After the successful introduction of the Hector, ZS EV and the Gloster, MG Motor India is now ready to launch the exciting new Astor mid-sized SUV. The MG Astor is basically the petrol version of the MG ZS. It is scheduled to be launched in the first half of October 2021.
The MG Astor will enter into the fast growing SUV segment, which is currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos. Adding to it, the SUV will also rival the Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and the Renault Duster.
MG Astor First Look Video
MG Astor Design Details
The Astor mid-sized SUV looks largely identical to the ZS EV; however, it gets some design tweaks to offer a fresh feel. The SUV is based on the facelifted ZS petrol, which is on sale in select international markets. It comes with a significantly bigger hexagonal ‘Celestial’ grille, which looks better than the existing grille in electric variant.
The MG Astor mid-sized SUV comes with new front bumper that accommodates restyled fog lamp housing, and new headlights with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps). The rear profile also looks identical to the ZS EV; however, it gets restyled rear bumper, new LED tail-lights with a fresh light signature and prominent badging on the tailgate. The top-end variant rides on 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels.
MG Astor Interior
MG Motor claims that the new Astor mid-sized SUV comes with premium and feature-loaded cabin, which is also evident in our first look video. It comes with upmarket cabin with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and on the door panels. The SUV gets chunky flat bottom steering wheel, a brushed aluminium accents, a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a Jio e-SIM for connected car features, and a digital key that owner can install on the phone.
In terms of features, the new MG Astor comes equipped with a panaromic sunroof, heated ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors), automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, a 7.0-inch digital instrument console, a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a USB plug-in near the rear view mirror, a personal AI assistant, etc.
The MG Astor is the only SUV in its category to offer ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). The company has joined hands with Bosch to develop ADAS for the new Astor SUV. 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.
Engine Specifications
The MG Astor will come with two petrol engine options, and won’t be offered on diesel engine. The base models will be offered with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol engine that churns out 110bhp and 144Nm of torque. The higher variants will receive a 1.3-litre turbo engine that is good for 140bhp and 220Nm of torque. The turbo version will rival the Creta 1.4, Seltos 1.4, Duster 1.3 and the Skoda Kushaq 1.5/
The NA engine will be offered with a 5-speed manual as well as an 8-speed CVT automatic gearbox, while the 1.3L turbo petrol will come with a 6-speed torque convertor automatic.
