About MG Astor Shine

Buying a new car in India is a significant decision. You're not just looking for a ride; you're investing in a package that needs to meet your expectations on budget, safety, monthly maintenance, the latest features, and reliable company service. With so many options in the crowded compact SUV segment, finding the perfect match can be challenging. Today, we're taking a deep dive into a new variant that aims to strike a compelling balance across these crucial aspects: the MG Astor Shine. Let's see if this new MG Astor variant shines bright enough to be your next set of wheels!

Main Highlights of the MG Astor Shine

The MG Astor has always been known for its premium feel and feature-rich cabin. The Shine variant builds on this foundation, offering a strong proposition for Indian car buyers.

Engine Specifications

The MG Astor Shine offers a choice of two capable petrol engines, designed to cater to different driving styles and preferences:

• 1.5-litre VTi-tech Naturally Aspirated Petrol Engine: This engine is perfect for city commutes and relaxed highway cruising. It produces approximately 110 PS of power and 144 Nm of peak torque, delivering a smooth and refined performance.

• 1.3-litre Brit Dynamic 220 Turbo Petrol Engine: For those seeking a more spirited driving experience, the turbo petrol unit is a great choice. It churns out a robust 140 PS of power and 220 Nm of torque, offering quicker acceleration and more engaging dynamics.

Design Overview

The new MG Astor continues to impress with its sophisticated design, inside and out.

• Exterior: The Astor Shine retains the striking 'Celestial Grille' that gives it a distinctive face. Paired with sleek LED projector headlamps and LED DRLs, it boasts a modern and assertive stance. The sculpted lines, prominent wheel arches, and diamond-cut alloy wheels (on applicable variants) contribute to its dynamic and premium road presence.

• Interior: Step inside the Astor Shine, and you're greeted by a premium and well-appointed cabin. The dual-tone interior theme (depending on variant) with soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door pads elevates the luxurious feel. The driver-centric cockpit, intuitive controls, and comfortable seating make every journey a pleasure.

Key Features (MG Astor Shine)

The MG Astor Shine is packed with modern features, focusing on convenience, connectivity, and comfort, ensuring a truly connected car experience.

• 10.1-inch HD Infotainment System with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Connected Car Technology (i-SMART Lite for essential connectivity features)

• Automatic Climate Control

• LED Projector Headlamps with LED DRLs

• Rear Parking Camera & Sensors

• Push-button Start/Stop

• Partially Digital Instrument Cluster

• Electric Parking Brake with Auto Hold

• Rain-sensing Wipers & Automatic Headlamps

• Wireless Phone Charging

• Rear AC vents

• Note: Features like Panoramic Sunroof and 360-degree Surround View Camera are typically available in higher variants of the Astor lineup.

What is the Ground Clearance of the MG Astor Shine?

The MG Astor Shine offers a practical ground clearance of 180 mm, which is well-suited for tackling varied Indian road conditions, including speed breakers and minor undulations, without much worry.

What is the Boot Space of the MG Astor Shine?

With a generous boot space of 448 litres, the MG Astor Shine ensures you have ample room for your luggage, groceries, or weekend getaway essentials.

What are the Dimensions of the MG Astor Shine?

The dimensions of the MG Astor Shine contribute to its balanced road presence and comfortable cabin:

• Length: 4323 mm

• Width: 1809 mm

Height: 1650 mm Wheelbase: 2610 mm

Powertrain Options

To cater to diverse preferences, the MG Astor Shine is available with different transmission options:

• 1.5L NA Petrol: Comes with a 5-speed Manual Transmission or a smooth CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic.

1.3L Turbo Petrol: Paired exclusively with a 6-speed Automatic Transmission, offering a dynamic and effortless driving experience.

Safety Features

Safety is a paramount concern for MG, and the Astor Shine reflects this with a comprehensive suite of features:

• Up to 6 Airbags (Dual front airbags are standard)

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)

• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

• Traction Control System (TCS)

• Hill Hold Control (HHC)

• Hill Descent Control (HDC)

• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Rear Parking Sensors and Camera

• ISOFIX Child Seat Mounts

• Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) are available in higher variants of the MG Astor.

NCAP Rating Table

Prospective buyers often look for independent crash test ratings to gauge vehicle safety.

Rating Agency	MG Astor Shine Rating
Bharat NCAP	Not yet rated
Global NCAP	The India-spec MG Astor has not been independently crash-tested by Global NCAP. While its platform sibling, the MG ZS, has received strong ratings (like 5-stars by Latin NCAP), an official Global NCAP rating for the Indian model is still awaited. However, MG has equipped the Astor with a robust set of active and passive safety features.

Rivals of MG Astor Shine

The MG Astor Shine enters a highly competitive segment, locking horns with established players like:

• Hyundai Creta

• Kia Seltos

• Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara

• Skoda Kushaq

• Volkswagen Taigun

• Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Let's weigh the advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision about the MG Astor Shine.

Pros (Advantages)

• Premium Interior Quality: The cabin feels upmarket with quality materials and a sophisticated design, standing out in its segment.

Feature-rich Cabin: Offers a comprehensive list of modern amenities, including a large infotainment screen, connected car tech, and essential convenience features, providing excellent value for money. Smooth Ride Quality: The Astor is tuned for comfort, offering a pliant ride that handles bumps and uneven roads well. Eye-catching Design: Both the exterior and interior boast a contemporary and attractive design that turns heads. Strong Safety Suite: Equipped with numerous active and passive safety features, providing peace of mind to occupants. Driving Experience: The turbo engine offers an engaging drive, while the NA engine is refined for city use.

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Fuel Efficiency: While acceptable, the fuel economy, especially of the turbo petrol engine, might not be segment-leading compared to some rivals.

No Diesel Engine Option: For buyers who prefer diesel power for higher mileage and torque, the Astor does not offer a diesel variant. Rear Seat Space: While comfortable, the rear legroom is good but not exceptionally generous compared to some segment rivals, particularly for taller passengers. NCAP Rating Pending for India-spec Model: The absence of a specific Bharat NCAP or Global NCAP rating for the Indian model might be a point of consideration for some safety-conscious buyers. Resale Value: Being a relatively newer entrant in the Indian market, its long-term resale value is still establishing itself compared to segment stalwarts.

Conclusion

The MG Astor Shine emerges as a compelling package for Indian car buyers seeking a feature-packed, safe, and stylish compact SUV. It brings a blend of premium interiors, advanced technology, comfortable ride quality, and robust safety features that make it a strong contender against its rivals. If you're looking for a vehicle that offers a sophisticated driving experience with a touch of luxury and modern amenities, the Astor Shine is definitely worth considering.

With its competitive pricing and a strong focus on driver and passenger comfort, the MG Astor makes a solid statement in the compact SUV segment. We highly recommend taking it for a test drive to experience its capabilities firsthand and see if it aligns with your car-buying considerations. Happy driving!