The MG Astor has reportedly been discontinued in India following consistently weak sales. Launched in 2021, the midsize SUV entered a competitive segment with premium styling, a feature-rich cabin and advanced driver assistance technology. However, limited engine choices, strong competition and low sales volumes appear to have affected its market position.

According to reports published on October 16, 2026, citing dealer sources, MG Motor India has discontinued the Astor. The SUV cars averaged just 112 units in monthly sales between September 2025 and September 2026. Meanwhile, reports suggest that a replacement could arrive in 2027, potentially giving MG another opportunity to strengthen its position in India's midsize SUV market. 

Why Has the MG Astor Struggled in India?

The MG Astor entered the Indian market when demand for midsize SUVs was growing rapidly. It competed with popular models such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun and Skoda Kushaq.

The Astor offered several attractive features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, connected-car technology, a panoramic sunroof and advanced driver assistance systems on selected variants. Despite these strengths, it struggled to build the sales momentum needed to compete consistently with established rivals.

1. Consistently Low Sales Figures

Weak sales appear to have been the biggest challenge for the MG Astor. According to reports, the SUV recorded average monthly sales of approximately 112 units from September 2025 to September 2026.

Low volumes can make it difficult for an automaker to justify continued investment in a model, particularly when it operates in a highly competitive segment. Established rivals attract a wider range of buyers through multiple variants, strong brand recognition and regular product updates.

For MG, the Astor's limited sales performance appears to have made a replacement strategy more attractive than continuing with the existing model.

2. Limited Engine Options Reduced Its Appeal

One of the Astor's major disadvantages was its limited powertrain selection.

At launch, MG offered two petrol engines. The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine produced 110 hp and 144 Nm of torque, while the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine generated 140 hp and 220 Nm.

The turbo-petrol engine was discontinued in February 2025. After that, the Astor was left with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine.

Although this engine was suitable for everyday driving, buyers seeking stronger acceleration and more performance had fewer reasons to consider the SUV.

The absence of diesel, CNG and hybrid versions also limited its appeal to customers prioritising fuel economy, alternative fuel options or long-distance driving efficiency.

3. Competition From Established SUVs

The Indian midsize SUV segment has several strong competitors. The Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos have built substantial customer bases, while the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder appeal to buyers interested in fuel-efficient hybrid technology.

Other models, including the Volkswagen Taigun, Skoda Kushaq and Honda Elevate, also offer distinct selling points.

Compared with these rivals, the Astor needed a clearer advantage to convince buyers to choose it. Its technology and premium interior were attractive, but these features alone were not enough to overcome the competition.

Customers also consider resale value, service accessibility, ownership costs, fuel efficiency and long-term reliability when purchasing an SUV.

4. The Turbo Engine's Discontinuation Was a Setback

The 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine helped the Astor appeal to buyers who wanted stronger performance than the standard 1.5-litre engine could provide.

However, MG removed the turbo engine from the lineup in February 2025. This reduced the model's powertrain diversity and left performance-focused customers with fewer options.

A naturally aspirated petrol engine can be perfectly adequate for city driving, but buyers comparing acceleration, overtaking performance and highway driving may prefer a turbocharged alternative.

The decision also meant that the Astor had less flexibility to compete with rivals offering different engine configurations.

5. Premium Features Were Not Enough

The MG Astor was positioned as a technology-focused SUV. Depending on the variant, it offered features such as:

• A 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system

• Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

• Panoramic sunroof

• Ventilated front seats

• Connected-car technology

• A 360-degree camera

• Level 2 ADAS on selected variants

These features helped the Astor stand out when it was introduced. However, equipment lists alone do not guarantee strong sales.

Buyers in this segment increasingly expect a combination of modern features, practical performance, competitive running costs and a wide choice of variants. The Astor's declining sales suggest that its overall package did not create enough demand against its competitors.

6. Design and Road Presence May Have Played a Role

The MG Astor featured a crossover-inspired design with smooth body lines and a relatively low-slung appearance.

While its styling appealed to some customers, rivals such as the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos offered a more upright SUV profile that many buyers associate with greater road presence.

Design preferences are subjective, and there is no clear evidence that styling alone caused the Astor's poor sales. Nevertheless, appearance, cabin space and perceived size can influence buying decisions in India's SUV market.

MG Astor vs Its Main Rivals
 

What Went Wrong With MG's Strategy?

The Astor's reported discontinuation highlights a wider challenge for manufacturers entering India's crowded midsize SUV segment: a good product must also offer the right combination of pricing, powertrain choice, brand confidence and long-term ownership value.

MG successfully introduced technology-focused features in the Astor, but the product needed regular improvements to remain competitive as customer expectations changed.

The discontinuation of the turbo engine reduced the available choices, while rivals continued attracting buyers with established nameplates and differentiated offerings. Without strong sales, it became increasingly diffi