Are you amongst those who liked the MG Hector but wanted an additional row of seats in the mix? Well, Morris Garages India has just answered your prayers. What you see here is called the Hector Plus. Bookings for the model commenced last week, with the minimum token amount set at Rs 50,000. As the name suggests, it is like the regular Hector but in a “Plus” size. Prices for the new derivative start at Rs 13.49 lakh and go up to Rs 18.54 lakh, without taxes. Mind you, the prices are introductory and will increase by up to Rs 50,000 from August 14, 2020. Here’s how the complete price list looks like:

When you compare the prices, the Hector Plus demands an agreeable premium over the Hector. The Hector Plus offers a six-seat configuration at the moment. Perhaps, MG India will add the option of a seven-seat layout at a later stage.

Those who want the Hector Plus with a petrol engine will have to make do with a 1.5-litre mill. It produces 141bhp/250Nm and comes coupled to a 6-speed DCT or a 6-speed manual transmission. However, those who some mild-hybrid-goodness in their cars will have to work with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The same gearbox also does duty with the 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine which generates a more worthwhile 168bhp/350Nm.

As you’d expect, the Hector Plus offers pretty much the same features as the Hector. The list includes a 360-degree camera, a 10.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, i-Smart system with 55+ connected-car features, front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring system. If all that isn’t enough, the car also offers all four disc brakes, six airbags, 8-colour ambient lighting, a 7.0-inch coloured MID, hands-free tailgate opening and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof.

MG India has positioned the Hector Plus as a rival to the Toyota Innova range (Crysta and Touring Sport) and two upcoming models – the all-new Mahindra XUV500 and Tata Gravitas. Even Hyundai is prepping tp join the three-row UV race with an elongated Creta. Would you buy the Hector Plus over others?