MG Motor India confirmed a new SUV launch for the third quarter of 2021. It’s most likely the petrol iteration of the ZS EV, which was spotted testing multiple times in the country. Reports suggest that the upcoming MG petrol SUV will be introduced with a new moniker – ‘MG Astor’. Here, it will take head-to-head against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
– Design and styling of the Astor will be similar to its electric counterpart. Though, a few noticeable cosmetic changes will be made to distinguish it from its sibling.
– Ditching the 3D spoked grille, the new SUV will feature a hexagonal-shaped honeycomb mesh radiator unit flanked by angular LED projector headlamps. The front and rear bumpers will also been revised.
– The air intake vents with mesh pattern, however, seem carried forward from the ZS EV.
– The slightly sloping roofline along with the blacked out body claddings and pillars give it a crossover-ish appeal. Other updates will include newly-designed dual-tone, diamond cut alloy wheels and LED taillamps.
– No changes will be made to its dimensions. The MG Astor will be 4314mm long, 1809mm wide and 1644mm tall with a wheelbase of 2585mm.
– Compared to its ZS EV, the new MG petrol SUV will have soft-touch material on the dashboard. The light shade inserts around the AC vents and door pads add more to its new look.
– For connectivity purpose, there will be a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and navigation. The screen will also work as a display for the 360 degree camera.The upcoming Astor will come fitted with a fully digital instrument console and a colour MID.
– Rumour has it that it might offer first-in-segment ADAS (advanced driving assistance system).
– Engine setup of the new MG compact petrol SUV might include a 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.3L turbo petrol unit. The naturally aspirated motor will be good enough for 120bhp and 150Nm and the turbocharged unit will deliver 163bhp with 230Nm.
– A 6-speed manual gearbox will be standard in the 1.5L variants. The turbo-petrol models are likely to be offered with 5-speed manual and CVT automatic gearbox options.
