MG Astor mid-size SUV unveiled
It’s official: the MG Astor for the Indian market has been fully unveiled after months of teasers.
The Astor is MG’s latest mid-size SUV, which slots below the Hector in MG’s lineup. Its 4.3m length – compared to Hector’s 4.6m – puts it in direct competition with the Hyundai Creta, which is currently the class sales leader.
Its design is quite similar to that of its all-electric sibling, the ZS EV. While the ZS EV in India is based on the facelifted ZS offered overseas, the Astor borrows its design from the pre-facelift variant.
Also read: XUV700 vs Creta: Specifications comparison
An updated front end with a hexagonal “Celestial” grille and redesigned front bumper together with new fog lights and LED Daytime Running Lights are all part of the package.
From the side, the MG Astor looks identical to the ZS EV, save for the addition of a new rear bumper with fake twin exhausts and a fake skid plate. Diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels on the Astor further help distinguish the two models from one another.
MG Astor features
For Astor to stand out in this highly competitive category, MG has stuffed it with innovative technologies and features to make it distinguish apart. There will be a 10.1-inch touchscreen entertainment system on the dashboard that will be equipped with the Jio SIM card for connected car functions.
It also comes with an AI-based personal assistant that can respond to voice commands and internet enquiries. Topping off its list of standard features is a panoramic sunroof and heated ORVMs as well as an electronic key and automatic climate control.
Also included are an instrument cluster with an LCD screen that measures 7 inches and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, along with leather-covered seats, door pads and the dash.
Interestingly, this SUV will get three interior colour schemes – dual-tone Sangria red, dual-tone Iconic Ivory, and Tuxedo black.
This SUV also comes with Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions which bring multiple active safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Speed Assist.
MG Astor engine and gearbox
Two petrol engines are available to power the new MG SUV. The first is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with 110 horsepower and 144 Nm of torque. The other is a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine that produces 140 horsepower and 220 Nm.
The latter will be available with both a manual and an 8-step CVT automatic transmission, whereas the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine will only be available with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
MG Astor price in India
It is set to launch in India next month. Prices will be revealed then.
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