The MG Astor recently made its debut in production form, giving a preview of what to expect from the Creta and Seltos rival, in terms of design, features and powertrains. While the price announcement is still a few days away, we can already reveal the complete variant line-up for the Astor, which will consist of a total of eight trim levels.
- Entry-level Style variant won’t have an automatic option
- No manual variant for top-spec Savvy trim
- Astor to give diesels a miss
MG Astor variant line-up
MG will offer the Astor in a total of eight trim levels – Style, Super, Smart Std, Smart, Sharp Std, Sharp, Savvy and Savvy Red. The 1.5-litre petrol engine, with a manual gearbox, will be available in all but the top-spec Savvy and Savvy Red trims.
On the other hand, the automatic version of the 1.5-litre petrol, and the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol, will give the entry-level Style variant a miss.
| MG Astor variant line-up | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5-litre petrol MT | 1.5-litre petrol CVT auto | 1.3-litre turbo-petrol torque converter auto | |
| Style | Yes | - | - |
| Super | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart Std. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sharp Std. | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sharp | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Savvy | - | Yes | Yes |
| Savvy Red | - | Yes | Yes |
MG, then, seems to be aiming to cater to the large number of petrol SUV buyers out there, by offering an extensive line-up for the Astor. This is in contrast to some of its rivals, like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the recently launched VW Taigun, which have their more powerful petrol offerings reserved for the higher variants.
By making the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol available in all but the base trim level, MG could also be hoping to make up for the lack of a diesel in the Astor range. For reference, even after the switch to BS6, diesel still commands a strong pull in the segment and accounts for a whopping 53 percent of Creta sales and 43 percent of Seltos’ volumes.
MG Astor engine-gearbox details
The MG Astor will be powered by either a 110hp, 1,498cc naturally aspirated petrol or a 140hp, 1,349cc turbo-petrol engine. The more potent motor will be exclusively available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, with the 1.5-litre engine offering a choice between a 5-speed manual or an 8-step CVT auto gearbox. You can find out how the new Astor drives, on September 30, when our review comes out.
MG Astor features
Though the variant-wise breakup of equipment will be revealed closer to the launch that is slated for early October, we do know the key highlights of the Astor. MG has focused heavily on its artificial intelligence (AI) equipped voice assistant and loaded the mid-size SUV with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that use a camera and radar, mounted in the car, for carrying out functions like Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist and so on.
Other features of note on the top-spec Astor include LED headlamps and DRLs, 7-inch digital instrument cluster, leatherette upholstery, electric parking brake, tyre pressure monitor, 360 degree camera, heated wing mirrors, steering weight adjustment with driving modes (normal, urban, dynamic), panoramic sunroof and a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
On the safety front, kit like six airbags, ABS, EBD, brake assist, ESP, traction control, hill start and descent control and rear disc brakes will be on offer, over and above the ADAS functions on higher-spec variants.
MG Astor price estimate
We expect the MG Astor to be priced competitively, in the region of Rs 10-Rs 16 lakh (estimated, ex-showroom). In an interview with Autocar India, the company’s President and MD Rajeev Chaba mentioned that MG will be aiming to sell about 3,000 units of the Astor each month.
Also see:
MG Astor vs rivals: specifications comparison
2021 MG Astor first look video
MG Motor India to ramp up plant capacity and localisation