[Col Mehta]

We happened to visit MG showroom in Moti Nagar, Delhi and inquired about the Astor. The sales manager confirmed that it is going to be launched next month (between 3rd and 4th week). He also confirmed that the sales team will go through the training in the 2nd week of September and the car would most likely be priced aggressively - in the range of 10-15 lacs ex-showroom. The sales team doesn't have any idea what engine options would be offered but they did say no to diesel engine. The showroom was buzzing with lots of potential customers and the sales team was polite and responsive. Definitely better than a lot of other showroom experiences we have had. Full marks to MG on this!

Saw the ZS EV in flesh for the first time and have to say that the fit and finish is very impressive. Soft touch material used all over adds to the premium feel and the space is more than enough (not as spacious as Creta/Seltos though). The panoramic sunroof is absolutely beautiful and one really needs to experience it before declaring it useless. The boot isn't the biggest in the segment but it looked alright for those airport runs and weekend outings. One thing which is apparent is it doesn't have the boxy/SUVish looks (picture attached for reference). Creta and Seltos look bigger even when the dimensions are very much similiar. People who want that SUVish stance will have to look elsewhere.

If the Astor comes with the same quality and good engine/transmission and driving dynamics, it's going to bring in some good numbers for MG. Eagerly looking forward to the launch!

[Pras92003]

Originally Posted by Col Mehta

People who want that SUVish stance will have to look elsewhere.

Assuming the dimensions of ZS EV and Astor are going to be the same, what is the seating position like? I don't care much about the big SUV looks but to be able to see both the corners of the bonnet is a plus. Is it a good driving stance? Did you check that?

[Behemoth]

I had seen the MG ZS EV too recently in Gurgaon and it is a well built car. The Interiors are simple (not flashy) but elegant and good quality. I was also considering buying the ZS EV, but as my daily driving is 100 Km, I would need to charge it almost every 2nd day, which would be a bit of a limitation. So as of now, we have not gone for an EV.
The Astor will probably improve on the interiors of the ZS a bit (as it is a new introduction) My guess on the pricing of the Astor should be in the range of 11-16 lacs, and at this price point it will be much better value for money compared to a Kushaq/ Taigun.
Also, if it gets a 5 star NCAP rating (like the ZS EV did), it will be safer than the Seltos and Creta options.
Many people think that the Astor's boot at 360 L is smaller than that of a Creta (which claims 440?). The Creta's boot space numbers are not correct and actual boot space measured by me (also shared in the boot space measurements thread) is around 270L.
https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techn...ml#post5030425 (Measuring the actual boot capacity of your car)

The Astor's actual usable boot space is much bigger than that of the Creta.
Anyone who is considering both of these cars, please do take a measuring tape and check the real dimensions before buying!

[dh.harshal]

Just found some Astor pictures (Courtesy ABP). If real, probably the 1st spy shots of Astor, floating on internet.







Some Observations
- Front grille looks splendid, pretty good blend of black & Chrome.
- DRLs are LED, but can spot only one halogen Projector bulb for both High & low beams (no LED Projector)
- Continental 17" tyres
- AI Inside badge on the side panel; only blemish on otherwise a good looking car.
- Roof rails are in Silver color & look functional. Will have to wait for the specs though.
- Frame less wipers. Thank god!
- Astor written neatly & subtly below the MG badge, which flips to open the boot.
- kind of ADAS written on the rear (where Internet Inside is written for Hector)
- Couldn't spot the middle passenger head rest

Overall, I like what I see here & what we've seen in earlier pictures as well.
The Car looks more like a crossover/Coupe than a butch SUV, mostly due to roof panel curves & smaller curvy quarter glass. So it may appear smaller than Creta/Seltos even with almost similar dimensions.
However it Still looks subtle & classic.

I've also gone through numerous video reviews of ZS Turbo available in Australia and Middle east. Almost every reviewer seemed happy with how it drives & most of them, labeled it as the best buy/value for money in the segment. And if the predicted price range of 9-16 lakhs comes true, then Astor will turn out a winner in India as well.

