MG Motor India has breathed new life into its Astor SUV with a strategic rejig that brings a new entry-level variant, additional features, and a revised pricing structure. This move aims to bolster the Astor’s appeal in the hotly contested midsize SUV segment, where it faces stiff competition from established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara.
New Sprint Variant Makes Astor the Most Affordable Midsize SUV
The headline of the refresh is undoubtedly the introduction of the new Sprint variant. Priced at a tempting Rs 9.98 lakh, the Sprint sits firmly at the bottom of the Astor’s revised five-variant lineup (previously nine). This represents a significant Rs 83,000 reduction compared to the earlier base Style variant, bringing the Astor within striking distance of the starting price of the Citroen C3 Aircross, potentially attracting budget-conscious buyers.
However, the affordability of the Sprint variant comes with a caveat – it’s only available with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Those seeking the punchier 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine will need to move up to the top-spec Savvy Pro trim, priced at Rs 17.88 lakh.
Feature Enhancements Across the Range
MG hasn’t simply added a new base variant; it has also sprinkled some premium features across the Astor range. The top-spec Savvy Pro trim now boasts ventilated front seats for enhanced comfort, a wireless phone charger for added convenience, and updated infotainment software with improved connected car features. Additionally, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay join the party, along with an auto-dimming IRVM for safer night driving.
Even the entry-level Sprint variant doesn’t feel bare-bones. It comes equipped with LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, a dual-tone interior, a soft-touch dashboard, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, automatic climate control, and a 10.1-inch infotainment screen – a decent package for the price point.
Powertrains Remain Unchanged
Under the hood, the 2024 Astor retains its existing engine options. The base 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit churns out 110hp and 144Nm, paired with a five-speed manual or an eight-step CVT automatic gearbox. The sportier 1.3-litre turbo-petrol mill pumps out 140hp and 220Nm, mated exclusively to a six-speed torque converter automatic.
A Strategic Move to Boost Astor’s Appeal
The 2024 refresh of the MG Astor is a well-calculated move to address two key pain points – affordability and feature competitiveness. By introducing a more accessible entry point and sprinkling in desirable features across the range, MG aims to lure budget-conscious buyers and enhance the Astor’s overall value proposition.
This strategy comes at a time when the midsize SUV segment is witnessing intense competition. The Hyundai Creta facelift is set to arrive next week, while established players like the Kia Seltos and Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara continue to hold strong. The Toyota Hyryder, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun also add to the mix, making it a crowded space.
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With its refreshed lineup, MG hopes to carve out a larger share of this lucrative segment. The new Sprint variant makes the Astor the most affordable midsize SUV on the market, potentially attracting first-time buyers and value-seekers. Additionally, the feature enhancements across the range aim to make the Astor a more compelling proposition for buyers across price points.
Whether this strategic refresh yields the desired results for MG remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain – the 2024 MG Astor is now a more tempting proposition than ever before, and the competition in the midsize SUV segment just got a lot hotter.