The long-awaited MG Astor mid-sized SUV has finally been launched in the Indian market. Priced between Rs 9.78 lakh to Rs 16.78 lakh, the new Astor is the latest model in the highly competitive 5-seater mid-sized SUV segment. This segment is currently dominated by the Hyundai Creta and the Kia Seltos.
1. Variant-Wise Prices
The MG Astor is available in 4 trim levels – Style, Super, Smart and Sharp. The non turbo version of the SUV is priced between Rs 9.78 lakh and Rs 14.98 lakh, while the turbo version costs Rs 15.88 lakh for base variant and Rs 16.78 lakh for the top-end variant.
2. Engine Specifications
The new MG Astor mid-sized SUV is offered with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated and a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged. While the former is good for 110bhp and 144Nm of torque, the turbocharged petrol engine produces 140bhp of power and 220Nm of torque. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed manual, an 8-speed CVT with 1.5L petrol and a 6-speed torque convertor automatic with 1.3L turbo petrol.
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.
For suspension duties, the SUV gets MacPherson strut at the front and Torsion beam at the rear. The new Astor comes with disc brakes at front and rear.
Astor Vs Taigun Vs Seltos Specs
| Model | MG Astor | VW Taigun | Kia Seltos |
| Engine | 1.5L Petrol /1.3L Turbo Petrol | 1.0L Turbo Petrol/1.5L Turbo Petrol | 1.5L Petrol/1.4L turbo petrl |
| Power | 110bhp/140bhp | 115bhp/150bhp | 115bhp/148bhp |
| Torque | 144Nm/220Nm | 178Nm/250Nm | 144Nm/250Nm |
| Gearbox | 6MT & 8-speed CVT (1.5L)/ 6-speed AT (1.3L) | 6MT/ 6-AT (1.0L ) 6MT/ 7DSG (1.5L Turbo Petrol) | 6MT/CVT(1.5L Petrol)/6iMT (1.5L petrol)/7DCT (1.4L Turbo Petrol) |
3. Dimensions
In terms of proportions, the new Astor is 4,323mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,650mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,585mm. The SUV rides on 17-inch diamond cut alloy wheels wrapped in 215/55 section tyres. It comes with a 16-inch steel wheel shod with 215/60 section tyre.
Astor Vs Taigun Vs Seltos Dimensions
| Dimensions | MG Astor | VW Taigun | Kia Seltos |
| Length | 4323mm | 4221mm | 4315mm |
| Width | 1809mm | 1760mm | 1800mm |
| Height | 1653mm | 1612mm | 1790mm |
| Wheelbase | 2580mm | 2651mm | 2610mm |
4. Colour Options
The new MG Astor mid-sized SUV is offered in 5 colour options – Spiced Orange, Aurora Silver, Glaze Red, Candy White and Starry Black.
5. Safety & Security
The new Astor comes with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), TCS (Traction Control System), HHC (Hill Hold Control), HDC (Hill Descent Control), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), ISOFIX Child Anchor and all 4 disc brakes.
The SUV also gets several segment-first features such as electronic parking brake with auto-hold, tyre pressure monitoring system, 360 degree around view camera, front fog lamp with cornering assist, rear fog lamp, security alarm, rear defogger, heated ORVM and ultra-high steel cage body.
6. Comfort & Convenience Features
The SUV gets several high-end comfort and convenience features such as electronic power steering with mode adjust (Normal, Urban and Dynamic), panoramic sunroof, rain sensing wipers, push button engine start/stop with smart entry, 6-way electrically adjustable drivers’ seat, rear 60:40 split seat, automatic headlamps, PM 2.5 Filter, automatic AC and rear AC vent, and 5 USB charging ports & 1 power outlet.
7. Autonomous Level 2 (ADAS)
The new Astor comes with the segment-first ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System), which is sourced from Bosch. The ADAS features include Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Ford Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Speed warning, and intelligent headlamp control.
8. Design Details
The Astor looks largely identical to the ZS EV; however, it gets some design tweaks to offer a fresh feel. Compared to the electric derivative, the Astor petrol has a significantly bigger hexagonal ‘Celestial’ grille. It has a new front bumper that accommodates restyled fog lamp housing, and new headlights with LED DRLs (Daytime Running Lamps). The rear profile also looke 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.
9. Interior
The new Astor comes with premium and feature-loaded cabin. It has an upmarket cabin with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and on the door panels. The SUV gets chunky flat bottom steering wheel, a brushed aluminum accents, a new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment systemwith a Jio e-SIM for connected car features, and a digital key that owner can install on the phone. The SUV gets a 7.0-inch digital instrument console, a USB plug-in near the rear view mirror, a personal AI assistant. The SUV will come with a unique voice experience with a personal AI assistant. The company has announced that the voice could be powered by Paralympic athlete and Khel Ratna Awardee Dr. Deepa Malik.
10. Competition
The new MG Astor is positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. In fact, the SUV could impact the sales of the Tata Harrier, MG Hector and the 5-seater Mahindra XUV700.
