With the launch of the MG ZS EV in 2020 in the Indian market, MG in about a year has launched its gasoline sibling known as the MG Astor. It gets two engine options available with either a manual, a CVT or an automatic gearbox option. It would take on the likes of Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Volkswagen Taigun and Renault Duster.
Pros – ADAS & Safety Features, Punchy Turbo Engine, Equipment
Cons – No Diesel Engine, No Ventilated Seats, No Auto-Dimming IRVM, Service Network
MG Astor Exterior
With a big spider net grille at the front, inverted ‘tick’ shaped LED DRLs with nine crystals, piano finishing around the fog lamps, the Astor does sport an unconventional yet appealing look. On the side, it gets black body cladding, dual-tone finished alloys with red colour brake callipers and chrome treated door handles. On the rear, the MG Astor gets a rear spoiler, LED taillamps, ADAS, Astor and the ZS badging, three parking sensors and a rear bumper with chrome accentuated dual exhaust design.
MG Astor Interior
As soon as one jumps into the cabin, one would witness the eye-catching digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke steering wheel and a long list of ADAS features which includes the lane keep assist, rear departure prevention, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic emergency braking-pedestrian, speed warning in intelligent and manual modes and intelligent headlamp control. Soft-touch materials are visible around the centre console and above the glove box. Of course, one cannot miss mentioning the 80 connected car features offered on the Astor. The piano black finish present around the gearbox does give the cabin a premium feel. The Astor comes with more features than all of its rivals including an AI assistant and three different colour schemes to pick from- Ivory White, Dual Tone Sangria Red and Tuxedo Black. Other features include rain-sensing wipers, a 6-way power-adjustable seat for the driver, PM 2.5 filter, panoramic sunroof, 5 USB charging ports and 1 power outlet.
MG Astor Space
At the front, there are two cup holders near the gearbox, four bottle holders, one in each door and some storage space inside the front armrest. At the rear, there is ample knee room offered. The headroom is also decent without any reason to complain. The front seats have a good amount of space. The rear seats are decently comfortable and supportive, however, seating three will be tight.
MG Astor Engine Performance
The MG Astor gets a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine or a 1.5-litre petrol engine option. The 1.3-litre is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre gets a 5-speed manual or a CVT. The 1.3-litre produces 140 PS of power at 5600 RPM with a torque output of 220 Nm at 3600 RPM. The 1.5-litre produces 110 PS of power at 6000 RPM with a torque output of 144 Nm at 4400 RPM.
The 1.3-litre feels extremely responsive and punchy. The lower end does have some turbo lag but the mid-range picks up pace as soon as the turbo kicks.
The 1.5-litre offers linear power delivery. The refinement levels are exceptional and the engine is more than capable of highway drives.
MG Astor Mileage
The ARAI mileage of the MG Astor has not yet been revealed. However in real-world conditions, one can expect around 12-13 km/l on the 1.5-litre unit and around 14-15 km/l on the turbo petrol.
MG Astor Handling
The suspension of the MG Astor is on the softer side and there happens to be some amount of body roll. The ride quality is pretty good and the car is stable at high speeds.
MG Astor Comfort
The front seats of the MG Astor offer enormous comfort and convenience. The fit and finish of the materials inside the car are impressive. However, the front armrest doesn’t get the sliding function. Coming to the rear seats, the legroom offered is decent and the recline angle is good. However, the car doesn’t get a flat flooring which implies there is a hump at the rear in the middle. The under-thigh support offered could have been better.
MG Astor Safety
The MG Astor hasn’t been tested yet however the ZS EV has received a 5-Star global NCAP rating hence it would be fair to assume that the Astor might get a similar rating in the crash test. The Astor is equipped with ample safety features such as 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), ISOFIX child anchor, disc brakes on all wheels, electric parking brake with an auto-hold feature, tyre pressure monitoring system, 360° around view camera, front fog lamp with cornering assist, rear fog lamp, security alarm, rear defogger, heated ORVM and ultra-high tensile steel cage body. MG claims that in totality, Astor is loaded with 49+ safety features.
MG Astor Service
As mentioned before, MG is not yet there when it comes to the number of service centres in India. Nevertheless, they are quickly picking up pace and doing their best to offer top-notch services to their customers and increase their network across India.
