MG Astor launched at Rs 9.78 lakh
MG Motors’ most affordable and tech-laden mid-size SUV has made its debut in India. It misses out on a diesel motor; however, makes up for it with a variety of petrol engine and transmission options.
By Aditya Jadhav
MG Motors’ most affordable and tech-laden mid-size SUV has made its debut in India. And while it misses out on a diesel motor, it features a variety of petrol engine and transmission options.
The MG Astor has been launched in India at an introductory price of Rs 9.78 lakh (ex-showroom). What's interesting is that the Astor undercuts both the newly launched Volkswagen Taigun and the popular Skoda Kushaq, for the prices for both the Taigun and the Kushaq start at Rs 10.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
The price advantage of the Astor also continues for its top-of-the-line variant, the Astor 220Turbo AT, which is priced at Rs 16.88 lakh (ex-showroom), whereas the top variants of the Taigun and the Kushaq have a sticker price of Rs 17.50 lakh (ex-showroom).
MG Motors India will commence bookings for the Astor on October 21. Until then, buyers interested in the new mid-size SUV can register on the company’s official online portal. Early buyers of the Astor will get their cars delivered sometime between November and December 2021.
MG Motors India has also introduced the 3-60 buyback scheme for Astor buyers. MG is also offering a standard warranty of three years on the car, along with a complimentary labour free service for the first three visits and roadside assistance for the first three years. These benefits can be extended up to five years from the time of purchase at additional costs.
The MG Astor offers level-two autonomous driving tech, which is a first in the segment. The Astor also features artificial intelligence, which again is a first in the segment. However, these features are not offered as standard, which means that those who are interested in these features will have to pay extra to enjoy these segment-first features.
The VTi-Tech variants of the Astor get a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which can be had with either a six-speed manual or an eight-step shift lock CVT (automatic). The power is rated at 108bhp and 144Nm for the VTi-tech variant.
The 220Turbo variants of the Astor get a 1.35-litre turbo-petrol motor, which is clubbed to a six-speed torque converter automatic. This variant misses out on a manual transmission. The power output of this turbocharged engine stands at 138bhp and 220Nm.
The MG Astor misses out on a diesel drivetrain, and buyers looking for a mid-size SUV with an oil-burner will have to look at the Hyundai or Kia stable. The Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos both have the option of a diesel mill, and their prices start at Rs 10.63 lakh and Rs 10.65 lakh (ex-showroom), respectively.
Also Read:
MG Astor: What all does it offer?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9yM7KuL4so
