MG Motor Discontinues Astor’s 1.3L Turbo-Petrol Engine Amid 2025 Update

MG Motor India has officially phased out the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine from its Astor SUV lineup as part of a refresh for the 2025 model year. The turbocharged unit, which produced 138 bhp and 220 Nm of torque, was exclusively available in the top-spec Savvy Pro variant, which was mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The Savvy Pro variant, equipped with the turbo-petrol engine, previously retailed at ₹18.07 lakh (ex-showroom).

Following this change, the MG Astor will now be available only with a 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine generating 108 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual gearbox or an 8-step CVT automatic transmission. MG has not yet provided an official statement regarding the discontinuation of the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit, but market trends suggest that tepid demand for the variant could be a primary factor. With the Astor facing strong competition from segment leaders like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara, the move may have been driven by sales performance and cost-effectiveness. 

The 2025 Astor update focuses on adding value across lower and mid-tier variants. The entry-level Sprint and Shine trims now come with a panoramic sunroof and a six-speaker sound system. The Select variants receive six airbags as standard, along with premium ivory leatherette seats, enhancing their appeal in terms of both safety and luxury. MG has also upgraded its i-SMART 2.0 infotainment system, aligning the SUV with evolving tech expectations.

Meanwhile, the Astor retains its premium feature set, including ventilated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a wireless charging pad, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a Level 2 ADAS suite. 

Despite the changes, the Astor’s starting price remains unchanged at ₹9.99 lakh (ex-showroom, India). However, the range-topping Savvy Pro variant has seen a price hike of ₹24,000, reflecting the feature additions and segment adjustments. The SUV continues to compete with key compact SUVs, including the Toyota HyRyder, Mahindra XUV 3XO, Skoda Kushaq, and Volkswagen Taigun.