Hyundai Creta rival MG SUV leaked: What to expect? 

MG Motor’s soon-to-be-launched mid-size SUV was caught testing. Surprisingly, the MG VS HEV, which is also sold as the Astor in the South East Asia market was spotted in India without any camouflage claddings. Reports suggest that this will be the new facelift Astor, which will go up against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. We find out what’s new about the MG SUV. 

Hyundai Creta Rival new MG SUV: Updated design

The new MG SUV gets a closed front fascia with new sleek-looking full-LED headlights with swept-back LED DRLs inside the cluster. The VS HEV aka facelift Astor gets larger-than-life front bumpers with a massive air dam and an elongated lower lip. The bumper also sports a unique diamond quilt pattern.

The SUV’s redesigned nose has a blue highlight which connects the headlamps. MG may have opted for the blue colour to distinguish the SUV from its ICE and EV models. We shall soon find out. The silhouette remains the same as the current Astor though it now gets a new set of 17-inch alloy wheels. The rear is pretty much a nip-and-tuck job as the LED tail light layout and the bumper remains the same. 

Hyundai Creta Rival new MG SUV: Interiors

The updated Astor gets an all-black interior, unlike the current version which has dual-tone colours. As the interior spy image wasn’t clear, we can’t confirm whether it will get a twin-screen layout for the infotainment system and the driver’s instrument cluster. MG has retained the three-spoke steering wheel, but the SUV comes with a brand-new transmission console, a gear stick, an electronic parking brake and a wireless phone charger.

Hyundai Creta Rival new MG SUV: Specifications

Currently, the specifications aren’t revealed yet, but going by what the international market gets, VS HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor. The petrol power plant produces 107 bhp 142 Nm while the motor churns out 94 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. In total, the power output is 174 bhp. 

The new SUV is expected to retain the two engines — 1.5-litre and 1.3-litre turbo from the current Astor. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine makes 108 bhp and 114 Nm while the 138 bhp 1.3-litre turbo has 220 Nm of torque. The former is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT while the latter gets a 6-speed torque converter automatic. 

Source: MRD Cars