Sibling rivalry is rarely pretty but if you visit the MG Motor showroom now there are not one but two choices in the below Rs 20 lakh space. You have the Hector of course with which MG made its debut but now there is a new Astor. How different is the Astor from the Hector and which is the MG SUV for you? Let our article decide for you.
Which is bigger?
That is an easy answer as Hector is the bigger SUV and the one with a more traditional SUV like presence. If you like your SUVs big then the Hector fits your bille better. The Astor is smaller and is sportier with a more crossover-like shape. It is shorter than the Hector at a length of 4323mm vs the Hector's 4655mm. The Hector is wider than the Astor as well while ground clearance wise, it is a closer contest.
Which SUV has more space?
The Hector is huge and for those who need space, the Hector will fit the bill better. The legroom at the back is massive and there is huge headroom too. The 5-seater Hector has a flat floor as well. The Astor is much more compact with a smaller wheelbase and the rear seat is more suited for two passengers due to the large central tunnel. That said both are good enough in terms of storage space and luggage space while the Hector has an easier loading lip.
Which one has the more premium interior?
Here the scales are tilted in the favour of the Astor a bit. The Hector cabin post the update is premium now with dual-tone bringing in lighter colours while the huge portrait screen still is a talking point of the cabin. The Astor gets a far sportier cabin where the dashboard wraps around you and has a sportier look. The Astor also has a better quality cabin with better materials and the leather upholstery/stitching is more premium over the Hector.
Which SUV has more features?
MG Motor has given both of its SUVs a lot of features to stand out and comparison reveals a close battle. The Hector has a larger portrait-oriented touchscreen while the Astor has a conventional 10.1inch screen. The Astor also has a more modern 7inch LCD digital instrument cluster over the Hector instrument cluster. Elsewhere the Hector gets a massive panoramic sunroof, dual powered seats, connected car technology, ventilated seats, wireless charging and more. The Astor also gets connected car tech, wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof but it misses out on the dual-powered seats and ventilated seats. However, it does get a powered driver's seat and an AI assistant who looks like a human robot that will talk to you and perform various functions or even tell a joke. The biggest difference is in the safety features as the Astor gets ADAS level 2 autonomous technology which the Hector does not have.
Engine options on both SUVs?
The Hector gets a 1.5l turbo petrol engine with 143bhp. That engine either has a 6-speed manual or a DCT dual-clutch. Recently the Hector also got a CVT auto option with this very engine. The Hector petrol engine also gets mild-hybrid technology too. There is diesel in the line-up also with a 2.0l unit with 170bhp and it is available only with a manual gearbox. The Astor does not get any diesel as instead, it gets a 1.3l turbo petrol with 140bhp and 220Nm while standard with it is a 6-speed automatic. The other petrol engine is a 1.5l unit with a CVT or a manual gearbox. The 1.5l unit makes 110bhp.
Which SUV to get?
Both the Astor and the Hector are different SUVs as you might imagine. However, in terms of prices, expect the Astor to be much cheaper than the Hector at an expected starting price of Rs 10 lakh and going all the way to Rs 17 lakh. The Hector meanwhile is priced between Rs 12.9 lakh to Rs 18.5 lakh. Wait for the Astor if you like a feature-rich compact SUV with a focus on performance while the Hector offers more space and practicality.
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