Kia Seltos vs MG Hector: Which One Fares Better?

by IndianAuto Team | 02/07/2019
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This article is going to provide you the comparison between the MG Hector vs the Kia Seltos, two of the most modern SUVs available in the Indian auto market, to find out which one is the better option.

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector: Introduction

What a glorious time it is to be an SUV lover these days. Not only is competition amongst domestic and established competitors heating up but we have a bigger influx of car brands into the Indian Domestic Market now more than ever. And their first weapon of choice to woo Indian customers - undoubtedly an SUV. MG Motors started last year and finally, we have the new Hector, about to make its official launch in the market. Now we have Kia also wanting a slice of that pie and it chose to do so with the brand new Seltos. While Kia officially unveiled the car last week, the company has been on a roll with its marketing campaigns and mission to establish itself firmly in the eyes of prospective buyers.

Also read - Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier Comparison

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Dimensions: Which is bigger?

 Dimensions (mm)

Kia Seltos 

MG Hector

 Length

 4,395 mm

 4,655 mm

 Width

 1,800 mm

 1,835 mm

 Height

 1,640 mm

 1,760 mm

 Wheelbase

 2,636 mm

 2,750 mm

 Ground Clearance

 178 mm  198 mm

Looking at the table above, we can see that all the Kia Seltos is dwarfed by the MG Hector in all dimensions, which is harmonious with the two SUVs' exterior designs: an edgy styling for the Kia Seltos and a bold stance for the MG Hector. While the greatest difference can be seen in the length figures of the two vehicles, which amount to 260 mm, the smallest distinction transpires to the widths, being just 35 mm. Actually, the MG Hector has the segment-leading dimensions, which are equal to its 7-seater counterpart.

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Design: Which is better looking?

Interior comparison

The Seltos has an upmarket and user-friendly cabin. From the steering wheeel's buttons to the padded panel, everything has a high quality. The vehicle has excellent fit and finish, which level with more expensive European cars. The high-positioned 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen infotainment system has a easy-to-reach buttons and controls. 

The MG Hector cabin appears to be larger and offers an equal excellent quality, thanks to the low dash and the large windows. The 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen, which is larger than that on the Seltos, is an outstanding point of the dashboard. The SUV also enjoy a quite good quality levels; nevertheless, a closer look will reveal some inconsistent panel gaps and srcractchy pastics.

On regards the back seats, which most customers pay attention to when choosing an SUV, the Hector seems to offer an unequaled level of comfort thanks to its decent space, adjustable backrests and flat floor. The rear passengers can also enjoy an abundant amount of light, thanks to the lagre panoramic sunroof. 

On the other hand, the Seltos seems to pale in comparison with the Hector regarding the interior space; however, it can still ensure a comfortable journey for the rear passengers with decent legroom and sufficient headroom. Shoulder room is considerably down on the Hector; therefore, three adults will not sit as comfortably as on the Seltos. Both of the two vehicles have reclinable rear backrest with retractable sunblinds for the elegantly-sized windows uniquely on the Seltos.

Exterior comparison

So which of the two will draw the most eyeballs? IndiaAuto.com will help you find out in this comparison. However, at the official unveiling, the Seltos mules on display were only prototypes and Kia didn’t let us have a close look at the interior. Barring that, let’s look at these two new SUV entrants side-by-side and see what they have to offer in terms of design.

Also Read - Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta Comparison

MG Hector red front angle launch

This article will provide you with a detailed comparison between the upcoming Kia Seltos and the recently launched MG Hector.

Starting with the newer Seltos, the South Korean competitor undoubtedly has more proportionate dimensions between the two. It might sit lower but has an aggressive squat which would make even the Germans give way if it showed up in your rearview mirror. Starting with the front, the two most dominant highlights would have to be Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille and those beautifully sculpted all LED two-tier headlamps. What also makes its nose pop is that equally striking perforated brushed-chrome finished bezel which surrounds it. Oh so good looking! Less dramatic but equally complimentary are the faux skid plates, gaping lower intake and ice cube-styled LED fog lamps.

Kia Seltos lower grille

The most outstanding features of the Kia Seltos front is its typical tiger-nose grille and beautifully sculpted all LED two-tier headlamps.

Moving on, the side and rear profiles are much less dramatic and dare I say it, less unique. Don’t get me wrong, it is an achingly good looking car from these ends, with a swooping roofline, raked rear windshield, smart-looking 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels options and edgy creases in every corner. All I’m saying is that if the Kia badge were to be taken out, the layman would be throwing a lot of familiar names out in the air.

Kia Seltos side profile

The side profile and the rear of the Kia Seltos are less beautiful than its front fascia.

