In the ongoing GAIKONDO Indonesia International Auto Show event, Wuling unveiled its new Almaz RS. MG Hector is sold in various countries with different names such as Wuling Almaz, Chevrolet Captiva, and Baojun 530.
The carmaker has refreshed the SUV with a new exterior and interior design and added more features. We expect similar changes in the MG Hector facelift in India.
Exterior Design
In terms of design, the silhouette of the SUV is more or less similar to the outgoing model. However, the carmaker has made several changes to its aesthetic appeal. At the front, the SUV gets a new gloss black upper grille, LED DRLs, and a new split-type LED headlight.
Meanwhile, the road presence of the SUV is highlighted by its jewel-shaped lower chrome grille and new 18-inch alloy wheels. Apart from this, the side profile of the SUV has no significant changes in its design.
At the rear, there are several changes in the design like the new bumper, black sill, elongated reflector, and new LED taillights. However, the Wuling logo is replaced by Wuling in letters embossed on the black sill connecting the taillights. With these changes, the carmaker has added a new dynamic stance to the design of the SUV.
Interior and Features
Unlike the exterior, there are very few changes to the interior of the new Wuling Almaz RS. The SUV retains the old dashboard layout but it gets a new carbon black theme for the interior. The carmaker is offering a 7-seater layout in the SUV with new synthetic leather upholstery.
Meanwhile, the luxury factor is highlighted by the multi-colour ambient lighting and gloss black soft-touch dashboard. The dashboard gets the new fully digital instrument cluster, steering wheel with mounted controls, and a portrait-style infotainment system. Also, the steering wheel and AC vents get carbon inserts that enhance the design of the interior.
Moreover, the SUV gets new features like updated voice commands, a Wuling remote control app, updated ADAS, and more safety features. However, the ADAS package includes features such as autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, high beam assist, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, etc.
Powertrain Options
Wuling Almaz is available with various engine options. However, the powertrain options include a 2.0L naturally aspirated hybrid engine with an electric motor. This engine produces 123hp of power and 169nm of torque output. The hybrid version produces 174hp of power mated to the dedicated hybrid transmission.
Meanwhile, the SUV is also available with a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine. With this engine, the SUV makes 143hp and 250nm of output. However, this engine is available with a CVT gearbox option.
Will it come to India?
MG Hector is one of the most popular SUVs in the Indian market. With this SUV, MG has debuted in the market as their first Internet SUV. In terms of sales, this SUV has good performance against its rivals in the segment. In Jan 2023, MG updated the Hector with a new design and more features. However, there were no mechanical changes in the SUV.
We expect that MG will bring the new Hector facelift to the Indian market by the following next year. With this update, the SUV will look upmarket with a premium design. The addition of new features and a new design will surely attract the audience. Also, the new leather upholstery and ambient lighting will enhance the premium appeal.
Source: