Kia Seltos v/s MG Hector: Which one is better?
What's the story
In the last few days, South Korea-based Kia Motors and British automaker Morris Garages (MG) have marked their debut in India with Seltos and Hector, respectively. Both the mid-sized cars offer a bunch of segment-first features, sport modern designs, premium cabins, and pack good performances. But which one should you buy? Here's our head-to-head comparison.
Design
MG Hector v/s Kia Seltos: At a glance
Thanks to its wider, taller and longer footprint, the Hector looks heavier than the rather sportier and more compact Seltos. Further, Hector also has a larger wheelbase and a bigger boot than its South Korean rival. But that aside, with broad cascading grilles, sleek LED headlights, and some chrome garnishing, both crossovers do share a similar facade. Winner: You're the best judge.
Interiors
Inside the cabin
Inside the cabin, the Hector offers a premium feel with hi-tech features like the 10.4-inch vertically-mounted touchscreen, fatigue reminder, power-adjustable front seats, internet connectivity, panoramic sunroof, and ambient lighting. In comparison, the Seltos gets segment-first features like ventilated front seats, air purifier system, blind-view monitor, an 8-inch Heads-up Display, 10.25-inch infotainment system, Bose audio, and wireless charging. Winner: Kia Seltos for its premium features.
Engine
Under the hood
MG Hector is available in 1.5-liter petrol, 1.5-liter petrol-hybrid, and 2.0-liter diesel engine. The latter two come with a 6-speed manual gearbox while the standard petrol version offers AMT as optional. Meanwhile, Seltos comes in BS6-compliant 1.4-liter petrol, 1.5-liter petrol, and 1.5-liter diesel options and all three versions offer a six-speed manual gearbox as standard along with optional automatic transmission. Winner: It's a tie.
Pocket pinch
Pricing: The ultimate differentiator
The MG Hector starts at Rs. 12.18 lakh for the base Style variant with petrol engine and goes up to Rs. 16.88 lakh for the top-end Sharp variant with the diesel engine. The Kia Seltos, on the other hand, starts at Rs. 9.69 lakh for the entry-level variant and goes up to Rs. 15.99 lakh for the top-end model.
Our verdict
How things stack up?
The MG Hector, with its classic SUV design, hi-tech features, and more powerful engine options, has made a great start. In fact, the response has made MG stop accepting orders for the car this year. But with a design second to none, attractive segment-first features, capable engines, and a cheaper price tag, the Kia Seltos is a worthy option to consider. Winner: Kia Seltos.