ElectrticVehicleWeb reader Swapnil Patel has captured images and video of the MG Hector Plus six-seater being tested in India, with captain seats in the second row. MG Motor India recently applied to trademark ‘Hector Plus,’ presumed as the name of the six-seater that is expected to be launched at the 2020 Auto Expo.
The proportions of the Hector Plus are same as the Hector. To differentiate from its five-seater version, Hector Plus will get a revised front with new LED DRLs and headlamp cluster, larger grille, new tail lamp design and a restyled rear bumper. Inside, Hector Plus will feature captain seats in the second row, with bench seats in the third row. The interior is expected to be similar with respect to the dashboard layout, with the Hector Plus getting the same 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
The engine lineup for the Hector Plus will be the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine updated to BS6 norms.
MG Motor plans an affordable EV in India
MG has no plans to launch the Hector series in a strong hybrid (the current model is available with a 48V mild-hybrid system) or an electric form, leaving the electric SUV duty to the MG ZS EV that is lined up for a launch in the coming days. The ZS EV features a water-cooled 44.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that powers a front-mounted electric motor delivering 105 kW of power and 353 Nm of instant torque. The battery, which has a range of 340 km, supports a 5-way charging infrastructure and fast charging with which it can be charged to 80% in 50 mins. MG ZS EV comes with a 5 years/unlimited km warranty and is expected at a price of INR 24 lakh (ex-showroom).
Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, MG Motor India, has confirmed to the media that MG is working on an affordable EV for India, and it is expected to touch down in 2023, supported by a local battery plant. MG is also setting up a DC Super-Fast charging network at select MG showrooms that can be availed 24×7 and plans to create an extended charging network across MG dealerships in select satellite cities along key routes and provide charge-on-the-go with RSA (roadside assistance). Through SuperFast DC chargers (50 kW), the ZS EV will reach 80% battery capacity within 50 minutes while AC fast chargers installed at homes will take around 8 hours for a full charge.
