MG Hector Facelift Launched: A Fresh Look That’s Making Heads Turn

MG Hector Facelift Launched: Remember when the MG Hector first rolled into Indian showrooms back in 2019? That big, bold SUV promised internet connectivity and tech features that felt almost futuristic. Fast forward to yesterday, December 15, 2025, and MG has just dropped the second major facelift for this popular SUV. And honestly? I’m genuinely impressed with what they’ve done.

I spent the entire morning yesterday glued to my laptop watching the launch event, and what caught my attention wasn’t just the specs—it was the thought that went into making this SUV more accessible, more feature-packed, and frankly, better value for money than before.

The Big News: Pricing That Actually Makes Sense

The 2025 MG Hector now starts at Rs 11.99 lakh (ex-showroom), which is a whopping Rs 2 lakh lower than the outgoing model’s base price. When was the last time you saw a car launch with a price drop in this market? It’s almost unheard of, and it immediately tells you that MG is serious about making this SUV competitive.

Now, here’s the catch—these prices are currently only for the petrol variants. The diesel pricing will be announced early next year. A bit of a bummer if you’re a diesel enthusiast like many of my friends who swear by their torque and fuel economy, but at least we know it’s coming.

That Grille Though—You’ll Either Love It or… Well, Love It Anyway

The most talked-about change? That massive front grille with its diamond-pattern honeycomb mesh and chrome garnishes. When I first saw the leaked images last week, I’ll admit, I was skeptical. “Is it too big?” I wondered. But seeing it in proper lighting during the launch, there’s something commanding about it.

It’s bold. It’s unapologetic. It says, “Yes, I’m here, and I demand your attention.” The vertical honeycomb pattern with chrome inserts replaces the old chrome-studded design, and somehow it works. The SUV looks more premium, more muscular, and honestly, more expensive than its price tag suggests.

The redesigned bumpers—both front and rear—add to this aggressive stance. There’s a grey garnish over the lower air dam that gives it a contemporary touch without being over-the-top. And while the headlamp cluster remains largely unchanged, the overall package just flows better now.

Inside: Where the Real Magic Happens

Step inside, and you’re greeted with something special. The 5-seater version now features a dual-tone Ice Grey interior theme, while the 6 and 7-seater Hector Plus variants come with a dual-tone Urban Tan finish. It’s these little touches that make you feel like you’re in something more expensive than you actually paid for.

But here’s where MG really flexes its tech muscles. The 14-inch vertically mounted HD touchscreen now supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and comes with MG’s revised i-Smart connectivity solutions. They’ve also bumped the RAM to 10GB, which means smoother operations and less of that frustrating lag we’ve all experienced with infotainment systems.

The Gesture Control Feature That Actually Works

One of the standout features that had me nodding in approval during the launch was the i-Swipe gesture control. Imagine this: you’re driving, hands on the wheel, and you can control your AC with a simple two-finger swipe gesture, or adjust your music with a three-finger swipe. It’s intuitive, it’s practical, and it’s one of those features that once you use it, you’ll wonder why every car doesn’t have it.

During the presentation, they demonstrated this feature, and I could see the practicality immediately. No more fumbling with buttons or taking your eyes off the road for too long. It’s these thoughtful additions that show MG is listening to what drivers actually need.

The Features List: Leaving Nothing Behind

Let me be honest—I’m a sucker for features. And the Hector facelift doesn’t disappoint. The list reads like a wish list for car enthusiasts:

Ventilated front seats for those scorching summer days, a panoramic sunroof that transforms the cabin ambience completely, a 360-degree camera that makes parking a breeze, Level 2 ADAS for enhanced safety, ambient lighting with voice commands, a powered driver seat, and an Infinity sound system that’ll make every drive feel like a concert.

There’s also a PM 2.5 air filter—something that’s increasingly important in our cities with deteriorating air quality. It’s not just a feature; it’s a necessity now, and I’m glad MG included it.

What’s Under the Hood?

Mechanically, MG has stuck with what works. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine produces 143 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque, available with either a 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission. It’s a proven powertrain that balances performance with efficiency.

The diesel variant—when it launches—will continue with the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine generating 170 PS and 350 Nm, paired exclusively with a 6-speed manual. It’s the same engine you’ll find in the Tata Harrier and Safari, which speaks to its reliability and performance credentials.

For now, MG is focusing on the petrol variants, and honestly, with the way petrol engines have evolved and the convenience of CVT automatics, it makes sense for most urban buyers.

New Colors That Pop

There are two new exterior shades joining the lineup: Celadon Blue and Pearl White. I have a soft spot for that Celadon Blue—it’s a sophisticated shade that stands out without being too flashy. In a sea of whites, blacks, and greys on our roads, this blue will definitely turn heads.

The Competition: Can the Hector Hold Its Ground?

