The MG Astor is in essence, the petrol-powered version of the brand’s first EV in our market -the ZS EV. The carmaker is set to unveil the production-spec model on September 15, 2020, ahead of its market launch which is set to take place in October.
- MG Astor will get Level 2 ADAS tech
- Embedded Jio e-SIM for internet-based features
- Two petrol engine options
2021 MG Astor: what is it?
The Astor will be MG’s new mid-size SUV offering, positioned below the Hector SUV in its India line-up. As the Astor (4.3m length) will be dimensionally smaller than the Hector (4.6m length), it will also be better positioned to take on the Hyundai Creta – the current segment leader. It will also sport a number of design changes over its EV counterpart.
2021 MG Astor: features and tech
Much like its other products, MG aims to pack the Astor to the gills with new technology and features. The most noteworthy feature on the Astor will be the Level 2 ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) functions which brings with it a variety of active safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, and Speed Assist System. While ADAS is becoming more common in our market with models like the MG Gloster and Mahindra XUV700 offering it, the Astor will be the first model in the mid-size SUV space to do so.
Additionally, as the Astor will also get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a Jio e-SIM for in-car connectivity features as well as an AI based personal assistant which will be able to follow voice commands and answer queries from online sources.
2021 MG Astor: expected powertrain options
Under the hood, MG is expected to offer the Astor with a 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine that puts out 120hp and 150Nm. This is expected to be accompanied by a more powerful, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine as well, that will develop 163hp and 230Nm. Gearbox options for the Astor will include both a choice of a manual and an automatic unit
2021 MG Astor: rivals and expected price
Once launched, the MG Astor will go up against the similarly sized mid-size SUVs (around 4.3m long) such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. In terms of cost, we expect MG to price the Astor in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom).
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