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. This model comes in two different variants: Exclusive and Essence. 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. Our image gallery will give you a closer look at the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV.

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 its specifications here:

*DHT = Dedicated Hybrid Transmission

Want to know how a plug-in hybrid powertrain works? Our detailed story will give you all the details of this new tech and how it works in the real-world.

The MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is available in two variants: Exclusive and Essence.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Exclusive

• Gets the standard 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 20.5 kWh battery pack.

• Exterior gets all LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, chrome finish on door handles, roof rails, and a roof mounted spoiler.

• Cabin features a dark brown theme, blue ambient lighting, leatherette seat upholstery, leather wrap on doors, dashboard, and steering wheel, and a 7-seater configuration.

• Rear seats get slide and recline function along with tumble function for easy third row ingress. Both front and second rows also get centre armrests.

• Features include a panoramic sunroof, front seat ventilation, powered tailgate, 6-way powered driver seat, 4-way powered co-driver seat, and a 50W wireless phone charger with cooling.

• Infotainment package gets a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 6-speaker sound system, and an 8.8-inch digital driver’s display.

• Safety kit gets 6 airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold control, all-wheel disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system, electric parking brake with auto hold, rear parking sensor, and a 360-degree camera.

MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV Essence

• Gets the same powertrain option.

• Exterior gets red brake calipers and floating turn indicators.

• Cabin gets multi-colour ambient lighting, memory function for driver seat, rear window sunshades, and an auto dimming IRVM.

• Additional features include a 15.6-inch touchscreen and a 10-speaker Infinity sound system.

• It also gets Vehicle-to-vehicle charging, vehicle-to-load functionality, and vehicle-to-home function.

• Safety kit gets front parking sensors and Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

• Take a closer at the top-spec MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV here. 

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• Pick the base-spec Exclusive variant as it covers all aspects in detail. You do not compromise on design and cabin premiumness, and it gets all daily use features along with some creature comforts.

• Go for the top-spec Essence variant only if you want a better infotainment package and ADAS.

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.