The MG Astor 2025: A Seriously Upgraded SUV Hits India
So, MG Motor India just dropped the 2025 Astor, and they're calling it a "blockbuster SUV." It's not a total makeover, more like a smart refresh. They've tweaked some features and prices, making it a way more tempting option in the Indian market. It starts at â‚ą9.99 lakh (ex-showroom), promising premium stuff without the premium price tag. Sounds pretty good, right?
What's New and Improved?
Under the hood, nothing's changed. You still get the 1.5-litre petrol engine with manual or CVT options, and the 1.3-litre turbo petrol with an automatic transmission. But the different versions and features? That's where things get interesting. The new Shine variant is a real standout – it boasts a panoramic sunroof, which is a first for its segment under ₹12.5 lakh (ex-showroom). Seriously impressive!
The Select variant got a significant safety boost with six airbags – always a good thing – plus fancy ivory leatherette seats. You know, the kind that make you feel like you're driving something a bit more special.
Beyond that, the Astor is still packed with tech. We're talking ventilated front seats (a lifesaver in Indian summers!), a wireless charger, wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the updated i-SMART 2.0 system with over 80 connected features. The Jio Voice Recognition is especially handy; I've found myself using it constantly in my other MG car. And for added security, they’ve thrown in an anti-theft feature and a digital key.
Those US Tariffs: A Storm in a Teacup?
The US slapped a 25% import duty on cars and auto parts from India starting April 3rd, 2025. Honestly, who saw that coming? But the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) doesn’t think it’ll be a huge deal for India's auto industry. While a significant chunk (29.1%) of India's auto part exports went to the US in 2024, the overall impact is expected to be relatively small. The US market is just a smaller piece of the pie compared to giants like Mexico and China. GTRI even suggests it might push India to grab a bigger share of the US auto parts market down the line.
Force Motors Scores Big with Defence Order
On a completely different note, Force Motors landed a massive order – 2,978 Force Gurkha vehicles – from the Indian Defence Forces. That’s a testament to how tough and reliable their vehicles are. It's great news for Force Motors, and a strong sign of the demand for Indian-made vehicles.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 MG Astor seems like a really solid package: great features, decent tech, and a price that won't break the bank. The US tariff situation appears more manageable than initially feared, and the Force Motors deal shows the strength of the Indian auto sector. All in all, things are looking pretty positive for the Indian automotive industry.
