engine. While both MG and Tata plan to launch a 7-seat version of the Hector and Harrier, respectively, none of the automakers are keen to launch the 3-row version of their respective SUVs this year. Hence, if you’re in the market to buy a 7 seat mid-size SUV, you’re left with no option but the XUV500. Jeep Compass: BUY it for its off-road cred The Jeep Compass is amongst the most suitable SUVs in this list if you intend to go off tarmac quite often. While its relatively small size and less bulk make it more capable, it also comes with 4x4 tech and multiple off-road modes. For those who want more off-road capability, Jeep is set to launch the Compass Trailhawk, its most capable off-road version, in India by July 2019. While it remains to be seen whether the Hector comes with 4x4 tech or not, it is unlikely to challenge the Compass Trailhawk off the road. Hyundai Tucson: BUY it for Hyundai’s network Once amongst the most premium mid-size SUVs on offer in India, the Tucson is not the most compelling buy in the current scenario, especially when there are multiple launches lined up in this segment. However, despite the competition, the one thing that goes in favour of the Tucson is Hyundai’s wide sales and service network, which is second to only Maruti Suzuki. So if you’re likely to travel to far-flung locations where only limited manufacturers open shop, the Tucson will be a safe bet. MG Hector: WAIT for it if you want a feature-rich midsize SUV While MG Motor is yet to unveil the Hector fully, the carmaker has teased us with its images, videos and some features. Apart from being the first “internet car” in its segment, the Hector will feature a large 10.4-inch infotainment system, a panoramic sunroof, front parking sensors, 360-degree parking camera, LED headlamps and dynamic turn indicators. Expect MG to reveal more features in the run-up to the launch. If latest features and tech is what you want in your next car, it will be worth waiting for the MG Hector.