MG Motor India is betting big on its upcoming Astor mid-size SUV that will take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the newly-launched Skoda Kushaq. Speaking to a media publication, Rajeev Chaba, President of MG Motor India, revealed that the company is expecting to increase its volumes by two folds with the launch of Astor. It aims to sell 7,000 – 8,000 units on monthly basis once supply chain stabilizes.
Due to shortage of semiconductors, the British carmaker is currently operating at 60-70% of potential capacity. The company expects that the supply of the chips might improve in the first quarter of 2022. MG Motor is planning to expand production capacity of its Halol based facility with a huge investment. It aims to achieve sales target of 80,000 – 100,000 units in 2022 and 50,000 units this year. However, the supply chain is the major constraint.
MG Astor is one of the most feature-packed SUV in its segment. The offers several class-leading features including Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), a personal AI assistant and heated ORVMs. It has a dashboard integrated 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a Jio e-SIM for connected car features. Features such as a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a panoramic sunroof, 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, automatic climate control and leather upholstery for seats, door cards and dashboard are reserved for the top-end trim.
The British carmaker will offer the Astor SUV with two petrol engines – a new 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and a 1.3-litre turbocharged unit. While the naturally aspirated gasoline motor delivers 108bhp with 144Nm, the turbo-petrol unit returns a claimed power of 18bhp and 220Nm. The MG Astor will be more powerful than all its rivals. Transmission choices will include a 6-speed torque convertor automatic (for the 1.3L turbo petrol variants only), an 8-speed CVT automatic and a manual (for the 1.5L petrol variants only).
