MG Astor mid-sized SUV to launch in India by late-2021
MG Motor India head Rajiv Chaba has conformed to a news outlet the firm's next launch for the Indian market, expected to be called the MG Astor, will happen by late 2021. The MG Astor is the petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV and was originally planned for a festive season launch but the second COVID19 wave seems to have delayed proceedings.
India should get the petrol MG ZS or the Astor in its facelifted guise, as seen at the 2020 Auto Expo. When seen alongside the MG ZS EV, the revised ZS gets a redesigned front end. There are slimmer full-LED headlamps, a new hexagonal grille and chunkier bumpers. The rear has received a similar treatment with sharper LED taillamps, a prominent faux skid plate and new bumpers. A sharper set of alloy wheels have also been added. On the inside, there is a new fully digital instrument cluster and a new 10.1-inch infotainment system. The physical AC controls have also been replaced by capacitive touch panels. Aside from this, the regular ZS continues to be heavily feature loaded like the electric version.
2021 MG Astor engines, gearbox
The regular MG ZS, which the MG Astor will be derived from, can be had with three engine options in international markets. This is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with 115PS/150 Nm. Two turbo petrol engines are on offer as well, there is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 112PS/160 Nm and a 1.3-litre turbo with 126PS and 230 Nm. A six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter auto pair with these engines. We expect the N/A petrol to come here in manual as well as with the new CVT from the Hector while the turbo-petrol should get either the Hector's DCT or the international-spec AT.
2021 MG Astor production, expected price, rivals
The MG Astor is expected to be a volume seller for the brand, and the company expects this SUV to increase sales by up to 70 per cent. MG Motor India also hopes to fully utilize the available capacity of its Halol plant with this new SUV. When the MG Astor launches in India, expect it to undercut competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq on price. The range from start from Rs 9 to 10 lakh ex-showroom.
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Source: ET Auto