MG Hector
Six airbags | Auto climate control | All Power Windows | Electric ORVMs | Keyless entry | Audio sys with Bluetooth, USB, Aux | Standard Warranty 5yr/unlimited km
MG offers the Hector in three variants. There is a 2.0-litre powered version that has been the more popular choice amongst buyers since its launch. There are two petrol variants, both with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. The petrol automatic variant employs a 6-speed DCT while the manual variant uses a 6-speed gearbox. But there is another key difference between the two. The petrol manual variant which we have in the Auto Today fleet also benefits from a mild-hybrid setup. What that brings to the table is a 48V battery placed under the passenger seat. The battery provides additional boost of about 20Nm aiding acceleration. MG claims that its use helps increase fuel efficiency by 12 per cent while reducing CO2 emissions by 11 per cent. While braking or coasting, the battery gets recharged. There is a neat little infographic that can be viewed via the MID that tells you battery status, when it’s powering the front wheels and when it is being charged.
Since there is no petrol manual without the system, it is hard to judge the exact gains provided by the mild hybrid setup. The only discernible difference between the hybrid Hector when compared with a regular nonhybrid vehicle is the effect of regenerative braking while coasting. It is quite evident. The biggest contribution of the mild-hybrid system is towards the betterment of fuel efficiency. Last month, I mentioned I struggled to get close to the figure claimed by MG. Over the next few days I did actually manage to get closer to the 15.81kmpl ARAI certified fuel efficiency, managing to eke out 14.4kmpl over the course of around 300km which included intracity jaunts and some highway running as well.
MG CLAIMS THAT THE MILD HYBRID SYSTEM HELPS INCREASE FUEL EFFICIENCY BY 12 PER CENT WHILE REDUCING CO2 EMISSIONS BY 11 PER CENT