The MG ZS SUV will soon get a petrol-powered version in India. This new model from the brand will be its contender in the hotly contested midsize SUV market. We reported a few days ago that the brand will have a different market name for this SUV.
- New MG SUV could get ‘Astor’ branding upon launch
- Will be positioned below the Hector in the Indian market
- Competitive pricing expected, thanks to huge amount of localisation
MG ZS petrol: will it be called MG Astor in India?
Most likely, yes. MG Motor India has trademarked the name ‘Astor’ already, and as reported by us earlier, this SUV will ditch the MG ZS moniker for a unique name so that it can have its distinct identity in the Indian market. The model is internally known as Model K and according to sources, it will most likely come with the Astor brand name when it launches in India.
MG ZS petrol (Astor): rivals, features and equipment
The upcoming MG SUV will be 4.3m long and will sit below the Hector, which measures in at 4.6m. The incoming MG will directly take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Duster.
The MG ZS petrol (Astor) gets a reworked front fascia, with sharper headlamps and a new front grille and bumper that will make it look a bit different from the ZS electric sold here. On the inside, the cabin can be expected to sport a few tweaks to the dashboard, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (compared to the 8.0-inch unit of the ZS EV). In international markets, moreover, the SUV also gets a digital instrument cluster.
MG ZS Petrol (Astor): what engines will be on offer?
The new MG SUV will come with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill that’s good for 120hp and 150Nm of torque. Additionally, there will be a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine on offer as well, which will churn out 163hp and 230Nm. Its key rivals, the Creta and Seltos, get a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the Kicks and Duster come with a 156hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. The SUV will come with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
MG Motor India is planning to position the Astor SUV competitively as the model will be heavily localised. We expect a pricing of Rs 10-16 lakh for MG’s upcoming Creta rival.
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