Now with that, let’s come to the Hector. As many of you who must have followed the development of the car might know, it isn’t an all-original design. No, underneath the Hector’s skin lies the Baojun 530, a China-only mid-segment SUV which has also adorned other badges like Wuling and even Chevrolet in some markets. So with that, let’s start with the front. In what seems to be a trend emerging in the SUV market, the front fascia has become the primary focus of car designer to play with the design. In the Hector’s case too, the front is so bold and dramatic, it seems to overshadow or underrate the rest of the design. Giving us an impression that the designers just lost interest half way through.

MG Hector side profile

The MG Hector front is dramatic and bold.

However, getting back to it, it’s highlighting features are the large honeycomb-style blacked-out grille, in conjunction with flared and squared-out fog lamp housings with smart looking LED fog lamp design. These cues are topped off by a faux skid plate, chain-link-style lower grille and muscular bonnet design. Coming to the side profile, while the body is large and dominating, the wheel and tyre combination just isn’t large enough to complete the look. With that said, while the Kia will likely appeal more to bachelors and young buyers, the Hector, on the other hand, would fit right at home with large families.

MG Hector front profile

The design of the MG Hector will help it appeal to bachelors and young buyers.

So stepping back, let’s summarise our comparison. The MG Hector and Kia Seltos represent the new-age of SUV designs entering our market. With bold designs, LED lighting everywhere and swooping designs, these two SUVs have definitely made the entire SUV segment stand up and take notice. However, while the MG Hector has a more big, brawny American-SUV sort of design, the Kia Seltos, seems to coincidentally have more of an European influence in its design language. So, if you ask for our opinion, we might have to go with the more refined and edgy styling of the Kia over the brash, bold lines that summarise the Hector’s styling. 

Kia Seltos tiger-nose grille

While both the Hector and the Seltos have a contemporary design, each SUV comes with its own uniqueness.

Also read - Kia Seltos Vs Mahindra XUV500 Comparison - Design, Specifications And Prices

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Features: Which is safer and more convenient?

Safety features comparison

Both of the two SUVs are equipped with a wide range of safety features to ensure both the driver and the customers a safe journey. Specifically, the MG Hector is offered with equipment such as six airbags, ABS with EBD, hill holder rear disc brakes, front parking sensors, etc.

In the meanwhile, the Kia Seltos comes with an equal number of airbags to the Hector, ABS, ESC, hill hold control, vehicle stabilily management and tyre pressure monitoring system.

In this aspect, the two cars seem to level with each other with no clear winner.

Comfort feature comparison

Both of the two cars get a touchscreen infotainment system with the one on the Hector measuring larger than the one in the Seltos. Both of these systems support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Noteworthily, both the Hector and the Seltos come with eSIM-based connected technologies, which help the owners examine the health and conditions of the car. The AI-voice commands on both of the vehicles do not work flawlessly, but that of the Seltos seems to be more efficient. The MG Hector really impresses the customers with its sunroof to be operated through voice commands and being larger than that on the Seltos.

2019 mg hector interior

The MG Hector gets a spacious with a wide range of advanced features.

The MG Hector appears to be the winner with a wide range of advanced features such as power tail gate, a configurable ambient lighting system, and a 360-degree camera. While the Seltos gets a electrically-adjusted driver's seat, the Hector comes with power co-passenger seat, too. Front seart ventilation, air purifier and wirless phone charging can only be found on the Seltos.

2019 kia seltos interior

The Kia Seltos cabin, while not as spacious as the MG Hector, also gets modern features.

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Specifications: Which has higher performance?

Petrol motor

 Specifications

 Kia Seltos

MG Hector

 Engine Types

 Petrol

 Petrol turbo 

 Petrol

 Petrol Hybrid

 Displacement (cc)

 1,497

 1,353

 1,451

 1,451

 No. of cylinders

 4

 4

 4

 4

 Max Power (PS)

 115

 140

 143 PS

 143 PS

 Peak Torque (Nm)

 144 Nm

 242 Nm

 250 Nm

 250 Nm

 Gearbox

 6-speed MT/CVT

 6-speed MT/7-speed DCT

 6-speed MT/CVT

 

 6-speed MT

Both the Kia Seltos and the MG Hector are available with multiple motor options: two gasoline burners and one oil burner. For the petrol version, the Kia Seltos is powered by 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated and 1.4-litre turbo gasoline burners, which can generate 115 HP/144 Nm and 140 HP/242 Nm, respectively. Meanwhile, both of the two petrol motors of the Mahindra XUV500 can produce 141 HP/250 Nm, which exceeds those of its competitor. In terms of the transmission options, both of the two SUVs are available with manual and automatic transmission options. 

