MG Hector in 2023: 1.5L turbo petrol/2.0L diesel; which would you pick?

The petrol engine is tuned more towards a comfortable driving style whereas the diesel mill, that’s shared with Jeep Compass & Tata Harrier, is an effortless performer.

BHPian Omkar recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

We all know about the success of MG Hector and its journey since its launch. However, a lot has changed since then in terms of regulations and customer preferences. The Hector has both petrol and diesel engines on offer. But given that the market is sidelining diesel engines, MG is more focused on turbo-petrol engine sales. This was also one of the reasons why they didn’t introduce a diesel automatic variant with the facelift.

But, leaving the company preference aside, which is the engine you would pick if you were to buy a Hector in 2023 & why?

The 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine is tuned more towards a comfortable driving style. There’s nothing much in store for the enthusiasts. Also, given the dynamics of the Hector, it’s best if you drive it sedately. You have the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or a CVT automatic. You can read about how the petrol CVT drives in detail here.

The 2.0-liter diesel engine that’s shared with Compass and Harrier is an effortless performer. It’s got the right amount of grunt in the mid-range which makes it very enjoyable to drive. You only have the option of a 6-speed manual and is preferred by those who love munching miles. Read about the Hector diesel in detail here.

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

The 1.5L Turbo-Petrol CVT for me. Reasons:

• I don't buy MTs anymore as I find them too cumbersome.
• The CVT is smooth.
• The Hector is the ultimate "comfort-mobile" to drive sedately while enjoying the soft suspension's ride quality, interior space & superb audio system. The Petrol CVT is a perfect companion for this kind of commute.
• My running is too low for a diesel anyway. I can live with the petrol's lower FE & higher running costs.

No denying that the diesel is the superior engine, but for my low running and "purely AT" stance, it doesn't make any sense.

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

The engine to buy the Hector with is the 2.0 MJD.

Powerful, refined, efficient and reliable. It has the grunt to tirelessly munch miles all day at three-digit speeds, and is also capable of delivering 18-20kmpl on lazy cruises. Hector is also the most refined application of this engine, with the lowest cabin noise and vibrations. More importantly, this is the diesel engine that has had perhaps the least amount of trouble with the BS6 transition.

The only single box not checked is the availability of an automatic option. But the rest of the package is good enough to make you want to overlook it.

It is also a fact that the 1.5 turbo + CVT is a very average powertrain. Doesn’t offer much performance and guzzles a lot of petrol.

Here's what BHPian AtheK had to say about the matter:

Horses for courses, personally for me it is the 1.5 CVT over diesel for the following reasons:

• My running is hardly 600-700 kms a month, practically diesel is anyway ruled out.
• Petrol refinement over diesel any day.
• CVT over MT any day.
• No headache of ad blue and DEF issues.
• No headache of any new rule coming up by the government to cut short my car life.
• I hardly drive over 110-115 anymore, CVT happily potters around on those speeds with enough grunt for any quick overtakes as you are usually in turbo.
• Diesel engines are on the way out anyway.

Diesel is more powerful without a doubt, but overall the only advantage I see for myself is better fuel efficiency which anyway is negated for me with lower running.

Above are the main reasons I am getting delivery of my Petrol CVT next week, though it would be good for MG to get the new powerful Petrol engine to India soon, low-end performance should improve with that and the car should become a bit peppier to drive.

Here's what BHPian heydj had to say about the matter:

Diesels are a dying breed hence one must make the most of good value when available. Hence MG Diesel for me also it's much more refined to drive vs petrol and CVT combo. Only reason to get petrol is:

• AT
• 15-year rule

However, the 15-year thing should not matter as technology is changing so fast that you might be tempted to upgrade much sooner.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.