India's Most Affordable SUV With A Panoramic Sunroof Is Here

MG Motor has updated its Astor SUV for 2025, and the changes reflect a more practical approach to what buyers actually want. Without major mechanical upgrades or a full redesign, the focus this time is on how features are distributed across variants. It’s less about pushing boundaries and more about adjusting to a value-conscious market.

Panoramic Sunroof, Lower Price Tag

One of the more noticeable changes is the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof in the Shine variant, now priced at ₹12.48 lakh. That makes it the most affordable SUV in India to offer this feature; something that was, until recently, limited to higher trims in more expensive models.

This isn't a groundbreaking upgrade, but it does reflect a shift in how brands are reacting to buyer expectations. Features that were once seen as premium are now considered almost essential in the mid-size SUV space. MG’s decision to bring the sunroof lower down the variant ladder is likely to find favour with buyers who would otherwise have had to stretch their budget to get one.

Standardising What Matters

Another quiet but meaningful change is the 10-inch infotainment touchscreen now being standard across all variants. Instead of reserving it for the top-end trims, as many brands still do, MG has opted to offer it from the base variant itself. For buyers, this means they no longer have to choose between basic interiors and budget limits.

It’s a small shift, but one that reflects growing buyer fatigue with the usual upsell tactics used across the segment.

More Tech, Less Noise

Higher variants get a few added conveniences. Wireless charging, for instance, is now available in the Sharp Pro trim, and MG claims it’s the only 1.5-litre petrol automatic SUV in the segment with that feature at this price. There are also heated outside rear-view mirrors - a rare sight in this price band and perhaps more useful in northern or hilly regions than it is a headline-grabber.

The Astor also retains its connected car setup with MG’s i-SMART platform. Voice commands, weather updates, and even cricket scores are part of the package. There’s also a digital key function that lets you unlock and start the car via your phone. For some, these may be conveniences; for others, they’re just as likely to go unused.

Safety Equipment Still Competitive

The Astor continues with its 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating, and MG has kept ADAS Level 2 in the mix. Features like adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking remain part of the upper trims. While not all of these will be used every day, especially in city traffic, they do add to the overall safety net.

Six airbags come as standard from the Select variant upward. Other features like blind spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert are also included, adding to the car’s credentials without pushing it into luxury territory.

Engines Unchanged, Performance Familiar

Mechanically, nothing new has been added. The 1.5-litre petrol engine remains the mainstay, offering 110 bhp and a choice between manual and CVT gearboxes. The 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic, is still around for those who want more responsiveness.

Neither engine is segment-defining, but both are adequate for daily driving. The naturally aspirated 1.5 is a better fit for relaxed commutes, while the turbo version offers a bit more punch without being overly sporty. Ride quality and handling are balanced, which is probably what most buyers are after.

Pushing Rivals to Reconsider

The bigger impact of this update may not be in what the Astor has added, but in how it could force a rethink among its competitors. Hyundai’s Creta and Kia’s Seltos still reserve many features for higher trims. MG’s approach, whether driven by strategy or necessity, does at least offer buyers more flexibility at the lower end of the range.

The market is evolving. Buyers today are not just looking at engine specs or brand names - they’re comparing screens, sunroofs, and safety features. MG seems to understand that and has responded without trying to reinvent the car itself.

A Sensible Update, Nothing Flashy

The 2025 Astor is not a game-changer, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s a well-calculated shuffle of features meant to align better with buyer expectations. For those who’ve been looking at mid-size SUVs and feel priced out of the full-feature trims, the Astor might now offer a more compelling compromise.

It may not wow anyone, but it might make more sense than ever before for a lot of people.