MG Astor vs Rivals: How It Competes in the SUV Market

The MG Astor has steadily gained traction in India’s compact and mid-size SUV market, standing out with its technology-rich package, premium interiors, and strong safety credentials. Starting at ₹9.65 lakh (ex-showroom), it faces stiff competition from established players like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. The big question is: how does the Astor really compete with these rivals?

Design and Road Presence

The MG Astor is styled to make an impression. With its bold celestial grille, Hawkeye full-LED headlamps, 17-inch machined alloys, and silver skid plates, it looks both sporty and premium. The dual-tone Sangria Red interiors with layered leather finishes enhance its appeal inside the cabin.

Creta/Seltos: Both offer equally premium design, but the Astor’s interior colour themes and panoramic sunroof give it a more upmarket edge.
Kushaq/Taigun: German rivals stick to minimalist styling and a clean design, which appeals to buyers wanting understated elegance, but they lack the flamboyance of the Astor.

The Astor’s flair and premium cabin themes help it stand out for those who value bold styling.

Interiors and Comfort

Inside, the Astor is packed with features that rival bigger SUVs. It offers:

Panoramic sunroof.
Front ventilated seats (first in segment).
6-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.
Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
Rear 60:40 split seat and rear AC vents
astor-brochure

Creta/Seltos: Feature-rich cabins, but the Astor’s ventilated seats and digital Bluetooth key add extra convenience.

Kushaq/Taigun: Comfortable and solid, but slightly smaller in rear-seat space compared to the Astor.

The Astor has the upper hand with ventilated seats, a digital key, and plush cabin themes that feel a segment above.

Technology and Connectivity

The Astor shines in technology, thanks to MG’s i-SMART 2.0 suite with 80+ connected car features. Highlights include:

A 25.7 cm HD touchscreen infotainment system.
Built-in Jio Saavn app with a premium subscription.
Voice assistant with Hinglish commands.
Remote control of AC, locks, and vehicle status checks via smartphone.

Creta/Seltos: Both offer connected features (BlueLink/UVO), but Astor’s Hinglish voice commands and Jio integration add unique appeal.

Kushaq/Taigun: Feature smaller infotainment systems and fewer connected services, though build quality is top-notch.

For tech-savvy buyers, the Astor is one of the most advanced SUVs in its segment.

Safety

The MG Astor leads with 49+ safety features. Most notable is its Level-2 ADAS suite — a first in the segment. It includes:

Adaptive cruise control.
Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and prevention.
Forward collision prevention with automatic emergency braking (pedestrian and vehicle).
Rear drive assist with blind spot detection and cross-traffic alert
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Additionally, it offers six airbags, ESC, hill descent control, TPMS, and a 360° camera.

Creta/Seltos: Offers six airbags, ESC, and strong safety kits, but lacks Level-2 ADAS.

Kushaq/Taigun: Both scored well in crash tests and have strong build quality, but ADAS is absent.

The Astor stands tall in active safety thanks to ADAS, while rivals rely more on structural safety.

Performance

The Astor is powered by a 1.5L VTi-Tech petrol engine producing 110 PS and 144 Nm, paired with a 5-speed manual or CVT. It’s smooth and reliable, designed for everyday use rather than outright thrills.

Creta/Seltos: Offer more variety — petrol, turbo-petrol, and diesel options, along with iMT and DCT transmissions.
Kushaq/Taigun: Shine with their powerful 1.0L and 1.5L TSI engines that deliver strong performance, especially for enthusiasts.

While the Astor prioritises refinement and practicality, its lack of a turbo-petrol or diesel option may put it behind rivals in performance diversity.

Pricing and Value

MG Astor: ₹9.65 lakh – ₹16.24 lakh.
Hyundai Creta: ₹10.73 lakh – ₹20 lakh.
Kia Seltos: ₹10.79 lakh – ₹20 lakh.
Skoda Kushaq / VW Taigun: ₹11 lakh – ₹19 lakh.

The Astor undercuts most rivals at the entry level while offering high-end features like ADAS, ventilated seats, and a panoramic sunroof, even in mid-trims.

For buyers seeking value without stretching into the ₹18–20 lakh territory, the Astor offers a strong case.

Final Thoughts

The MG Astor competes in a fiercely contested segment but manages to differentiate itself with its bold design, feature-rich cabin, ADAS safety suite, and advanced connectivity.

Choose the Astor if: you prioritise tech, active safety, and a premium experience at an accessible price point.
Choose rivals like Creta/Seltos if: you want multiple engine choices and established after-sales networks.
Choose Kushaq/Taigun if: driving performance and German engineering are your top priorities.

Ultimately, the MG Astor proves that it isn’t just another SUV in the mix — it’s a value-packed, tech-forward contender that offers a unique proposition in India’s SUV market.

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com