MG Motor India has finally taken the wraps off its upcoming Hyundai Creta-rivalling Astor SUV, which will be launched in the first week of October 2021.
2021 MG Astor – Design & Features
The 2021 MG Astor is essentially a facelift version of the ZS SUV that comes in an electric avatar in the Indian market. That said, it largely shares its design cues with the MG ZS EV except for some differentiating factors like a uniquely styled front grille, LED headlamps, taillamps, and alloy wheels.
Inside, the SUV gets a 7.0-inch fully digital driver’s display and a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with an integrated climate control function, thus eliminating the need for physical controls. Besides, the interior can also be had in three color schemes: black/beige, black/red, and all-black.
In terms of features, the brand has already revealed that the Astor will come with the segment's first Level-2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that will include active safety features like Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Rear Drive Assist (RDA), and Speed Assist System. Moreover, it will also get the industry’s first personal Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance that features an external device placed on top of the dashboard.
Powered by i-Smart Hub, the AI assistant is voice-controlled and can give you info like real-time traffic updates, live cricket match scores, weather updates, etc. It can even react to you with human-like emotions. Additionally, it also supports voice commands in Hinglish language to perform various functions like opening/closing the sunroof, navigation, online music streaming, and much more.
The other notable features onboard include connected car technology, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (as standard), PM 2.5 filter, a digital key with Bluetooth technology, three steering modes (Dynamic, Normal and Urban), wireless smartphone charging, a panoramic sunroof, a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat, manually adjustable co-passenger seat, auto climate control, rear AC vents, ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, electric parking brakes, a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, heated ORVMs, six airbags, hill descent control, electronic stability control, and many more.
2021 MG Astor – Powertrain
The MG Astor will come with two engine options – a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. There's no diesel engine on offer. Here's a look at their specifications: –
| MG Astor Engine Specifications | 1.5-litre NA Petrol | 1.3-litre turbo-petrol |
Max Power | 110PS | 140PS |
Max Torque | 144Nm | 220Nm |
Transmission Option | 6-speed manual / 8-step CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) | Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD) |
2021 MG Astor – Price & Competition
Prices of the MG Astor will be revealed on its launch date. However, it could bear a starting price tag of around Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom). On its arrival to the Indian roads, it will battle it out with the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Maruti S-Cross, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun.
