CARVERSAL

The Indian compact SUV segment has always been one of the most competitive car segments in the auto industry. Right from design to technology, the auto companies are constantly challenging each other to offer more to the customer. MG Motor, a brand that has left an indelible mark since its arrival in India, has refreshed its most popular compact SUV – the MG Astor – for 2025. But the update came at the cost of an absurd price increase that now makes the Astor more expensive than its arch-rival, the Hyundai Creta, at the starting price.

This sudden price hike has raised concerns among auto enthusiasts and prospective buyers both. Let's dive in deep into what's changed, why the price rose, and if the 2025 MG Astor is worth your money anymore.

A Steep Rise: MG Astor 2025 Price Hike Overview

In April 2025, MG Motor India made a big price change in the Astor range, which is titled "The Blockbuster SUV" officially. The starting model of Astor had been available at Rs. 9.99 lakh (ex-showroom) earlier. After recording a huge increase of Rs. 1.30 lakh, the new beginning price is Rs. 11.30 lakh (ex-showroom). Astor thus becomes pricier than Hyundai Creta, whose starting price is Rs. 11.10 lakh.

While price adjustments at the start of a financial year are commonplace in the automotive sector, what has raised eyebrows is the scale of this increase, especially for the base variant.

MG Astor vs Hyundai Creta: The Price Comparison

With this update, the MG Astor has now overtaken the Hyundai Creta by Rs. 20,000 on the base model. Being a highly popular and recognized model in India, the Creta, thus, the comparison is creating quite a buzz.

Here's a comparison of the base models against one another:

Although the difference itself may not seem ominous at first glance, it acquires huge consequences when combined with buyer sentiments and brand positioning.

2025 MG Astor: What Remains Unchanged?

Interestingly, despite the price increase, there has been no mechanical or significant cosmetic transformation in the 2025 MG Astor. The powertrain and transmission choices stay unchanged, and a majority of the design features of the old car have been carried forward.

Engine and Transmission:

1.5-litre Petrol Engine (Naturally Aspirated)

• Power: 110 HP

• Torque: 144 Nm

• Transmission: Manual or CVT
  
  

1.3-litre Turbo Petrol Engine
​

• Power: 140 HP

• Torque: 220 Nm

• Transmission: Automatic (Torque Converter)
  

The engines are both city comfortable and highway cruiser, but the lack of any diesel or petrol engine or much performance boost makes the hike appear even more daunting.

Design and Interiors: The Familiar Look

​Exteriors-wise, the MG Astor still has its hexagonal chrome-plated grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, and modern looks that would get the customers among urban buyers. The design of bumpers' and LED DRLs is also not changed, and the SUV's stylish and trendy image is preserved.

Inside the cabin, MG has opted to retain the same premium-feeling dashboard design and infotainment layout. The instrument cluster, touchscreen layout, and fit and finish are all still the best in class. No significant design changes have been done, though, to warrant the price increase.

However, a new Shine variant has joined the fray, with:

• Panoramic sunroof (segment-first at this price)

• 6-speaker audio system

This is done to accomplish the task of appealing to feature-crazy consumers in search of top-of-the-line features in mid-line products.

2025 MG Astor Variants and Pricing Breakdown

The 2025 MG Astor is offered in five broad variants: Sprint, Shine, Select, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro. Below is a comparison snap shot of price increases for premium variants prior and subsequent to hike:

1.5L Petrol – Manual Variants

1.5L Petrol – CVT Variants

1.3L Turbo Petrol – AT Variant

• Savvy Pro – Discontinued
  

Interestingly, all variants have not experienced a surge in price. The premium variants like Sharp Pro, Sharp Pro 100Y, and Savvy Pro remain unchanged in price, likely for competitive reasons in the premium market.

Why the Sudden Price Hike?

There may be some likely explanations for the unilateral and steep price hike on some variants:

1. Input Costs and Inflation

Material price fluctuations have become more common in the recent past, particularly in components like steel, aluminum, and semiconductors. As manufacturing becomes more expensive, manufacturers pass the hikes on to the consumer.

