Introductory prices for the MG Astor have just been announced. The seventh contender in the midsize-SUV segment costs Rs 9.78 lakh, ex-showroom, India, for the base Style variant, making the Astor extremely well-priced. Even the top-spec Sharp trim is priced at a very competitive Rs 16.78 lakh.
The Astor is available in four trims — Style, Super, Smart, and Sharp — along with three powertrain options. The entry-level Style is only available with the 108-bhp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and 5-speed manual gearbox, while trims from Super onwards get an 8-step CVT option. The Smart and Sharp trims are also available with the 138-bhp 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit, which is paired to a 6-speed torque convertor automatic. MG Motor is casting its net in precisely the same waters as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq, Nissan Kicks, and the Renault Duster.
Even the Astor Style trim gets some segment-first features such as steering modes, and hill descent control, along with premium kit such as a leatherette-wrapped cabin, LED headlights and DRLs, auto climate control, a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a height adjustable driver’s seat, and powered ORVMs.
The range-topping Sharp is a seriously well-kitted variant, boasting of all the features — other than the Level 2 autonomous technology — seen on the MG Astor we drove on the Buddh International Circuit. We’ll have to drive it on regular roads to be sure, but our experience showed it was good-looking, luxurious, packed to the gills with tech, and decent to drive, too. Do note that the Level 2 autonomous tech is available as an optional extra with just the automatic Sharp variants.
Bookings for the MG Astor officially open from October 21, but it can be pre-reserved from today. MG hopes you will so that you can avail the introductory price tag. A three-year warranty is standard, though there are four- and five-year packages available for extra, too.
MG Motor says that the first batch of Astors are expected to be delivered in November and December of this year, with an estimated 5000 deliveries to be made by the end of 2021.