MG Astor Prices
Following are the prices (on-road Mumbai) of the MG Astor :
- Style 1.5 MT : Rs. 11.44 lakhs
- Super 1.5 MT : Rs. 13.43 lakhs
- Super 1.5 CVT : Rs. 15.07 lakhs
- Smart 1.5 MT : Rs. 15.42 lakhs
- Sharp 1.5 MT : Rs. 16.59 lakhs
- Smart 1.5 CVT : Rs. 16.82 lakhs
- Sharp 1.5 CVT : Rs. 17.76 lakhs
- Sharp(O) 1.5 CVT : Rs. 18.73 lakhs
- Sharp(O) 1.5 CVT Red : Rs. 18.85 lakhs
- Smart 1.3 Turbo AT : Rs. 18.85 lakhs
- Sharp 1.3 Turbo AT : Rs. 19.90 lakhs
- Sharp(O) 1.3 Turbo AT : Rs. 20.60 lakhs
MG Astor Resale Value
The MG Astor is almost a replica of the ZS EV. While the future happens to be of the EVs, the ones who are petrol lovers might opt to buy an Astor instead of the ZS EV. The resale value would also depend on the number of kilometres driven along with the condition in which the vehicle is in.
MG Astor Colours
The MG Astor is offered in the following colours :
- Spiced Orange
- Starry Black
- Aurora Silver
- Glaze Red
- Candy White.
MG Astor Specifications
Engine: 1349cc, 3-Cyl, Turbo Petrol | 1498cc, 4-Cyl, Petrol
Power: 140 PS @ 5600 RPM | 110 PS @ 6000 RPM
Torque: 220 Nm @ 3600 RPM | 144 Nm @ 4400 RPM
Transmission : 6-Speed AT | 5-Speed MT/CVT
Fuel Type: Petrol
Tyre Size: 215/55 R17
Suspension: MacPherson Strut (Front), Torsion Beam (Rear)
Brakes: Disc (Front & Rear)
Safety: 6 Airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, HHC, HDC etc
Dimensions (LxWxH): 4323mm×1809mm×1650mm
Wheelbase: 2585mm
Kerb Weight : 1,245 to 1,355 kg
Ground Clearance: 205mm
Fuel Tank Capacity: 45-litres | 48-litres
Boot Space: 470-litres
MG Astor Variants
The MG Astor is offered in the following variants in the Petrol trim in the manual :
- Style
- Super
- Smart
- Sharp
The MG Astor is offered in the following variants in the Petrol CVT :
- Super
- Smart
- Sharp
- Sharp(O)
The MG Astor is offered in the following variants in the Petrol Automatic Torque Converter :
- Smart
- Sharp
- Sharp(O)
MG Astor Rating
We gave the MG Astor a rating of 4.5/5.
MG Astor Upcoming Models
The bookings for the MG Astor started in October 2021 followed by deliveries in November 2021 in the Indian market. An update to the Astor is not expected in the near future.
MG Astor vs Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos has an edge since it is also offered in a diesel trim which is not the case with the MG Astor. When it comes to features, both the cars are loaded with features, having said that, the Astor leads in terms of safety features. Talking about the dimensions, the MG Astor is 8mm longer, 9mm wider and 5mm taller than the Kia Seltos.
MG Astor vs Hyundai Creta
Just like the Seltos, its Korean sibling is no different when it comes to features. However, the point to note here is that Hyundai is an established brand in the Indian market whereas MG is an emerging brand. This implies that the service network of Hyundai would be more spread out and the resale value of the Creta might be better.
MG Astor vs Volkswagen Taigun
The drivability of the Volkswagen Taigun is certainly better than the MG Astor. It also has the longest wheelbase among its rivals. If drivability is a priority then the Volkswagen Taigun is the way to go. Talking about the dimensions, the MG Astor is 102mm longer, 49mm wider and 38mm taller than the Volkswagen Taigun.
MG Astor vs Renault Duster
Renault Duster has not been blessed with safety features embedded in the MG Astor such as Electronic Stability Program, Hill Hold Control, Traction Control System, Hill Descent Control and much more. Duster gets a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed CVT compared to a 5-speed manual and CVT offered in the Astor. The Renault Duster is the oldest car in the segment and it’s quite evident now with the features it has to offer.
