MG Astor unveiled
MG Astor, which is essentially an MG ZS EV based mid-sized SUV that will be launched with two petrol engine options. The official launch is expected by early next month, weeks after the Volkswagen Taigun will make its debut.
By Aditya Jadhav
The MG Astor, which is essentially an MG ZS EV based mid-size SUV, will be launched with two petrol engine options. The official launch is expected by early next month, just weeks after the Volkswagen Taigun will make its debut.
MG Motors India has already revealed that the Astor, its upcoming mid-size SUV, will be equipped with features such as personal AI assistance and level-two autonomous driving safety tech. And recently, the brand also confirmed that the Astor will come equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen. The standard features onboard will include Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and smartphone mirroring. The multimedia system will also be equipped with the Jio Saavan application.
Morris Garage India has now completely unveiled the SUV and briefed about the engine choices and features that will be offered once the Astor is launched. The official price announcement is expected sometime in October, but MG promises that the car will reach dealerships across India by the weekend, i.e September 19.
The MG Astor will come with two petrol engine options; however, the mid-size SUV will miss out on a diesel mill. This will give a clear advantage to the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos, which are positioned in the same segment and are offered with a diesel powertrain as well.
The lower variants will be offered with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, which is good for 108bhp and 144Nm of peak torque. This engine will be offered with a manual transmission as standard and some variants will see an optional eight-step CVT.
The higher variant will get the Brit Dynamic 220Turbo Petrol engine. This engine displaces 1,349cc and produces 138bhp and 220Nm of torque. The transmission option with this petrol unit will be limited to a six-speed automatic.
In addition to the level-two autonomous driving tech, the Astor will get a hill descent control, which is also a first in segment feature. The higher variants will get six airbags and a 360-degree camera for added safety. Other notable features include heated outside rear-view mirrors, a panoramic sunroof, a PM2.5 cabin filter, a powered driver seat, three interior colour schemes, and a seven-inch instrument cluster. MG Astor will also come equipped with three steering modes, which will alter the steering feedback and feel depending on the driver’s preference.
The exterior of the MG Astor is very similar to that of the MG ZS EV. The headlamp gets the hawkeye design with nine crystal-like design elements within. The wheel size on offer will be 17-inch; however, the lower variants will get a bit smaller rim diameter.
As mentioned above, the MG Astor rivals the Kia Seltos and Hyundai Creta. Its key rivals also include the Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. Other mid-size SUVs that the MG Astor rivals include the Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, and, even, the Maruti Suzuki S-Cross.
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