MG ZS Petrol (Hyundai Creta Rival) Might Go on Sale as MG Astor in India

by Vivaan Khatri | 19/02/2021
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The ICE-powered version of the MG ZS will be launched in India this year. Recently, MG registered a trademark for the name Astor which is likely to be the name of the ICE version of the MG ZS.

Previously, it is reported that MG Motor India will bring the internal combustion engine version of its fully-electric SUV, MG ZS EV to our market. The new model will be put up against the likes of Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Last year, the ICE-powered MG ZS was displayed at the 2020 Auto Expo. After the show, the ICE-powered MG ZS was spotted during testing in India on a few occasions, suggesting that MG will soon introduce the petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV in our market. According to the latest news, the new model is likely to be called “Astor” as MG has registered a trademark for the Astor name.

MG ZS Petrol (Hyundai Creta Rival) Might Go on Sale as MG Astor in India

ICE-powered MG ZS is expected to enter the Indian market this year

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In the international market, MG has already introduced the facelift version of the MG ZS last year. The same version also made it to the Auto Expo 2020. It is expected that the MG “Astor” or the ICE-powered MG ZS for our market will be based on the international-spec facelifted model. However, the existing MG ZS EV on sale in India is based on the pre-facelift model. As per the design of the outgoing MG ZS on the international market, we can expect that the India-spec model will feature a redesigned grille, restyled projector headlights with LED DRLs, sportier bumper with wider air dam, and so on. For the rear end, it is likely to get revised bumper that looks sportier, along with new LED taillights. There will also be a set of new alloy wheels.

On the inside, the facelifted MG ZS keeps dashboard design mostly unchanged. Hence, expect the upcoming MG “Astor” to carry forward the same dashboard arrangement as its outgoing electric counterpart. In the UK market, MG provides it with some premium features like a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, new digital instrument cluster and revised centre console. However, these features are unlikely to enter the India-spec version. 

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At launch, ICE-powered MG ZS will be the most affordable car on MG's production line-up 

Under the hood, the India-spec MG ZS is likely to derive power from one petrol engine only. Meanwhile, the international-spec ZS is offered with a variety of petrol engine options including a 111 Hp/160 Nm 1.0-litre turbocharged engine, 120 Hp/150 Nm 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine and a 160 Hp/230 Nm 1.3-litre turbocharged engine. The last option is considered to be the most potent one of the list and is expected to be employed on the India-spec MG ZS. Another viable option is the 1.5-litre petrol engine which is currently powering the MG Hector and Hector Plus in India.

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Upon arriving in the Indian market, the MG ZS with ICE powertrain is expected to be priced from Rs 12 lakh upwards. Within MG’s line-up, the new MG ZS will be positioned under the Hector as the entry-level car. By launching a more affordable vehicle, MG Motor is aiming to more consumers. The new MG ZS is expected to be launched in India in the second half of 2021.

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