MG Motor has launched an updated iteration of Astor in India with prices starting at Rs 9.98 lakh (ex-showroom), making it the most affordable compact C-segment SUV in India today. The Chinese-owned British carmaker has introduced a new entry-level variant named Sprint. Overall, the 2024 Astor can be had in five variants– Sprint, Shine, Select, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro.
At Rs 9.98 lakh, the Astor is Rs 1,000 more affordable than Citroen C3 Aircross. Earlier, prices for Astor started at Rs 10.81 lakh (ex-showroom). Besides the new variant, MG Motor has also added multiple new features to the equipment of Astor. However, the SUV remains mechanically unchanged.
Commenting on the launch, Gaurav Gupta, Deputy Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “We are committed to meeting our customers’ expectations with products that showcase the latest in automobile technology. Keeping to this promise and as a brand celebrating its centenary this year, the Astor 2024 line-up offers a combination of features, design, and great value propositions which delight car buyers.”
2024 MG Astor: Feature additions
As part of the yearly update, the 2024 Astor gets several new features including front seat ventilation, wireless charger, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, and auto-dimming IRVM to name a few. It will also come equipped with an updated i-Smart 2.0 with over 80 connected car features.
Besides, MG is offering useful features such as JIO Voice Recognition system, enabling advanced voice commands for Weather, Cricket updates, Calculator, Clock, Date/Day information, Horoscope, Dictionary, News and knowledge. The SUV now offers an anti-theft feature which is coupled with a digital key functionality, adding security and convenience to the offering.
The Advanced UI is complemented by Widget customization on the home screen with multiple home pages and a unique Birthday Wish feature on the Head unit that allows date customization through i-SMART mobile app. The Astor was the first vehicle in India to get an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool with voice recognition and the first-in-segment to offer Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).
2024 MG Astor: Powertrain
No changes have been made to the powertrain setup of Astor. It gets the same engine options– 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit and a 1.35-litre turbo petrol mill. The former churns out 109 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque while being paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox.
The turbo petrol unit pumps out 138 bhp and 240 Nm of peak torque. This motor is mated exclusively to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
