MG Motor has reportedly discontinued the Astor midsize SUV in India, although the vehicle remains listed on the official company website. Introduced to the domestic market in 2021 as an early competitor in the 4.2-metre to 4.5-metre SUV category, the vehicle initially faced off against established models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun. Despite arriving with notable segment-first equipment including Level-2 ADAS and an integrated AI assistant, market uptake fell short of expectations amid intense competition from current segment leaders and newer additions.
Sales Performance and Market Comparison
During the January to September 2026 period, the SUV registered a cumulative total of 1,715 units, marking a 38.53 percent increase from the 1,238 units sold during the same months in the previous year. This performance resulted in a monthly average of only 191 units. Sales were heavily concentrated in the third quarter, with the July to September window accounting for 1,240 units. Monthly volumes reached 284 units in September, improving over the 90 units from a year prior, though down significantly from the 720 units achieved in August.
Even with these fluctuations, volumes trailed far behind prominent rivals. For the same nine-month timeframe, the Hyundai Creta recorded 1,43,424 units and the Kia Seltos registered 99,655 units. Other competitors also outperformed the vehicle, with the Honda Elevate, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun posting 13,996 units, 9,945 units, and 9,559 units respectively.
Powertrain Limitations and Platform Constraints
Restricted powertrain choices are cited as a primary factor affecting market performance. Initially, the vehicle was available with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine making 110 hp and a 1.3-litre direct injection turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine generating 140 hp, alongside the battery-powered MG ZS EV. In February 2025, the turbo variant was withdrawn, restricting the lineup to a single engine choice mated to either a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Rivals in this category offer diverse alternatives including diesel, CNG, hybrid, and fully electric configurations.
| Period / Model | Sales Volume (Units) |
|---|---|
| MG Astor (Jan-Sep 2026) | 1,715 |
| MG Astor (Jan-Sep Previous Year) | 1,238 |
| MG Astor (Jul-Sep 2026) | 1,240 |
| MG Astor (Aug 2026) | 720 |
| MG Astor (Sep 2026) | 284 |
| Hyundai Creta (Jan-Sep 2026) | 1,43,424 |
| Kia Seltos (Jan-Sep 2026) | 99,655 |
| Honda Elevate (Jan-Sep 2026) | 13,996 |
| Skoda Kushaq (Jan-Sep 2026) | 9,945 |
| Volkswagen Taigun (Jan-Sep 2026) | 9,559 |
Furthermore, the underlying architecture may no longer accommodate necessary technological upgrades. While the brand has introduced newer additions such as the Hector Tomahawk EV, Hector Tomahawk PHEV, and Majestor, it continues to target the midsize SUV space.
Next-Generation Replacement Strategy
Development is underway for an Astor successor that could utilize the modular SAIC Intelligent Global Modular Architecture (SIGMA) platform, which already underpins overseas models like the MG One SUV. This architecture accommodates internal combustion, hybrid, and pure electric powertrains. MG previously displayed an updated ZS HEV at the 2025 Auto Expo.
- Initial launch year: 2021
- Discontinuation report: Autocar India report
- Turbo engine discontinuation date: February 2025
- Expected successor launch: 2027
The introduction of a multi-powertrain platform is intended to provide the upcoming midsize offering with enhanced capabilities to challenge competitors in India while supporting advanced onboard technologies.
