Morris Garages has been very successful with its Hector SUV in the Indian market. The brand has sold more than 60,000 MG Hectors since its launch. Out of which, approximately 14,000 units with the DCT gearbox are likely to be under recall. According to a press report, the ICAT (International Centre for Automotive Testing) in Manesar, Haryana, conducted tests on random units from the MG production plant.
The government-owned testing agency found that the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) model samples failed the Conformity of Production (CoP) tests. In other words, the samples during the trial did not conform to the HydroCarbon and NOx emission standards, compared to the type-approval for the engine.
The test comprises both the BS4 and BS6 versions of the MG Hector SUV. During the investigation, the company found a problem with software that led to the failure of the HC and NOx tests. The authorities have also verified the solution, say sources. Sources further report that the company will seek formal approval from the authorities in due time.
As soon as the formal approvals for the software solution arrive, MG will be informing its customers of the recall. Sources report that approximately 14,000 MG Hectors with the DCT automatic unit will be recalled. The brand will reflash the electronic control units with the updated software. Sources also reveal that the reflashing on the ECU will conclude by December 2021, depending on the COVID-19 guidelines. Also, the software will be flashed on to the affected models whenever the customer brings their cars for scheduled maintenance.
Powering the MG Hector DCT variant is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The engine produces 143 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. The brand has also introduced Hector with a CVT automatic transmission. Also, the same engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine also comes with a Belt Starter Generator (mild hybrid) system. MG also offers the Hector with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine that produces 170 PS of power and 350 Nm of torque. But the oil motor only comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
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