MG Astor Select CVT

Namaste, car enthusiasts! Choosing a new car in India is a big decision, isn't it? You juggle so many things: your budget, how safe it keeps your family, the monthly maintenance costs, those must-have latest features, and of course, how good the company's service network is. Finding that perfect blend can be tough. But what if we told you there's a compact SUV that's been making all the right noises, offering a compelling package that ticks many of these boxes? Today, we're diving deep into the MG Astor Select CVT – a car that promises style, substance, and smart features, all tailored for the Indian buyer.

About MG Astor Select CVT

MG Motor India has quickly carved a niche for itself, and the Astor, with its premium feel and tech-laden cabin, has been a strong contender in the crowded compact SUV segment. The Select CVT variant, in particular, aims to offer a refined and convenient driving experience for daily commutes and city adventures.

Main Highlights

Engine Specifications

The MG Astor Select CVT is powered by a reliable and smooth petrol engine, perfect for urban conditions and highway cruising.

• Engine Type: 1.5-litre VTi-tech Naturally Aspirated Petrol
• Maximum Power: 110 PS (approx 108.6 bhp) at 6000 rpm
• Maximum Torque: 144 Nm at 4400 rpm
• Transmission: CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
• Fuel Economy (ARAI): Around 16 km/l (figures may vary based on driving conditions)

Design Overview

The Astor truly stands out with its sophisticated design, both inside and out.

• Exterior:
  • Striking Front: Features a bold 'Celestial Grille' with chrome accents, giving it a premium and aggressive look.
  • Signature Lighting: Equipped with LED Projector Headlamps and 'Hawkeye' LED DRLs for excellent visibility and a distinctive signature.
  • Dynamic Stance: Muscular lines, stylish alloy wheels, and a confident SUV posture ensure it turns heads wherever it goes.
  • Rear Design: Wraparound LED taillights and a sculpted tailgate complete the modern appeal.
• Interior:
  • Premium Cabin: Step inside, and you're greeted by a sophisticated cabin with soft-touch materials, dual-tone themes (depending on variant), and a general upmarket feel.
  • Comfortable Seating: Well-cushioned seats offer good support for long journeys, making every ride comfortable.
  • Driver-Centric Layout: The dashboard is intuitively designed, with all controls easily accessible to the driver.

Key Features

The Astor Select CVT comes packed with features designed to enhance your driving pleasure and convenience.

• 10.1-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment System with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• i-SMART Lite Connected Car Technology (offers remote functions, navigation, and more)
• Electric Sunroof (adds a sense of spaciousness)
• Automatic Climate Control
• Push Button Start/Stop with Smart Entry
• Cruise Control
• Rear AC Vents for passenger comfort
• Rear Parking Camera with Dynamic Guidelines and Rear Parking Sensors
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Digital Instrument Cluster

What is the Ground Clearance of MG Astor Select CVT?

The MG Astor Select CVT offers a ground clearance of approximately 160 mm. While it is decent for city roads, drivers might need to be a bit careful over larger potholes or unpaved tracks.

What is the Boot Space of MG Astor Select CVT?

The boot space in the MG Astor Select CVT is a generous 448 litres, which is ample for your weekend luggage or a big grocery run, making it quite practical for families.

What are the Dimensions of MG Astor Select CVT?

The Astor is a compact SUV designed for easy maneuverability in urban traffic.

• Length: 4323 mm
• Width: 1809 mm
• Height: 1650 mm
• Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

While the MG Astor range offers two petrol engine choices, the Astor Select CVT specifically refers to the 1.5-litre VTi-tech naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a smooth Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The other option available in the Astor lineup is a more powerful 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, which comes with an automatic transmission (torque converter).

Safety Features

MG prioritizes safety, and the Astor comes equipped with a suite of active and passive safety features. While higher trims offer ADAS, the Select CVT ensures fundamental safety is not compromised.

• 2 Airbags (Driver and Passenger) - *Higher Astor variants offer up to 6 airbags*
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Traction Control System (TCS)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC)
• Hill Descent Control (HDC)
• Rear Parking Sensors
• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

NCAP Rating Table

Safety is a prime concern for Indian car buyers, and the MG Astor has a respectable rating.

Rating Agency	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection
Global NCAP	5 Stars	4 Stars
Bharat NCAP	Not Yet Rated	Not Yet Rated

*Global NCAP rating is based on tests conducted under their previous protocols.

Rivals of MG Astor Select CVT

The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in India. The MG Astor Select CVT faces tough competition from popular models like:

• Hyundai Creta
• Kia Seltos
• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara
• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder
• Skoda Kushaq
• Volkswagen Taigun

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the good against the not-so-good to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of MG Astor Select CVT

• Premium Interior: The cabin feels significantly more premium than many rivals, offering a plush experience.
• Smooth CVT: The Continuously Variable Transmission ensures a very smooth, jerk-free drive, especially in city traffic.
• Feature-Rich: For its price point, the Select CVT offers a great list of convenience and connectivity features like the electric sunroof and connected car tech.
• Sophisticated Design: Both exterior and interior design language is modern and appealing.
• Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned for Indian roads, offering a comfortable ride quality.
• Global NCAP Safety: A strong 5-star adult safety rating provides peace of mind.

Disadvantages of MG Astor Select CVT

• Engine Performance: The 1.5L naturally aspirated engine, while smooth, can feel a bit underpowered for spirited driving or quick overtakes on highways.
• Fuel Efficiency: While decent, it might not be class-leading compared to some hybrid rivals.
• Limited Airbags on Select: Comes with 2 airbags, whereas some rivals offer 6 airbags on similar mid-variants.
• ADAS Missing: Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are only available on top-end variants, not on the Select trim.
• Ground Clearance: 160mm is acceptable but could be higher for tackling rougher Indian terrains with more confidence.

Conclusion: Your Next Urban SUV?

The MG Astor Select CVT emerges as a strong contender for buyers looking for a stylish, feature-loaded, and comfortable compact SUV primarily for city driving and occasional highway runs. It impresses with its premium cabin, smooth CVT transmission, and a host of convenient features like the electric sunroof and connected car tech. While the 1.5L engine is more about refinement than outright performance, it's perfectly adequate for most Indian driving scenarios. Its strong safety rating also adds a significant layer of reassurance.

If your priorities include a premium feel, a smooth automatic gearbox, a feature-rich experience, and a safe ride, the MG Astor Select CVT deserves a serious look. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its charm firsthand and see if it aligns with your specific needs and driving style. Happy car hunting!