The compact SUV segment has been on fire for a couple of years, we have seen multiple brands making entry into the segment this year. Now MG Motor India has come up with a new compact SUV named “Astor” to rival the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq and others in the Segment.
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MG Astor is a Petrol Powered version of MG ZS EV that went on sale in India in early 2020. The new MG Astor is way advanced from the ZS EV or other SUVs in the range especially when it comes to technology. MG is debuting the new Concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP) connected car software. The CAAP is its new software platform which is incrementing on technologies like Blockchain, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence amongst others, along with this it is equipped with segment-first features such as personal AI assistant and autonomous Level 2 advanced driver assistant system (ADAS).
Design and styling
In terms of styling, MG Astor for the most part resembles the MG ZS EV. However, the Astor has some styling of the facelifted version of ZS which is available abroad. This means the Astor gets a new front end with a hexagonal ‘Celestial’ grille, revised front bumper, new fog light housing and new headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). The side profile looks just like ZS EV while the rear sports a new bumper with faux dual exhausts and a faux skid plate integrated into it. The Astor’s sports new diamond-cut 17-inch alloy wheels.
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Dimensions & Colour Options:
Astor features subtle yet significant variations in design when compared to ZS EV. In terms of dimensions, the SUV will measure 4,323mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,644mm tall. It will offer a wheelbase of 2,585mm and a ground clearance of 205mm. MG Astor will likely be available in five colour options White, Red, Orange, Black and Silver.
Interiors and Features:
MG revealed the Astor will come with three interior colour scheme options including a dual-tone Sangria red, dual-tone Iconic Ivory and Tuxedo black and will also come with six-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat.
MG Astor will also have one of the largest sunroofs in its segment which measures 65-inches and is called Skylight Roof. When it comes to new technology and features MG Astor is fully loaded with it to help it stand out in this competitive segment. It will be equipped with five cameras which will deliver a 360-degree view as well as six radars to deliver level 2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functionalities. This includes features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning and much more. While we have seen ADAS on other SUVs like the MG Gloster and more recently the Mahindra XUV700, the Astor will be the first model in the midsize SUV segment to offer the new safety tech.
Other features include the new 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system which will feature a Jio e-SIM for connected car features. It also gets an AI-based personal assistant that can follow voice commands and answer queries from online sources, model also comes with a panoramic sunroof, heated ORVMs, digital key, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and leather upholstery for the seats, door cards and dashboard. Astor also comes with a Digital Key with Bluetooth Technology for emergency unlocking and engine start and also 80+ connected smart features.
Engine and Gearbox:
MG Astor will be available only in the Petrol variant giving a slight advantage to the likes of Creta and Seltos which offers diesel engine options as well. None the less Astor will have two powerful petrol options in 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and a 1.4-litre turbo petrol motor.
Astor’s 1.5-litre motor makes 110 ps of max power and 144 Nm of peak torque. The turbo petrol unit makes 140 ps / 220 Nm. Transmission options for these engines include a 6-speed manual, CVT and automatic unit.
Expected Price and Competition
MG Astor will be launching in October and will compete with similar under 4.3m long compact SUVs like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq and the Volkswagen Taigun. MG Astor is expected to launch around 9.5-10L price points to be competitive with other brands.
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