MG Hector Tomahawk EV

After recently unveiling their new platform which can support multiple powertrains like electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid, JSW MG Motors is all set to unveil the first model to be based on that platform, and it is the MG Hector Hawk EV.

Instead of being another variant of the existing Hector, the Hector Hawk EV will be a completely new SUV and will arrive in our market alongside its plug-in hybrid version expected to come later. It is based on the Wuling Starlight 560, which is available in the International markets, and in India it will go up against the Tata Harrier EV and the Mahindra XEV 9S.

The Hector Hawk EV will borrow design cues from the globally available Starlight 560, but the Indian version will get subtle changes for a clear distinction. With a recent teaser, MG has given a glimpse into its design, but how the car exactly looks will be known once the wraps are taken off.

Upfront, it will feature an upright nose that complements its boxy stance. The face gets rectangular LED headlamps which are placed between two horizontal DRLs. Both headlamps are connected by a gloss black strip below which is a large grille. We also expect it to get a chunky bumper with a massive skid plate for some ruggedness.

In profile, the silhouette will be the same as the Starlight 560. The design will be boxy as suggested by the teaser and you’ll get a black roof along with blacked-out A, B, and C-pillars. A chrome strip running across the window line will add some contrast. Also, it will come with dual-tone alloy wheels, the size of which is yet to be known.

At the back, the LED taillamps have a similar design as the LED DRLs upfront, with horizontally lighting elements. You’ll also get a roof mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a rugged looking rear bumper.

Inside, the design of the Hector Hawk EV is expected to be similar to the Starlight 560, as it has been slightly teased by the carmaker. It is expected to come with a minimalistic looking dashboard design with little to no physical buttons.

The dashboard along with the rest of the cabin will come in a beige and black theme to make the cabin look airy. The AC vents are also expected to be large and some brushed aluminium inserts will be present to add some contrast in the design.

You can also expect it to feature a lot of soft touch leatherette padding, especially on the dashboard and doors to make the cabin feel more premium. Lastly, as seen in the teaser, the Hector Hawk EV will be a three-row electric SUV with a seven-seater layout.

In terms of features, it is expected to carry forward the equipment list of the Starlight 560. Which means it can come with a 12.8-inch free-floating touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, multi-zone climate control with rear AC vents, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charger.

Along with basic features like power windows, push button start/stop, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, and cruise control, it is also expected to come with ambient lighting, powered driver and front passenger seats, and front seat ventilation.

For safety, we expect it to be equipped with multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control (ESC), a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), hill hold assist, front and rear parking sensors, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.

Other safety tech can also include a 360-degree camera with a blind view monitor and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, high beam assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

While the Hector Hawk EV is yet to be launched which means an official crash test rating for the India-spec version is still some time away, the MG Starlight 560 has received a 5-star crash test rating from C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program).

The powertrain details of the India-spec Hector Hawk EV are not yet disclosed, but based on its globally available version, we expect it to be powered by a 69.2 kWh battery pack. Here are the details.

The official claimed range figure may differ for the India-spec version due to different testing parameters.

The MG Hector Hawk EV is entering a segment which hasn’t been populated by many carmakers yet, reducing its competition significantly, and giving it an edge over the other brands which might enter it soon. 

As a standalone product, it does promise to offer premiumness and tech all inside a spacious package, which can make it appealing for people looking for a primary electric family commuter. If it manages to deliver on that promise is yet to be seen, and we’ll bring a more detailed review here once we sit behind its wheel.