MG Motors has officially announced to launch a new SUV in the Indian market before the end of this year. The company is testing the petrol version of the ZS SUV, which is most likely to be launched in the Q3, 2021. The new model is rumoured to be called the MG Astor, as the name has already been trademarked in India.
– MG Astor will share most of the features and design details from the petrol derivative; however, it will receive changes in-line with global facelift introduced in select markets in 2020.
– The MG Astor will be equipped with a new touchscreen infotainment system, which is offered in the international-spec ZS SUV. It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, and the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Navigation. Adding to it, the display will be used for the 360 degree camera.
– The MG Astor will be equipped with a fully digital instrument console. There is a colour MID that has various vehicle settings. It also displays multiple information like tyre pressures.
– MG Astor could be the first model in its segment to offer ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). In fact, MG has been testing the emergency brakes on the Astor SUV in India. It is likely to receive active driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking system, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front collision warning and hands-free auto parking.
– It will be based on the updated ZS SUV on sale in the international markets. In terms of design changes, it will get new prominent front grille, sharper headlamps with LED DRLs, new bumpers, new LED tail-lamps and alloy wheels.
– Dimensions, the ZS Petrol is 4,314mm in length, 1,809mm in width and 1,644mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,585mm. The SUV has a ground clearance of 205mm. The SUV measures similar to its direct rivals including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the upcoming VW Taigun and the Skoda Kushaq.
– The SUV will also come equipped with features like MG iSmart connected car tech, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic AC, 360 degree camera, etc.
– The MG Astor is expected to be offered in petrol version only. It is likely to come with two engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. While the naturally-aspirated petrol engine will produce around 120bhp and 150Nm of torque, the turbocharged engine is capable of producing 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options are likely to be on offer.
