For months, the rumor mill has been churning with speculation about MG Motor’s plans to refresh its entire lineup in India. Recently, design patents for the upcoming Astor facelift shed light on the SUV’s exterior design. Now, spy shots offer a closer look at the revamped Astor, hinting at the changes MG has in store for this popular compact SUV.
A Design Transformation: Borrowing Inspiration from Abroad
The spied SUV might be a red herring – it’s actually the MG VS, a heavily restyled version of the Astor currently sold in Thailand and Indonesia. However, the design similarities between the VS and the patent images suggest that the Astor facelift will borrow heavily from its global cousin.
The most striking change lies in the completely redesigned front fascia. Gone are the familiar elements of the current Astor; sleek new headlamps flank a closed-up grille, lending the SUV a more modern and sophisticated appearance. The aggressively styled bumpers, reminiscent of the Astor’s electric version, further enhance its sporty stance. Interestingly, the side profile and rear design remain largely unchanged, retaining the signature wraparound LED taillights.
A Glimpse Inside: A Premium Upgrade
While the exterior changes are significant, the most exciting transformation might be happening within the Astor’s cabin. Spy shots reveal a completely revamped center console, boasting a more premium look compared to the current model. The steering wheel design remains familiar, but the true attention grabbers are the two prominent screens dominating the dashboard.
Globally, the MG VS features a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. While a larger touchscreen would undoubtedly be a welcome addition for Indian buyers, it remains to be seen if MG will carry over the bigger instrument cluster as well.
Feature Frenzy: Keeping Pace with the Competition
Beyond the impressive dual-screen setup, MG is likely to bolster the Astor’s already feature-rich package to stay competitive with rivals like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Potential additions include a dual-zone climate control system, a head-up display for enhanced driving information, and ambient lighting to create a more personalized cabin experience. The Astor already boasts premium features like a panoramic sunroof and a Level-2 ADAS suite, and the facelift could see MG further expand this list.
Powertrain Possibilities: A Hybrid Option Emerges
Currently, the Astor offers a choice between a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The 1.5-liter unit generates 108 bhp and 144 Nm of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a CVT transmission. The more powerful 1.4-liter turbo petrol engine churns out 138 bhp and 220 Nm of torque, exclusively mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
However, rumors suggest that MG might be planning to introduce its 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain in India, and the Astor facelift could serve as the perfect launchpad for this new technology. This hybrid system combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor, generating an additional 68 bhp and 200 Nm of torque. The electric motor is paired with an E-CVT transmission for a smooth and potentially fuel-efficient driving experience.
With rivals like the Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder offering strong hybrid options, MG’s decision to introduce a hybrid variant for the Astor facelift holds significant weight. The addition of a hybrid powertrain would not only enhance the Astor’s environmental credentials but also position it as a more compelling choice for eco-conscious buyers.
Launch Timeline and Price Expectations
Reports suggest a tentative launch window for the new Astor facelift sometime between the end of 2024 and early 2025. As for pricing, the current Astor retails between Rs 11.67 lakh and Rs 21.14 lakh (on-road, Mumbai). With the facelift bringing a host of upgrades, a price increase of Rs 15,000 to Rs 80,000, depending on the variant, seems likely.
The Road Ahead: A Renewed Battle for Compact SUV Supremacy
The Indian compact SUV segment is a fiercely competitive battleground, with established players and new entrants constantly vying for customer attention. The refreshed MG Astor facelift, with its revamped design, potential feature additions, and the possible introduction of a hybrid powertrain, signals MG’s intent to stay ahead of the curve. How the Astor facelift performs against its rivals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the upcoming launch promises to reignite the competition in the compact SUV segment, offering car buyers in India an even wider range of compelling choices.
