The MG Astor’s India Launch Could Be Just Around The Corner

• Unofficial bookings are also being accepted.

• The Astor features a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital driver’s display, connected car tech, and three steering modes.

• Its highlight reels are the AI personal assistant and ADAS.

• Will be powered by 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engines with manual and automatic transmission options.

• Will rival Volkswagen Taigun, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Skoda Kushaq.

Our dealership sources suggest that the MG Astor could launch in India as early as October 7. The compact SUV started reaching dealerships on September 19, and unofficial bookings are underway. 

Known as the facelifted ZS in overseas markets, the MG Astor will be the carmaker’s fourth offering in India. Earlier, a Delhi RTO document revealed that it’ll be offered in five trims:  Style, Super, Smart, Sharp, and Savvy.  

The upcoming SUV has been styled much like the facelifted ZS. It will feature a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), a digital driver’s display, a panoramic sunroof, i-Smart connected car tech, rain-sensing wipers, wireless phone charging, three steering modes (Normal, Urban, Dynamic), and a PM 2.5 air filter.  

But the Astor’s talking point is its segment-first AI personal assistant, a robot-like device that can ‘emote’ with emojis and control certain in-car operations via voice commands. The Astor also has Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, and lane-keeping/departure assist.

Powering the Astor will be two petrol engines: 110PS 1.5-litre naturally aspirated and a 140PS 1.3-litre turbo-petrol.  The former can be paired with 6-speed manual and 8-step CVT options, while the latter only gets a 6-speed automatic.  All trims except the base-spec Style will get an automatic choice, while the top-spec Savvy will be automatic-exclusive. 

We expect the MG Astor to retail from Rs 10 lakh (ex-showroom,Delhi). It will take on the Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq,  Hyundai Creta, and Volkswagen Taigun.