We reported earlier that MG Motors will launch the petrol version of the ZS EV in the country before Diwali 2021. The new model will be called the MG Astor, as the name has been trademarked in India. MG Astor will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos.
Dimensions
The Astor is based on the petrol-powered ZS SUV on sale in the European and Chinese market. It measures 4,314mm in length, 1,809mm in width and 1,644mm in height. The SUV rides on a wheelbase of 2,585mm, which 25mm less than the Hyundai Creta. The MG Astor has a ground clearance of 205mm, which is more than sufficient to tackle Indian road conditions.
Petrol Only
The MG Astor will be offered in petrol version only. The SUV is rumoured to be offered 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.
The Astor’s turbo version is significantly more powerful than the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos, which are powered by 138bhp, 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In fact, the Renault Duster and Nissan Kicks are equipped with 154bhp, 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. The upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun will receive a 147bhp, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine.
First Model In Segment With ADAS
The MG Astor is rumoured to be equipped with level 1 autonomous technology – ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), which we have already seen in the MG Gloster. This will be the first model in its category to feature ADAS technology. The SUV will get autonomous emergency braking system, blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, front collision warning, lane departure warning and hands-free auto parking.
Based On Facelifted ZS Petrol
Internally called “Model K”, the MG Astor mid-sized SUV will share styling from the updated ZS SUV. It will receive significant design changes, new interior and high-end features. It will have a prominent front grille, sharper headlamps with LED DRLs, and new bumper. The SUV gets new LED tail-lamps, revised bumper and new alloy wheels.
Inside the cabin, the MG Astor will get a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity, MG iSmart connected car technology, panoramic sunroof, powered driver’s seat, cruise control, automatic AC, 360 degree camera and others.
Expected Price
The MG Astor is expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. It will be produced locally with high-level of locally-sourced components. The MG ZS EV is introduced as a CKD unit.
