MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV (plug-in hybrid) has been launched in India and it is one of the first models to be based on MG’s new ADAPT platform. Essentially a rebadged version of the MG Starlight 560 sold internationally, the Hector Tomahawk will serve as a standalone SUV rather than being another variant of the standard Hector.

Apart from being available as an EV, the Hector Tomahawk is offered in a PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) version, and it will go up against models like the Mahindra XUV 7XO, Tata Safari, and Hyundai Alcazar.

Since the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is a rebadged version of the Starlight 560, the design gets subtle MG-specific changes. The Hector Tomahawk features an upright nose giving it a tall stance from the front. It also gets LED headlamps, which are placed in a rectangular housing, and between two horizontal LED DRL strips. A large grille takes centre stage and for some more ruggedness, there is a chunky bumper with a large skid plate.

From the sides, the silhouette remains the same as the Starlight 560 and looks like a proper family 7-seater SUV. From here, you can also see its length and boxy proportions. While it does not look as rugged as the MG Majestor, the Hector Tomahawk does have a prominent stance. It gets some muscular curves around the wheel arches, and you get blacked-out A, B, and C-pillars.

To add some contrast to the design, you’ll find a chrome strip running across the window line and it sits on five-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels.

At the back, you get the same horizontal strip design for the LED taillamps but both stips are connected towards the end, giving them a C-shaped design. You’ll also get a roof mounted spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and a rugged-looking rear bumper.

As for colour options, you get to choose from 6 options: Aurora Silver, Shadow Gold, Celadon Blue, Pearl White, Turquoise Green, and Starry Black. The green and blue hues can additionally be paired with an optional white roof.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV’s dashboard design is clean and minimalistic and is dominated by a large touchscreen in the middle. The cabin is finished in a brown shade to make the cabin look premium, while the lower half is finished in black. For some contrast, you’ll find brushed aluminium elements on the dashboard, steering wheel, and around the large AC vents.

Unlike the EV, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV is offered solely as a 7-seater.

Being an MG, it comes loaded to the gills with features such as a 15.6-inch free-floating touchscreen infotainment system paired with a premium 10-speaker Infinity sound system. It also features an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a panoramic sunroof.

Basic features like push-button start/stop, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVM, and multi-zone climate control with rear AC vents are also expected. On the premium side, you can also get powered driver and front passenger seats, 256-colour ambient lighting, a wireless phone charger, a powered tailgate, and front seat ventilation.

When it comes to safety, it gets 6 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.

More premium features like 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 are also part of the safety kit.

Also, while the India-spec Hector Tomahawk PHEV is yet to be crash-tested by Bharat NCAP, the global Starlight 560 has been crash-tested by C-NCAP (China New Car Assessment Program), where it received a full 5-star crash test safety rating.

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV is the first mass-market offering in India to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain. You can check out it specifications here:

*DHT = Dedicated Hybrid Transmission

The MG Hector Tomahawk promises to offer a neat blend of premiumness, features, space, and economic convenience, and puts that package in a segment that is still fairly less busy. But its unique aspect is the fact that it is one of the first mass-market cars to get a plug-in hybrid powertrain, making it unique over its rivals such as the Mahindra XUV 7XO and Tata Safari. 

However, how well it performs and if it actually manages to live up to the expectations will only be found out once we get behind its wheel and give you a much more detailed report.