It is not a secret that MG is planning to launch the ICE-powered version of the MG ZS EV in the domestic market. Sources suggest that MG Motor will give the new model a new name. It is expected to be called MG Astor and will enter the market around the festive season. At launch, this model will rival the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Here are some details of the MG Astor.
MG ZS is expected to enter the market under the new name - MG Astor
Dimensionally, the Astor will measure 4,314mm, 1,809mm and 1,644mm in length, width and height, respectively. The fuel-powered MG ZS will sit on a wheelbase of 2,585mm which is 25 mm shorter than the Hyundai Creta. Also, the MG Astor sports a good ground clearance of 205 mm.
The major difference between the MG ZS EV and the MG Astor lies under the bonnet. The Astor is expected to be a petrol-only model. It is reported that the upcoming SUV will be available with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit. These engines are good for 120bhp/150Nm and 163bhp/230Nm, respectively. Notably, MG Astor’s turbocharged petrol engine is even more powerful than the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos’s 1.4-litre turbocharged unit that makes 138 BHP. Even Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun’s 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with 147bhp at its disposal is not a rival of MG Astor.
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It is also suggested that the MG Astor will come with a level 1 autonomous technology – ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) which is also available on the MG Gloster. It also means that the MG Astor will be the first vehicle in this segment to come with such an advanced driving assist system. In addition, the upcoming MG Astor will also come with a lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking system, front collision warning, blind-spot detection, and hands-free auto parking.
MG Astor will compete against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos
Like other MG models that come before, the MG Astor will also be feature-rich and full-equipped. Exteriorly, the MG Astor will be heavily influenced by the facelifted MG ZS SUV which is on sale in the international market. However, there are still a host of distinctive styling elements to create a different identity. According to the newest spy shot, the MG Astor will get a dominant grille, sharper headlights with LED DRLs and revised bumper, new alloy wheel design.
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On the inside, MG Astor will be equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, MG iSmart connected car technology, powered driver seat, cruise control, 360-degree camera, panoramic sunroof, automatic AC, and others.
The upcoming MG Astor is expected to be priced from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh. As to lower the manufacturing cost, MG will heavily localize the production of this model and make use of various locally-sourced components, unlike the ZS EV which is imported via the CKD route.