Diesel moto

Specifications

 Kia Seltos

MG Hector 

 Engine Types

 Diesel

 Diesel

 Displacement (cc)

 1,493

 1,956

 No. of cylinders

 4

 4

 Max Power (PS)

 115

 170

 Peak Torque

 350 Nm

 350 Nm

 Transmission

 6-speed MT/6-speed torque converter

 6-speed MT

As regards the diesel version, the 2.0-litre unit of the MG Hector dwarfs the 1.5-litre one of the Kia Seltos in power by 30 HP but the two SUVs are equal to each other as regards the torque figure. With respect to the transmission options, the Kia Seltos is the winner since it is offered with both manual and automatic gearboxes. On the other hand, the MG Hector is only available with a manual version.

Kia Seltos front angle

The Kia Seltos loses in the power competition but is the winner in terms of the transmission options and fuel mileage.

Also read - Kia Seltos Vs Jeep Compass - Spec Comparison

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Top Speed: Which is faster?

Model Name 

 MG Hector

Kia Seltos

 Top Speed

 180 kmph (petrol), 195 kmpl (diesel)

 170 kmph (1.5L petrol), 185 kmph (1.4L turbo petrol)

 0 - 100 kmph

 10.73 seconds

 9.36 seconds

While the MG Hector can reach a higher top speed than the Kia Seltos, it is able to reach 100 kmph from a standstill in a longer time than the its competitor.

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Fuel Mileage: Which is more fuel-efficient?

Petrol motor

Specifications

 Kia Seltos

MG Hector

 Fuel Type

 1.5-litre Petrol

 1.4-litre Petrol

 Petrol

 Petrol Hybrid
 Fuel Tank Capacity (litres)  50  50  60  60
 Fuel economy (kmpl)  16.5 (MT)/16.8 (CVT)  16.1 (MT)/ 16.5 (DCT)  14.16 (MT)/13.96 (DCT)  15.81

While the Kia Seltos petrol variants deliver a less powerful performance than the MG Hector, it is the former that has a more decent fuel efficiency. Therefore, the Selos has a clear advantage over the Hector as fuel efficiency has been one of the top priorities when auto customers choose their vehicles.

Diesel motor

Specifications

 Kia Seltos

MG Hector

 Fuel Type

 Diesel 

 Diesel

 Fuel Tank Capacity (litres)

 50

 60

 Fuel economy (kmpl)

 21 (MT)/18 (AT)

 17.41

When it comes to the diesel engine, the similar case occurs with the Kia Seltos being the winner in terms of the fuel mileage.

Overall, the Kia Seltos is less powerful than the MG Hector in both petrol and diesel versions but offers more diverse transmission options and more decent fuel mileage than its competitor.

Kia Seltos Vs MG Hector Price: Which is cheaper? 

 

 Models

MG Hector

Kia Seltos

 Price (ex-showroom, New Delhi)

 INR 12.48 lakh - INR 17.28 lakh

 INR 9.69 lakh - INR 16.99 lakh

 Price (on-road, New Delhi)

 INR 17.41 lakh - INR 19.94 lakh

 INR 13.18 lakh - INR 19.64 lakh

Here, the Kia Seltos is a clear winner since it is priced at a much lower range than its rival. Having said that, both of the auto manufacturers have paid attention to such a price-conscious market like India; therefore, the two vehicles are priced at an agressive price, considering all the modern features that they offer.

Kia Seltos: Other competitors

In the Indian auto market, other than the MG Hector, the Kia Seltos also rivals other formidable competitors such as the Hyundai Creta, the Nissan Kicks, the Mahindra XUV500 and the Tata Harrier.

 Other competitors

 Compare with Kia Seltos

 Hyundai Creta

 Kia Seltos vs Hyundai Creta

 Nissan Kicks

 Kia Seltos vs Nissan Kicks

 Mahindra XUV500

 Kia Seltos vs Mahindra XUV500

 Tata Harrier

 Kia Seltos vs Tata Harrier

 Jeep Compass

 Kia Seltos vs Jeep Compass

MG Hector: Other competitors

Likewise, in the teeming Indian 5-seater SUV segment, the MG Hector also competes against quite a few other vehicles, one striking example of these is the Tata Harrier. 

 Other competitors

Compare with the MG Hector 

 Tata Harrier

 MG Hector vs Tata Harrier

Verdict: Which is worth buying between the Kia Seltos and the MG Hector?

Overall, both the SUVs have their own advantages and disadvatages. While the Kia Seltos has a fresh and edgy styling, the MG Hector has a bold and agressive design. Both of the vehicles have a quite high-quality and convenient cabin with numerous advanced features. While MG Hector delivers a more impressive performance, the Seltos has more diverse transmission options and more decent fuel mileage.

Above is a detailed Kia Seltos vs MG Hector comparison. Consider everything carefully before making a decision to purchase one. For more comparisons like this, pay a visit to IndianAuto.

Read more about new cars at IndiaAuto.com

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