The MG Astor is, in essence, the petrol-powered version of the brand’s first EV in our market - the ZS EV. The carmaker is set to unveil the production-spec model on September 15, 2021, ahead of its market launch in October.

• MG Astor will get Level 2 ADAS tech
• Embedded Jio e-SIM for internet-based features
• Two petrol engine options

2021 MG Astor: what is it?

The Astor will be MG’s new midsize SUV offering, positioned below the Hector in its India line up. The SUV, measuring 4.3m in length, will be dimensionally smaller than the Hector (4.6m length) and hence will be better positioned to take on the Hyundai Creta – the current segment leader. It is also set to sport a number of design changes over its EV counterpart.

2021 MG Astor: features and tech

Much like its other products, MG aims to pack the Astor to the gills with new technology and features. The most noteworthy feature on the Astor will be the Level-2 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions which brings with it a variety of active safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Speed Assist. While ADAS is becoming more common in our market with models like the MG Gloster and Mahindra XUV700 offering it, the Astor will be the first model in the midsize SUV space to do so.

Additionally, the Astor will also get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with a Jio e-SIM for in-car connectivity features. It will also feature an AI-based personal assistant which will be able to follow voice commands and answer queries from online sources.

2021 MG Astor: expected powertrain options

Under the hood, MG is expected to offer a 120hp, 150Nm, 1.5-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine. This is expected to be accompanied by a more powerful, 163hp, 230Nm, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine as well. Gearbox options for the Astor will include a choice of a manual and an automatic.

2021 MG Astor: rivals and expected price

Once launched, the MG Astor will go up against similarly-sized SUVs (around 4.3m long) such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, Renault Duster, Skoda Kushaq and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. In terms of cost, we expect MG to price the Astor in the range of Rs 10-16 lakh (ex-showroom).