The prices and variant details of the much-anticipated MG Astor mid-sized SUV will be released on October 11, 2021. It is basically the petrol derivative of the MG ZS EV. The Astor mid-sized SUV will directly rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. We expect the new Astor to be priced between Rs 9 lakh to Rs 15 lakh.
It is reported that the MG Astor will be offered in 8 trims – Style, Super, Smart Std, Smart, Sharp Std, Sharp, Savvy and Savvy Red. The new mid-sized SUV will be offered with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol. The naturally-aspirated engine produces 110bhp and 144Nm of torque, while the turbo unit offers 140bhp and 220Nm.
The turbo version will be positioned against the Creta 1.4, Seltos 1.4, Duster 1.3 and the Kushaq/Taigun 1.5. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual, an 8-speed CVT with 1.5L NA and a 6-speed torque convertor with 1.3L turbo engine.
The MG Astor will come with the segment-first ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), and MG Motor has joined hands with Bosch for the ADAS. It offers features such as autonomous emergency braking system, ESP, forward collision warning, speed limit assist, adaptive cruise control, rear drive assist, blind spot detection, lane keeping assist and automatic high-beam lighting system. For safety and security, the SUV gets ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), traction control, hill descent control, 6 airbags, 360 degree camera.
The MG Astor is equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as sandard. The SUV will also offer segment-first heated wing mirrors, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a 360 degree camera, multi-functional steering wheel, steering with driving modes, a digital instrument console, TPMs, electric parking braking, and a digital key that owner can install on the phone.
In terms of proportions, the new Astor is 4,313mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,650mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,585mm. Suspension mechanism include Macpherson strut at the front and Torsion Beam at the rear. The SUV rides on 17-inch diamond cut alloys shod with 215/55 section tyres.
