Image: MG official image
JSW MG Motor India has confirmed that it will introduce its first plug-in hybrid SUV in the Indian market, with an official launch announced for mid-July according to the company’s teaser campaign. The new model is based on the MG Hector platform and is being positioned as a long-range, fuel-efficient alternative to conventional petrol SUVs.
What is this new MG plug-in hybrid?
Indian media reports say the upcoming SUV is likely to be called MG Hector Hawk, and will be derived from the Wuling Starlight 560 sold in some international markets. According to these reports, the SUV measures around 4,745 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,755 mm in height and has a wheelbase of about 2,810 mm, placing it in the mid-size SUV segment similar to the current Hector.
Inside, the plug-in hybrid Hector-based SUV is expected to feature:
- A large touchscreen infotainment system (around 12.8 inches)
- Digital instrument cluster (about 8.8 inches)
- Level 2 ADAS driver assistance features
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Automatic climate control
- Cruise control
- Premium upholstery
These features are broadly in line with the technology already seen on the latest MG Hector sold in India, which offers a large infotainment screen, connected car features and Level 2 ADAS on higher variants.
Powertrain and performance
According to the announcement, the new SUV will use:
- A 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine
- A high-output electric motor
- A battery pack of about 20.5 kWh capacity
Combined system output is reported at around 197 bhp and 239 Nm. The company is claiming 0–100 km/h acceleration in roughly 10 seconds and a top speed of about 170 km/h. With a full battery charge and a full petrol tank, the claimed combined driving range is up to 1,000 km, which is significantly higher than typical non-hybrid petrol SUVs.
Why this matters for Nepali buyers
JSW MG Motor operates in Nepal through an official distributor from the Golchha group, and MG already sells models such as the Hector and various EVs in the country. Although there is no formal announcement yet about bringing this plug-in hybrid Hector-based SUV to Nepal, mid-size SUVs and electrified vehicles are increasingly popular among Nepali buyers due to rising fuel prices and evolving tax policies on cleaner vehicles.
If launched here in future, the plug-in hybrid Hector-based SUV would likely sit above the regular Hector in price, potentially in the Rs 60–80 lakh range in Nepal depending on final Indian prices, battery size and duties. This estimated price band is inferred from current Hector pricing in India and typical Nepal import costs for similarly sized SUVs.
For Nepali customers, the model’s key attractions would be:
- Ability to do most daily commuting on electric power if charged regularly
- Long combined range for highway trips to cities like Pokhara, Chitwan or Itahari
- Lower fuel consumption compared to a pure petrol SUV of similar size
As of now, detailed variant-wise prices and exact Nepal launch plans have not been disclosed. Buyers interested in electrified SUVs should watch for further announcements from JSW MG Motor’s Nepal distributor in the coming months.
Current prices on Nepal AutoMart
- MG Hector price in Nepal: Rs 66.99 lakh – Rs 80.99 lakh ex-showroom, 8 variants
Reported by the Nepal AutoMart news desk. Prices verified against Nepal AutoMart's own distributor-sourced data.
.webp)
