The MG Astor compact SUV was launched in India last week with prices starting at Rs. 9.78 lakh and going up to Rs. 16.78 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom). It is essentially a petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV. The new MG Astor is a petrol-only SUV and comes with a choice of two petrol mills. So, if you are planning to purchase the recently launched Astor compact SUV, here are five pros and cons to check out before finalising a decision.
Also Read: MG Astor Review: Compact SUV Big On Tech
Pros
1. It is one of the most tech-laden SUVs from the Chinese-owned British carmaker. It comes equipped with Autonomous Level 2 technology powered by mid-range radars and a multi-purpose camera that can realise a series of advanced driver-assistance systems.
2. The Astor SUV also gets a customised AI assistant, which is placed in the centre. It supports up to 35 Hinglish voice commands. The new system offers over 80 internet features, including Wikipedia, jokes, news, festival GIFS, navigation, online music streaming, in-car control and critical in-car warning.
3. MG Motor India has priced the Astor SUV quite aggressively as prices start from Rs. 9.78 lakh. The top-end variant gets a price tag of Rs. 16.78 lakh (all prices ex-showroom). At this price point, the Astor undercuts almost all its rivals.
Also Read: New MG Astor Compact SUV: Engine Specifications & Tech Explained
The MG Astor is essentially the petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV.
4. MG Motor India offers Astor with 27 standard safety features, which goes up to 49 features, depending upon the variant opted. It includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, traction control, hill descent control, hill hold control, Emergency Stop Signal, ISOFIX mounts, TPMS, all-disc brakes, 360-degree around-view camera, front fog lamp with Cornering Assist, read fog lamp, and more.
5. The MG Astor comes with an extensive list of features including a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system, a 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster, power-adjustable front seats, auto climate control, 360-degree camera view, air-purifier, electric parking brake, panoramic sunroof, among others.
Cons
1. No diesel engine on offer. MG offers the SUV with a choice of two petrol mills - 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol. Do note, the established models like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are offered in both petrol and diesel versions.
2, Dimension-wise, the MG Astor is longer, taller and wider than its main rivals - Creta, Seltos, Kushaq and the Taigun. But, when it comes to the wheelbase, the SUV is shorter than the competition. In fact, the space in the second row is about adequate when it comes to legroom and thigh support.
3. No manual gearbox option for the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine. The motor is offered exclusively with a six-speed automatic transmission. There's a 6-speed manual gearbox on offer, but it comes with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol.
The MG Astor misses out on features like ventilated seats and wireless charging
4. Though the SUV gets an extensive list of features, MG has skipped a few basic ones like auto-dimming IRVM, telescopic steering adjustment, wireless charging, ventilated seats, and paddle shifters.
5. While the company announced prices for the Astor last week, we are yet to know the prices of the variants equipped with ADAS. Do note, Level 2 ADAS safety features are offered as an option on the VTi-Tech Sharp CVT and 220 Sharp AT variants. We expect MG India to announce the same in the coming days.