With both XUV700 & Astor coming around Festive season, Indians have two worthy upcoming best sellers in the hot CSUV segment. Both are loaded with features & safety.
People wanting for smaller 5 seater & easily maneuverable car, can go for Astor. And people wanting more butch looking 7 seater, can opt for XUV700. XUV700 is also a default choice for mild off-roading.

Kushaq/Taigun will have really hard times. Creta/Seltos/Harrier/Safari will lose significant numbers to XUV700 and Astor.
The segment is heating up and hopefully, the customers will benefit with reduced pricing or more bang for the bucks.

[CrAzY dRiVeR]

Originally Posted by dh.harshal

DRLs are LED, but can spot only one halogen Projector bulb for both High & low beams (no LED Projector)

Why do we suspect halogens? Highly unlikely from MG. Looks like the same LED projectors units of the MG ZST?

As per an earlier spy video - headlamps are clearly white as against halogen fog lamps.

Originally Posted by dh.harshal

- AI Inside badge on the side panel; only blemish on otherwise a good looking car.

Looks like a Brit Dynamic badge to me.

[dh.harshal]

Thanks!
Yes, I think the badge is 'Brit Dynamic'. It was confirmed by some other auto portal as well.
Better than 'AI inside' for sure
For the headlight, it looks like a big halogen projector. But again from the image you've shared, it clearly has white throw. Fingers crossed, hopefully it's LED projector (not halogen or reflector).

[Venkatesh]

MG Astor will feature a six-way electrically adjustable driver seat and manually-adjustable co-passenger seat.



Red leather dashboard and a 6-speed Automatic transmission.



Source

[r-a-s]

Astor ADAS and PA features.

[AMG1]

Originally Posted by Venkatesh

MG Astor will feature a six-way electrically adjustable driver seat and manually-adjustable co-passenger seat.

Attachment 2201664

Red leather dashboard and a 6-speed Automatic transmission.

Attachment 2201665

Source

Leather with Stitching on Dash and Centre console and with bright red interior along with more safety features than a Mercedes E class (Indian versions don't get ADAS)! Splendid. I am amazed at how much this car is going to offer!

This is called raising the bar and commitment towards a market (Not like those half-hearted attempts of VW-Skoda 2.0 (heck, they don't even offer electric seats).

Extremely happy with what MG is doing in our market. In the long run, they can be amongst the top 4 carmakers for sure.

[Manojah]

Originally Posted by AMG1

Leather with Stitching on Dash and Centre console and with bright red interior along with more safety features than a Mercedes E class (Indian versions don't get ADAS)! Splendid. I am amazed at how much this car is going to offer!

This is called raising the bar and commitment towards a market (Not like those half-hearted attempts of VW-Skoda 2.0 (heck, they don't even offer electric seats).

Extremely happy with what MG is doing in our market. In the long run, they can be amongst the top 4 carmakers for sure.

I hope that they finally plan to offer an Diesel AT variant and that would make this almost perfect.

[07CR]

Any update on when MG plans to launch it in this month? Also are they going for a full blown launch or just the unveil kind of thing manufacturers have been doing lately?

[ranjitht87]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Any update on when MG plans to launch it in this month? Also are they going for a full blown launch or just the unveil kind of thing manufacturers have been doing lately?

Visited MG showroom today enroute and the showroom staff informed that their trainings have started and astor will be launched by end of this month and will be reaching showrooms by first week of october.

[07CR]

Originally Posted by ranjitht87

Visited MG showroom today enroute and the showroom staff informed that their trainings have started and astor will be launched by end of this month and will be reaching showrooms by first week of october.

That's great news !
Any information if MG is also launching a diesel variant , with automatic?

[Oomph11]

Originally Posted by 07CR

That's great news !
Any information if MG is also launching a diesel variant , with automatic?

There’s no diesel engine on offer. Two petrol engines 1.5 naturally aspirated and 1.3l 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine, both will have manual and automatic transmission options.

[Manojah]

Originally Posted by Oomph11

There’s no diesel engine on offer. Two petrol engines 1.5 naturally aspirated and 1.3l 3 cylinder turbo petrol engine, both will have manual and automatic transmission options.

Would have loved a Diesel AT with this. Maybe, they plan it for later.