MG Astor vs Rivals: Size And Powertrains Compared

MG Motor India recently unveiled the Astor. The carmaker’s fourth offering in the country will go on sale in October 2021. With a raft of segment-first features and two petrol engines, it is set to take on the big players of the compact SUV segment, including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and the upcoming Volkswagen Taigun. 

Here’s how the Astor theoretically fares against the opposition:

Dimensions

*Including roof rails

The Astor pips the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, and Kushaq in length, width, and height. That said, it’s got the shortest wheelbase of the four SUVs (the Kushaq’s is the longest). The Creta and Seltos have the largest boot space at 433litres. While we don’t have the exact dimensions of the Taigun yet, it should be similar to the Kushaq as they’re based on the same platform.

Powertrains

• Entry-level Powertrain

*only in Kia Seltos (clutchless manual)

Starting off with the entry-level engines. The Astor’s 1.5-litre displacement is right up there with its rivals, but pushes the least power at 110PS. While its torque figures are the same as the Seltos and Creta, it's the Kushaq that has the edge in this department, thanks to the turbocharged engine. While all four SUVs get manual and automatic transmission options, the Seltos has an additional iMT (clutchless manual).

• Top-spec Powertrain

*only in Kia Seltos 

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While the Astor is low on displacement, it is just as powerful as the Seltos and Creta (producing 140PS) while only 10PS shy of the Kushaq. However, the Astor is the least torquey in this comparison. The Astor and Creta’s turbo-petrol motors can only be paired with an automatic gearbox, whereas the Kushaq and Seltos get an optional manual transmission.

Verdict

As things stand on paper, the MG Astor does have a slight edge in size, and its two petrol offerings seem to have the chops to keep up with the competition. But it does lack the option of a diesel engine, which may be a little off-putting for certain buyers. That said, if the carmaker does manage to price it sensibly (we expect it to be priced from Rs 10 lakh, ex-showroom), it could generate a lot of interest.