MG Motors India has recently announced to launch a new SUV in the third quarter of 2021. The brand is expected to bring the petrol derivative of the ZS SUV to our shore, which is rumored to be called the Astor. In fact, the MG Astor (ZS Petrol) has already been caught testing various times on Indian soil. And the recently spied images have confirmed that the SUV will feature a panoramic sunroof for a majestic scenery experience. The images also reveal that the brake calipers at the front will be colored in red. However, it could be limited to turbo variants.
The MG Astor will be based on the facelifted version of the ZS showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. Compared to the ongoing ZS EV model, the Astor will get a redesigned front fascia with a honeycomb pattern grille, sharper LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs and refreshed bumper. At the back, the Astor (ZS Petrol) will feature new LED tail lamps. Dimension-wise, the SUV is expected to remain unchanged. That means, the MG Astor will be 4314mm long, 1809mm wide and 1644mm tall with a wheelbase of 2585mm.
Inside, it is likely to get a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system compared to the 8.0-inch unit of the ZS EV. The infotainment system will be compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration support along with i-SMART connected car technology.
The SUV could pack a host of premium features like a fully digital instrument console, auto climate control, 360-degree camera, ventilated front seats, tire pressure monitoring, cruise control, multiple airbags, and more. It might even get ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) features like autonomous emergency braking system, blind-spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, front collision warning, and hands-free auto parking.
Speaking about mechanical, the Astor is likely to be offered with two gasoline engines- 120PS/150Nm 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol paired with either a manual or CVT automatic transmission and a 163PS/230Nm 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit that could be mated to a dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT).
The Astor will be positioned below the Hector mid-sized SUV in MG's Indian portfolio and will take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, and the upcoming Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.
