New MG Astor India Debut: What To Expect

Morris Garages India is all set to officially unveil the highly anticipated MG Astor compact SUV today, on September 15, 2021. It is essentially the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version of the ZS EV fully electric SUV, and globally it is still sold as MG ZS. The petrol engine powered ZS, which will be called MG Astor in India, was first showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo. While the challenge imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic forced MG to defer the India launch by over a year, the carmaker is finally ready with the SUV, and it is expected to go on sale in India soon after its official debut. Here's everything you can expect from the new MG Astor.

Also Read: MG Astor Compact SUV India Unveil Date Confirmed

Design and Styling

In terms of design and proportions, the new MG Astor will look similar to the existing ZS EV, however, the styling will be entirely different. In fact, SUV will borrow its visual cues from the ZS facelift that was launched in the UK last year. Up front, the SUV will get a new imposing grille, LED projector headlamps with new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and a new bumper. The SUV will also get new dual-tone alloy wheels similar to the one on the UK spec model. At the rear, the SUV will get new LED taillamps and a new rear bumper with faux skid plates.

The MG Astor will get a new imposing grille, LED projector headlamps with new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and a new bumper

Interior and Tech

MG is yet to reveal the cabin of the MG Astor, however, based on leaked photos and the global spec SUV, we know that the Astor will get features like - a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-tone interior and a large 10.1-inch infotainment screen and an all-digital instrument cluster with a large MID unit. we expect it to get automatic climate control, a rear parking camera, and some of the other features offered in the ZS EV.

The MG Astor will get features like - a flat-bottom steering wheel, dual-tone interior and a large panoramic sunroof

The Astor will also be the first SUV to employ the company's 'Car-as-a-Platform' (CAAP) concept. With this MG aims to offer a range of technology-driven services to its customer using the SUV itself as a platform. So, while, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, the Astor will also come with its very own Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personal assistant, all part of the i-Smart hub. The assistant gets its own display unit that can do a bunch of facial expressions, and it understands natural language and supports up to 35 Hinglish voice commands. You can perform several in-car functions like opening the sunroof, controlling the air-con system and music all by a simple voice command, which can be triggered by saying "Hello Astor". The Astor will also come with an ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistant System) with level 2 automation among other active a passive Safety features.

Also Read: MG Astor's AI Assistant Tech To Be Voiced By Paralympic Athlete Deepa Malik

The Astor will also come with its very own Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personal assistant

Engine & Transmission

While detailed specifications are yet to be revealed, the MG Astor will be a petrol-only SUV, and the company will reportedly offer two petrol engines. The first one will be the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor that powers the Hector, while the second one will be a more powerful 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. While the former is expected to get both a 6-speed manual and a CVT automatic like the Hector, the 1.3-litre turbo petrol mill could only come with an automatic transmission.

Price & Competition

The MG Astor will rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. In terms of pricing, we expect MG Motor India to launch the new Astor starting from Rs. 11 lakh, going up to Rs. 17 lakh (ex-showroom).