The MG Hector Blackstorm stands out in the crowded Indian SUV market with its 2024 facelift, retaining the core features that have made it a popular choice since its debut in 2019. This particular model, the Blackstorm Sharp Pro variant, is priced at ₹21.24 lakh ex-showroom, offering a compelling blend of style, features, and performance in the premium segment.
The MG Hector Blackstorm is offered as a 5-seater model, providing spacious and comfortable seating suitable for medium-sized families or groups. For those requiring more room, the Hector is also available in the Hector Plus variant, which comes in 6 and 7-seater configurations, starting at a price of ₹17 lakh. This variant is particularly versatile, catering to larger families or those in need of additional seating. Notably, the stylish Blackstorm theme, known for its premium and sporty aesthetics, is available in both the standard Hector and the Hector Plus models, ensuring a consistent level of style and sophistication across the various options.
It is assembled across multiple locations, including India, Indonesia, and China, highlighting its global appeal and accessibility. MG offers a comprehensive warranty package for the Hector, which includes a 3-year unlimited kilometer warranty, complemented by 3 years of roadside assistance and three free labor services, ensuring peace of mind for owners. Additionally, the SUV is equipped with three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sports, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their driving preferences or road conditions, enhancing both driving pleasure and efficiency.
Design and Build
The MG Hector Blackstorm draws its aesthetic inspiration from the Chinese SUV Baojun 530, which is also marketed as the Wuling Almaz and Chevrolet Captiva in other countries. The Hector features a robust build with high-strength steel and sports a stylish argyle-inspired diamond mesh dark chrome grille that elevates its road presence. The design is complemented by LED DRLs, automatic LED projector headlamps with piano black highlights, and LED fog lamps.
It’s a robust SUV, measuring 4.7 meters in length, 1.7 meters in height, and 1.8 meters in width, with a curb weight of approximately 1700 kg and a ground clearance of 192 mm, designed to handle diverse driving conditions. It features stylish 18-inch all-black alloy wheels, with options for 17-inch alloy and steel wheels as well. The vehicle is equipped with disc brakes on both the front and rear, accented with red calipers, and it runs on 215/55 R18 95H Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance tires for superior traction and performance.
Visually, the Hector Blackstorm is available in a starry black color, along with other color options like white, grey, red, brown, and silver. It also offers a dual-tone variant featuring a black roof for those seeking a more distinctive look. Adding to its aesthetic appeal, the Blackstorm accessories include options for a red-tinted emblem, red tailgate garnish, red fog lamp accents, and red ORVM accents, allowing owners to personalize their SUVs to their taste.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Hector Blackstorm offers a premium experience with black leatherette upholstery, optional beige and brown colors, and fabric upholstery. It features an 8-speaker Infinity premium sound system, known for its high-quality audio output. Comfort is a priority with ventilated front seats, a 6-way power adjustable driver seat, and a 4-way power adjustable passenger seat. The spacious cabin includes a reclining second-row seat and 60/40 split-folding seats that provide flexibility and comfort for all passengers.
Technology and Features
Technology is at the forefront in the Hector Blackstorm, which boasts India’s largest 14-inch HD portrait infotainment screen supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The vehicle is equipped with over 100 voice commands to control features like the sunroof, air conditioning, and ambient lighting. Safety is also a key focus, with ADAS Level 2 features including lane keep assist, front collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
It offers an array of features designed for convenience and comfort. The headrests are embossed with the Blackstorm logo, adding a touch of exclusivity to the interior design. Drivers can enjoy the flexibility of tilt and telescopic steering adjustments, making it easier to find the perfect driving position. The SUV is equipped with a distinctive trumpet horn that stands out in traffic.
In terms of transmission, the Hector Blackstorm provides options to suit various driving preferences. It comes with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for those who prefer an automatic for ease of driving, and a 6-speed manual transmission for those who enjoy more engagement with their vehicle. The diesel variants are exclusively available with the 6-speed manual transmission, catering to the traditional manual enthusiasts.
Additionally, the Hector Blackstorm is equipped with wireless charging, a feature that adds convenience for modern smartphone users, allowing them to charge their devices without the clutter of cables.
Performance
Under the hood, the petrol variant features a 1451 cc, inline 4 cylinder, turbocharged, intercooled Daewoo S-TEC III LJO engine delivering 141 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It provides a balanced fuel economy of 14 kmpl. For those preferring diesel, a 1956 cc, inline 4 cylinder, turbocharged Fiat JTD Multijet engine is available, offering 167 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque with an efficiency of 17 kmpl.
Conclusion
The MG Hector Blackstorm is a well-rounded SUV that delivers on multiple fronts—design, comfort, technology, and performance. With options for both petrol and diesel engines, and a comprehensive package of features, it remains a compelling choice for SUV buyers in India. The additional benefits such as a 3-year unlimited km warranty, roadside assistance, and free labor services enhance its value proposition, making it an attractive option in its price range.