Let’s be real. The mid-size SUV segment in India is absolutely brutal. The Hector faces off against some serious competition—the Tata Harrier with its premium appeal, the Tata Safari with its 7-seater practicality, the Hyundai Alcazar with its refined experience, the Jeep Compass with its off-road credentials, and the upcoming Mahindra XUV 7XO that’s generating significant buzz.

But here’s where the Hector has an edge: value. At Rs 11.99 lakh, you’re getting a feature-loaded SUV with tech that rivals or exceeds what competitors offer at higher price points. For first-time SUV buyers or families looking to upgrade, this pricing makes the Hector an incredibly compelling option.

The Ownership Experience: MG Shield

Something that often gets overlooked in launch coverage is the ownership program. MG has introduced something called MG Shield—a 3+3+ package that includes a 3-year warranty with unlimited kilometers, three years of roadside assistance, and three labor-free periodic services.

This is huge. The unlimited kilometer warranty alone removes a major concern for buyers who do long-distance driving or use their cars extensively. And the ability to customize coverage by extending warranty or roadside assistance gives buyers flexibility based on their usage patterns.

My Honest Take: Who Should Buy This?

After absorbing all the information from the launch and thinking about where this SUV fits in the market, here’s my honest assessment.

You should seriously consider the Hector facelift if:

You’re looking for a feature-rich SUV without breaking the bank. The value proposition here is exceptional. You want a commanding road presence—that big grille and muscular stance will make sure people notice you. You’re a tech enthusiast who appreciates intuitive features like gesture controls and seamless connectivity. You need space for your family, especially if you opt for the 7-seater Hector Plus variant. You value a comprehensive ownership package with that unlimited kilometer warranty.

You might want to look elsewhere if:

You’re deadset on a diesel engine right now and don’t want to wait. You prefer a more understated, conservative design—the Hector is anything but subtle. You’re an off-road enthusiast looking for serious 4×4 capabilities. You prioritize brand heritage and service network above features—though MG has improved significantly in this area.

The Bigger Picture: What This Launch Means

Here’s something I’ve been thinking about since the launch. The MG Hector, when it arrived in 2019, was MG’s maiden nameplate in India. It became synonymous with the brand, and according to the company, over 150,000 customers have already chosen the Hector since its debut.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—sales haven’t been as impressive lately. With nearly seven years since the original launch, the SUV had started feeling a bit dated despite previous updates. This facelift is crucial for MG. It’s about staying relevant in a segment that’s seeing new launches every few months.

What I appreciate is that instead of just doing a cosmetic refresh, MG has actually tried to add meaningful improvements while making the SUV more accessible with that reduced pricing. It shows they understand the Indian market and what buyers actually want.

The Diesel Dilemma

The elephant in the room is the missing diesel pricing. For a significant chunk of buyers, especially those who clock high mileage, diesel still makes economic sense. The fact that MG is launching petrol-first suggests they’re reading the market trends—petrol is dominating urban sales, and that’s where most Hector buyers are.

But for highway cruisers, commercial users, and those who put serious kilometers on their vehicles annually, that 2.0-litre diesel with its 350 Nm of torque is going to be the more sensible choice. I’m hoping the diesel pricing, when announced, maintains the same aggressive value proposition as the petrol variants.

Real World Considerations

Let’s talk about some practical aspects that don’t make it into press releases but matter in daily use.

That 14-inch touchscreen—while impressive—can be a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a learning curve to maximize all its features. But from what I’ve seen, the upgraded 10GB RAM should make the experience smoother than previous iterations.

The gesture controls sound gimmicky, but they’re actually useful in real-world driving. Being able to adjust climate or audio without multiple button presses or touchscreen taps is genuinely helpful, especially in traffic.

The CVT automatic, while convenient, might feel a bit lazy compared to a traditional automatic or DCT. But for city driving and relaxed highway cruising, it’s perfectly adequate.

The Final Verdict

As I wrap up this article, I keep coming back to one thought: MG has done something smart here. They haven’t tried to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they’ve taken a proven formula, addressed its weaknesses, added meaningful improvements, and made it more affordable.

Is the Hector facelift perfect? No car is. But for someone walking into a showroom with a budget of Rs 12-20 lakh looking for a feature-loaded family SUV with space, tech, and road presence, the Hector makes an incredibly strong case for itself.

That Rs 11.99 lakh starting price isn’t just competitive—it’s aggressive. It’s MG saying, “We want your attention, and we’re willing to offer exceptional value to get it.”

Bookings are open, and deliveries are expected to begin soon. If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV, I’d strongly recommend taking this for a test drive. Get a feel for that commanding driving position, experience the gesture controls, and see if that bold design speaks to you.

Because at the end of the day, buying a car is an emotional decision as much as it is a practical one. And the 2025 MG Hector Facelift? It’s got both the heart and the specs to make it worth your consideration.