The MG VS HEV (Hybrid) has been spied completely undisguised in India for the first time. The VS HEV is a restyled Astor sold in markets such as Thailand and Indonesia.
- MG VS HEV gets a 1.5-litre strong-hybrid powertrain abroad
- Features new fascia, redesigned dashboard
MG VS Hybrid: what's different?
The MG VS HEV was launched in Thailand in July 2022, and gets a redesigned fascia, new headlamps, and an enclosed grille over the current-gen Astor; known as the ZS in other markets.
On the inside, the VS HEV gets a new dashboard – compared to the India-spec Astor – and a completely revised central tunnel that houses a new gear lever. Apart from that, not much of the cabin is visible in the latest spy shots. The Thai-spec model gets a dual-screen setup.
MG VS Hybrid: powertrain, launch details
Powering the MG VS is a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid powertrain putting out a combined 177hp, mated to an e-CVT gearbox. The tech is similar to the Maruti Grand Vitara hybrid and Toyota Hyryder hybrid.
The next-gen MG Astor’s design was recently leaked, revealing big changes over the existing model. It will be interesting to see if MG will introduce a mid-life facelift for the Astor in India with changes in line with the VS, until the new-gen model arrives a few years later. MG is expected to introduce a strong-hybrid powertrain for the Astor in India, and an update for the midsize SUV is planned as a part of eight products that the manufacturer will launch in India between 2025-2028.
This year, MG will introduce the facelifted Gloster and the Cloud EV in our market.
Also see:
Next-gen MG Astor revealed in patent images