MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV

The 9-second sprint to 100 km/h for a three-row SUV weighing over two tonnes is genuinely impressive. The instant torque from the electric motor ensures it never feels sluggish, especially in city traffic. It's the perfect combination of EV-like response at low speeds and petrol-engine refinement at high speeds.

The Interior packaging is clever. MG has managed to fit a 20.5kWh battery under the floor without compromising second-row legroom. However, the third-row is strictly for occasional use or children. Adults will find it claustrophobic on longer journeys.

The Ventilated front seats and the six-way power-adjustable driver seat with memory make the driving position supremely comfortable. The panoramic sunroof also adds to the sense of space and luxury in the cabin.

The Hector Tomahawk PHEV is a compelling package. However, the lack of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option, especially on the top-spec Essence variant, feels like a missed opportunity. For a car with this much ground clearance and presence, an AWD variant would have made it a true all-weather family SUV.

The 25 kW DC fast charging capability is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The ability to go from 30% to 80% in about 35 minutes on a highway stop makes the PHEV a viable option for long road trips, rather than just a city car. It effectively bridges the gap between a pure EV and a traditional hybrid.

The Exterior design has matured well. The Hector Tomahawk PHEV manages to look both premium and purposeful, with a commanding road presence that rivals the Toyota Fortuner. It has successfully shed the slightly generic look of the earlier Hector, adopting a more imposing and muscular stance.

With all three rows upright, the 192-litre boot space is tight. You'll struggle to fit more than a couple of cabin bags and some soft luggage. For full seven-seater usage, a roof box is almost a necessity. This is a clear trade-off for the PHEV's battery pack packaging.

The decision between the outright purchase (₹25.69 lakh) and the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) model starting at ₹21.79 lakh plus a ₹3.20 per km charge is a financial puzzle. For high-mileage users, the BaaS model could be a game-changer, but it requires careful calculation. For lower-mileage users, the outright purchase will offer better long-term value.

The 1,100 km combined range claim is a staggering figure. It's a number that completely banishes range anxiety for any family trip. With a 52-litre fuel tank and a 115 km electric buffer, you can drive from Delhi to Mumbai with only one fuel stop, a level of convenience that’s hard to overstate for a three-row SUV.

The sheer size of the 15.6-inch HD infotainment touchscreen dominates the dashboard and is easily the largest in its segment. The 'Desert Squadron' theme with Almond Brown upholstery gives the cabin a genuinely upmarket feel, a significant leap from the earlier Hector. The 10-speaker Infinity sound system is also a treat for audiophiles.