MG Plans To Offer BS6 Diesel Engine In Models Priced Over Rs 15 Lakh

The recently launched mid-size SUV will get a diesel in 2020 too, but at a premium

• Diesel variants of the Hector are currently priced from Rs 13.18 lakh onwards.

• It uses Fiat-sourced 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed manual.

• BS6 version of this engine is only available in the new Jeep Compass Trailhawk as of now.

• MG would only offer the BS6 diesel engine in models priced from Rs 15 lakh onwards.

• 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is expected to be updated to meet BS6 emission norms too.

MG Motor has entered the Indian four-wheeler market with the launch of the Hector, which is powered by a range of BS4 compliant engines. Its introductory prices range between Rs 12.18 lakh and Rs 16.88 lakh, but the diesel variant is priced from Rs 13.18 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India). The prices are expected to go up anyway but the real hike will come when MG updates the engines to be BS6 compliant next year.

Rajeev Chaba, president of MG Motor India, said, “In all vehicles priced below Rs 15 lakh, demand for diesel versions will fall dramatically after implementation of BS6 emission norms. On the basis of this, we will decide on introducing BS6-compliant diesel engines in our vehicles.”

The Hector’s 2.0-litre diesel unit is sourced from Fiat and also powers the Jeep Compass and Tata Harrier. The BS6 version of this engine is only offered on the new top-spec Compass Trailhawk as of now. MG will only consider offering it in models priced above the Rs 15 lakh mark. The BS6 update is expected to increase prices of diesel variants by around 15-20 per cent.

The Hector is also offered with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and a mild-hybrid petrol powertrain, both of which are offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The turbo-petrol can also be had with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. MG is also expected to update the petrol engine to be BS6 compliant in time for the new norms, which will kick in by April 2020.

MG had earlier announced its plans to introduce four more SUVs in India over the next two years and we believe that only the SUVs positioned above the Hector will get a diesel powertrain. However, the company’s next launch is slated to be an all-electric compact SUV called the eZS. It is expected to arrive by the end of 2019 itself.

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