MG Motor has introduced new variants of the MG Astor SUV with an ‘EX’ suffix to the existing variant lineup. There are a total of 4 new variants – Style EX, Super EX, Smart EX, and Sharp EX.
These new variants are around Rs 6,000 to Rs 12,000 less than the standard variants of the MG Astor SUV. However, in order to achieve reduced pricing, MG Motor has cut a few corners on the SUV.
Diving deep into details, MG Motor has cut features such as electronic stability control (ESC), traction control (TC), blind-spot detection, hill hold/descent control, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assistance on the newly introduced variants.
We assume that the decision to cut these safety features was a move to overcome the semiconductor shortage. However, unlike few manufacturers who abruptly cut features to overcome the semiconductor shortage, it is worth mentioning that MG has given choice to customers.
Earlier, MG Motor hiked the prices of the MG Astor SUV in India. As per the new prices, MG Motor has hiked the prices of the MG Astor range of SUVs up to Rs 46,000 and the new prices were effective from June 2022 onwards.
Thanks to the newly introduced price hike, the MG Astor prices start from Rs 10.28 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the base ‘Style’ trim with equipped with manual transmission. This makes the base variant of the MG Astor SUV Rs 30,000 more expensive when compared to the old pricing of the SUV.
Now, with the introduction of new variants, the prices for the MG Astor SUV starts from Rs 10.22 lakh (ex-showroom, India) for the base ‘Style EX’ trim equipped with manual transmission.
On the other hand, the top-end ‘Savvy’ variant equipped with the 1.3-litre turbocharged engine and an automatic gearbox continues to be priced at Rs 18.13 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Despite the earlier price hike, the price tag is still aggressive compared to its nearest rivals such as the Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq, Volkswagen Taigun and a few more. Moreover, the introduction of new variants will also give customers more flexibility.
Speaking about MG Astor, the SUV is the only model in its segment to offer ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System). This system is an active safety system that can prevent an accident from happening by using advanced driving aids such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, collision warning, driver alert, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and a few more.
Moreover, the standard variants of the MG Astor SUV continue to come with safety features such as 6 airbags, Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), four-disc brakes, ESC, ABS, Hill Hold Control (HHC), Hill Descent Control (HDC), parking sensors, speed-sensing door locks, security alarm, ISOFIX child seats, impact sensing auto door unlock, engine immobilizer, and many more.
Other features include a large 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment screen, a 360-degree surround-view camera, 6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, electronic parking brake, AI personal assistant, a panoramic sunroof, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, 3 steering modes, tilt-adjustable steering, Blind Spot Monitor, rear AC vents, Air Purifier with PM 2.5 filter and many more.
The MG Astor is offered a choice of two engines. The base 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine puts out 108.5bhp of peak power, whereas the more powerful turbocharged 1.3-litre petrol engine pushes out 138bhp of peak power.
Thoughts About MG Astor ‘EX’ Variants
Given the price difference between the new variants and standard variants, the decision to cut these safety features was a move to overcome the semiconductor shortage.
Keyword: MG Motor Introduces ‘EX’ Variants With Lower Price