Key highlights
- JSW MG Hector Hawk SUV launch on August 28
- It is a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560 7-seater SUV
- To be offered in plug-in hybrid and EV powertrains
JSW MG Motor India is all set to launch a new seven-seater SUV. It is likely to be called the Hector Hawk, and it will be a rebadged version of the Wuling Starlight 560. JSW plans to sell it in PHEV and EV guise, thus positioning it against the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Mahindra XEV 9E, and the Tata Safari.
MG Hector Hawk: What to expect?
The upcoming Hector Hawk will be based on the company’s new ADAPT platform that can house multiple powertrains, especially the hybrids and EVs. Wuling already offers the Starlight 560, which is likely to be called Hector Hawk in India, in the global market. It boasts a premium exterior design with sharp split LED lights, dual-tone alloys, a big greenhouse, and a strong overall road presence.
With the Starlight 560, JSW MG will step up against Mahindra, whose XUV brand has been leading the seven-seater SUV segment for a long time. To offer something different to the customers, JSW MG will introduce it with a PHEV engine.
This engine is likely to be a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit that will be paired to a 20.5 kWh battery pack. This setup makes a healthy output of 195 bhp and 230 Nm, and offers a pure electric range of up to 125 km. The total range on a full tank of fuel is more than 800 km, which is substantial for such a large petrol SUV.
Meanwhile, it will also be offered in a pure electric version. The EV is likely to be powered by a 69.2 kWh battery pack. This version would offer around 201 bhp and 310 Nm, while the range would be 530 km (CLTC cycle). Both versions, the PHEV and the EV, will come with a front-wheel drive configuration only. However, the brand could offer an AWD in the future.
On the inside, the Hector Hawk is likely to feature a rich and premium cabin layout with soft-touch leather upholstery, a two-spoke steering wheel, a floating 12.8-inch infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch digital driver console, a head-up display unit, Level 2 ADAS features, a dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, electric tailgate, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, etc.
We suspect that the PHEV Hector Hawk could be priced around Rs 20-25 lakh, while the EV would be positioned somewhere around Rs 25-30 lakh.
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