Upcoming MG Astor to get in-car Jio 4G connectivity
MG Motor India has entered into a partnership with Jio India to offer the latter's connectivity solutions in the upcoming MG Astor mid-sized SUV. The Astor will come equipped with a Jio e-SIM in possibly the higher trims to run its suite of connected-car tech when it launches in India in a couple of months time.
MG promises this will give users of the MG Astor access to the internet through Jio's network not just in cities but also in smaller towns and rural areas. The usual suite of in-car apps as well as telemetry will be available through Jio's network.
The interiors are, as expected, carried over from the international spec MG ZS with the 10.1-inch infotainment system. The piano style buttons for the climate control functions are visible as is the gear-lever which replaces the rotary-style selector from the EV. The all-black cabin with silver highlights now carries a carbon-fibre weave mimicking finish to the dash. Also expected is a new semi-digital MID, as seen on the Gloster. Expect to see climate control, connected tech, a panoramic sunroof, an electronic handbrake and some form of driver assistance systems from the MG Gloster.
2021 MG Astor engines, gearbox
The regular MG ZS, which the MG Astor will be derived from, can be had with three engine options in international markets. This is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with 115PS/150 Nm. Two turbo petrol engines are on offer as well, there is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder unit with 112PS/160 Nm and a 1.3-litre turbo with 126PS and 230 Nm. A six-speed manual and six-speed torque converter auto pair with these engines. We expect the N/A petrol to come here in manual as well as with the new CVT from the Hector while the turbo-petrol should get either the Hector's DCT or the international-spec AT.
2021 MG Astor production, expected price, rivals
The MG Astor is expected to be a volume seller for the brand, and the company expects this SUV to increase sales by up to 70 per cent. MG Motor India also hopes to fully utilize the available capacity of its Halol plant with this new SUV. When the MG Astor launches in India, expect it to undercut competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq on price. The range from start from Rs 9 to 10 lakh ex-showroom.
Also Read,
MG Astor mid-sized SUV to launch in India by late-2021
MG ZS petrol spotted testing in India ahead of launch, could be called Astor
Spec and Price Comparo: Tata Nexon EV vs MG ZS EV vs Hyundai Kona
2020 MG ZS EV: Variants explained