The Hector arrived as the first offering from Morris Garages (MG) in 2019 but many would know that the SUV was already on sale internationally as the Wuling Almaz. The model is offered in a variety of powertrain options, depending on the market. In fact, MG Motor India retails the mild-hybrid version of the Hector in India, but the SUV is all set to get the real deal internationally soon. Wuling showcased the Almaz, which is essentially the Hector, with strong hybrid technology at the 2022 Indonesia Electric Motor Show (IEMS) recently.
The Wuling Almaz Hybrid showcased in Indonesia gets a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. Engine specifications are yet to be revealed and the automaker is expected to announce the same at the time of the launch later this month. What we do know is that the strong hybrid motor comes with self-charging capability and will be capable of driving on pure electric power, albeit for shorter distances. Wuling has given the Almaz Strong Hybrid blue highlights to distinguish it better from its other versions.
The strong-hybrid trend is catching on in India with Honda, Toyota and Maruti Suzuki bringing products with the technology. The Honda City e:HEV, Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara all get 1.5-litre petrol engines paired with electric motors and lithium-ion batteries. In that sense, a Hector Hybrid would fit right into the segment.
However, we do not thing MG Motor India has any immediate plans of bringing this version to the Indian market. That said, the company is gearing up to introduce the Hector facelift that will arrive later this month. It’s expected to retain the same 1.5-litre petrol, 1.5-litre mild-hybrid, and 2.0-litre diesel engine options. Transmissions include the 6-speed manual, CVT, and DCT gearboxes on the petrol and only the 6-speed manual gearbox on the diesel.
