MG Motor India has announced to launch the Astor on 11th October 2021. The brand has already revealed the SUV, and its unofficial bookings are also underway at select dealerships across the country.
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For those who aren't aware, the MG Astor is based on the facelifted version of the MG ZS, which is already available in India albeit in a pre-facelifted all-electric avatar. Thus, there are some visual differences between both models in the form of the redesigned front facia, LED headlamps, taillamps, and alloy wheels.
Inside, MG is offering the Astor in three color schemes – Tuxedo Black, dual-tone Iconic Ivory, and Sangria Red. Its dashboard design is identical to the ZS EV except for a new 7.0-inch fully digital driver’s display and a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Jio e-SIM for connected car features. It also gets the industry’s first personal Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance that features a robot-head-like device placed on top of the dashboard. This device can be voice-controlled (compatible with Hinglish commands) to access various functions of the car and provides info like real-time traffic updates, live cricket match scores, weather updates, etc.
The other notable features of the MG Astor include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, PM 2.5 filter, a digital key with Bluetooth technology, three steering modes (Dynamic, Normal, and Urban), panoramic sunroof, height-adjustable front seats, auto climate control, rear AC vents, electric parking brakes, keyless entry with push engine start, a 360-degree camera, heated ORVMs, up to six airbags, hill descent control, electronic stability control, and Level-2 Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS).
Also Read: These Features Will Be Standard Across All Variants Of The Upcoming MG Astor
The MG Astor will be available in five variants (Style, Super, Smart, Sharp, and Savvy) and with two petrol engine options – 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated (110PS/144Nm) and 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol (140PS/220Nm). While the turbocharged mill will only come with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, the 1.5-liter mill will get a 6-speed manual and an optional 8-step CVT automatic. Here's a look at the variant-wise powertrain combination that will be on offer: –
| Variants | 1.3-litre Petrol-AT | 1.5-litre Petrol-Manual | 1.5-litre Petrol-CVT |
| Style | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Super | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Sharp | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Savvy | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
Expect MG to price the Astor from around Rs 10 lakh onwards. Once launched, it will go up against the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Maruti S-Cross, Skoda Kushaq, and the newly-launched Volkswagen Taigun.