2. Emissions Compliance under RDE

In order to meet India's stricter BS6 Phase 2 / RDE (Real Driving Emission) standards, the manufacturers have needed to upgrade internal components of the vehicle at an additional cost—though far from entirely transparent to the buyer.

3. Strategic Market Positioning

MG appears to be positioning the Astor as a higher-end model. With the range entering at Rs. 11.30 lakh, they might be trying to reach a more value-sensitive but feature-sensitive buyer who might perceive the new Shine and Sharp Pro variants as a better value for money than entry-level trims.

4. Mid Variant Refinements

The presence of a panoramic sunroof on the Shine trim (Rs. 12.48 lakh ex-showroom) as a segment leader at that price assists MG to justify part of the price hike. 

Reaction from Buyers and Auto Enthusiasts

The MG Astor has been adopted for its classy engine, luxury interiors, and contemporary features such as ADAS, a voice AI assistant, and connected automobile technology. The massive 13% price jump in the entry-level variant, however, has been criticized by customers looking for incremental improvements on the new model year.

Prospective buyers who had previously planned to opt for the lowest Sprint trim of a budget premium SUV would now think twice in light of the availability of such competitors as Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Maruti Grand Vitara continuing to provide value for money at lower or even the same prices.

Is MG Astor Still Worth It in 2025?

The 2025 MG Astor is still a good overall in its class. Although the price increase will be shocking at first, MG has attempted to balance it out by not cutting premium trims and adding features on mid-variants.

Pros:

• Good engine lineup and silky transmission

• Premium both inside and outside

• Segment-best features such as panoramic sunroof in mid-variant

• Good safety package with ADAS (in higher variants)

Cons:

• No diesel variant

• Base trim loses cost advantage

Least number of design or powertrain changes even at a premium

If you want a feature-packed, nice-looking petrol SUV with a good cabin feel, the Astor is still good—especially the mid to high-end ones. But if price is the only factor, then the Hyundai Creta, Maruti Grand Vitara, or even the Kia Seltos might prove to be more value for money.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 MG Astor begins the new financial year with a loud price boast. Yes, it is raising eyebrows, but it is also a declaration of the increasing assertiveness of MG Motor India. By being feature competitively priced without the premium price points, the company is hoping to solidify Astor's position in the highly competitive compact SUV segment.

But MG needs to be careful—the value-sensitive and price-conscious Indian car consumer is accustomed to having things at the lowest price. With plenty of options available, MG will need to back the price hike with robust promotion, better after-sales support, and future upgradation if necessary if it is to get the Astor to continue being its "Blockbuster SUV".

Read More: New 2025 MG Astor to give 25 Kmpl - Spotted in India

FAQ 

1: Why did the MG Astor price go up so substantially in April 2025?

The April 2025 price increase is mainly driven by an increase in input prices, inflation, and making the vehicle BS6 Phase 2 (RDE) emission ready. MG Motor has also added features on mid-range trims like a panoramic sunroof for the Shine trim, which are adding to the cost. Re-positioning at a strategic level in the premium compact SUV market might have helped in the price shift as well.

2: Has the MG Astor increased in price relative to the Hyundai Creta?

Yes, the lower variant of the 2025 MG Astor now begins at Rs. 11.30 lakh (ex-showroom), Rs. 20,000 above the Hyundai Creta's beginning price point of Rs. 11.10 lakh. The price jump has positioned the Astor above one of its biggest competitors, and value seekers in the compact SUV class are drawing comparisons.

3: The 2025 MG Astor has new features to make it worth the increased price.

Despite the fact that there are no significant cosmetic or mechanical updates, MG has introduced new features to certain trims. Surprisingly, the freshly added Shine trim is now equipped with a panoramic sunroof and a 6-speaker audio system, thus making it an ideal buy for feature-oriented buyers. However, the bottom-of-the-line variant (Sprint) remains largely untouched apart from the pricing.

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