[varkey]

Are new bookings no longer allowed through the MG website? I get a system error message whenever I check asking me to contact the dealer.

[model-t]

Originally Posted by varkey

Are new bookings no longer allowed through the MG website? I get a system error message whenever I check asking me to contact the dealer.

Are you trying to book the base model? If yes, they are no longer taking the booking for the same. I was trying this since Monday after the dealer told me that the order cannot be punched in. I tried myself as well but not working.

Only Super and above are now open for booking.

[nasir88]

Originally Posted by model-t

If yes, they are no longer taking the booking for the same. I was trying this since Monday after the dealer told me that the order cannot be punched in. I tried myself as well but not working.

Only Super and above are now open for booking.

Seems the base variant has served its unsaid purpose (to generate interest and footfalls for the Astor), and it is now time for it to ride into the sunset

Jokes aside, I think this is a very bad practice being followed my car manufacturers, sadly doesn't seem like there is anything we can do about it, so it is likely to continue.

[Arun1]

Originally Posted by nasir88

Seems the base variant has served its unsaid purpose (to generate interest and footfalls for the Astor), and it is now time for it to ride into the sunset

Jokes aside, I think this is a very bad practice being followed my car manufacturers, sadly doesn't seem like there is anything we can do about it, so it is likely to continue.

I have a strong feeling MG was taking a hit on the base model margins, the price was not inline with other models. It's no wonder they unofficially stopped taking orders for that model.

I don't see anything unethical though, unless the don't honour existing base model bookings and ask them to switch to a higher model.

[model-t]

Originally Posted by nasir88

Seems the base variant has served its unsaid purpose (to generate interest and footfalls for the Astor), and it is now time for it to ride into the sunset

Jokes aside, I think this is a very bad practice being followed my car manufacturers, sadly doesn't seem like there is anything we can do about it, so it is likely to continue.

+1 to what you said. I went to book the base model as it was the most loaded car below 10 Lacs ex-showroom. Finally upgraded and booked the CVT Super as I had the bug to buy the car.

I am in no rush though. Will wait of how things pan out.

[rajeev k]

(My friend Mr. Mohan had booked a Sharp (O )variant, also called Savvy. He saw a demo car (Not a Test Drive Vehicle) at MG Kochi
This one has the OE accessories on; take a look.

[giri1.8]

Originally Posted by Arun1

I don't see anything unethical though, unless the don't honour existing base model bookings and ask them to switch to a higher model.

Illegal? No, unethical? yes. Using this tactics, no one is stopping Mahindra from launching XUV 7OO at 5.49L, then just produce 10units/month for just one year.

[superutp]

Mg is starting deliveries starting from 4th Nov(atleast in BLR). Apparently the first lot has left the factory and will arrive in a few days
Wanted to just check. The MG guys say that MG has a process where payment has to be made 5-7days after allotment of car. Any such process? SA claims it is a MG specific process
I assumed we should make payment after PDI right? Or is there some deviance in my understanding

[SoumenD]

Originally Posted by rajeev k

He saw a demo car (Not a Test Drive Vehicle) at MG Kochi
This one has the OE accessories on; take a look.

What’s with the British flag and all. Trying too hard to convince its brit and not Chinese? Don’t fret MG, we know

[nasir88]

Originally Posted by superutp

Mg is starting deliveries starting from 4th Nov(atleast in BLR). Apparently the first lot has left the factory and will arrive in a few days

Has there been any intimation sent by MG or dealers to those who have booked? Mahindra has started sending delivery intimations for xuv700 but did not hear of anything from MG.

Also is there anyway to track using booking id?

[Piyush Kanthak]

Ok I have a question to ask about MG to all of you.
Astor's interior quality fit and finish is great, engines are good, it's a feature loaded car, and a safe one at a competitive price.

So is there some internal cost cutting? Because looking at everything, it seems that this car costs a lot than it's original price. How is this company giving so much at such a low price? I need an answer. No hate though.

[superutp]

Originally Posted by nasir88

Has there been any intimation sent by MG or dealers to those who have booked? Mahindra has started sending delivery intimations for xuv700 but did not hear of anything from MG.

Also is there anyway to track using booking id?

No email or sms, it was over phone call from the dealer itself.
Also it's unclear on the exact timelines, possibly after diwali weekend is when deliveries may start

[neoonwheels]

Originally Posted by Piyush Kanthak

Ok I have a question to ask about MG to all of you.
Astor's interior quality fit and finish is great, engines are good, it's a feature loaded car, and a safe one at a competitive price.

So is there some internal cost cutting? Because looking at everything, it seems that this car costs a lot than it's original price. How is this company giving so much at such a low price? I need an answer. No hate though.

The other side could be - Other manufacturers are milking Indian customers (Apart from Govt i.e.). I am sure MG would keep increasing the prices every now and then and would recover the initial losses made. Also I heard the best/base variant is no more on sale. The top variant is not cheap at 21L OTR in Pune for sure. You can of course term it as VFM but its not exactly cheap. When you get ADAS, you lose on ventilated seats, 4 cylinder engine etc. So we get to decide what matters to us most and pick a car which satisfies most of your requirements.

Also the quality of materials where you don't usually touch in day to day affair might not be as good as dashboard plastics etc. At the end of the day, no manufacturer will do charity so you gain some and you lose some.

[manpreetsj]

I have withdrawn my booking for Astor and requested for refund. I had blocked Astor, just to spend some time to think over it (and be sure I'm not falling for FOMO!).

Reasons (personal; may not be relevant to you. Still sharing as some of us have been discussion on this topic since launch) -
1) Even though Astor is very good package from what an average Indian car buyer would need (premium interiors, sporty looks, black exterior paint (rare these days), average turbo engine, etc.), still even after putting 20L on table, I am not getting the "big" upgrade from current 2017 Elite i20.
- Wheelbase is almost identical, hence inside space is same
- Boot is maybe 25% larger than i20, at best
- Features like cooled glove box, sunglass holder available in i20 are missing in Astor
- Prefer physical control for AC on i20
- NA engine has better power delivery at low end vs. turbo lag (getting used to it)
- Only BIG upside in Astor is the safety it offers over 3 star rated elite i20 (with body rated as unstable; just like Seltos! Cousins after all). I do value this point!

2) Misses on common segment features like - ventilated seats (leather seats in DNCR!), AD IRVM, etc. Most likely reserved for late 2022 mild update (the way it was done for Hector this Jan)

3) Hector is a better VFM in front of Astor, given the additional space and comfort it offers (though it has its own challenges of body roll & non-enthusiastic/ underpowered petrol Turbo CVT). We had plans to change booking to Hector for what it offers. But then, considering the shortcomings in its engine, we are not sure about it as well.

4) The whole chip shortage & waiting game to know allocation and then wait for car to be delivered has anyway taken away the fun from it.

Hence, we have decided to wait till March-April to restart the suitable car identification process. Yes, the car that will make me pull out a cheque with excitement & not just be a mere minimal upgrade for namesake.

Look forward to ownership reviews of Astor in coming months! All the best!! Cheers

[Aviator_guy]

Originally Posted by manpreetsj

I have withdrawn my booking for Astor and requested for refund. I had blocked Astor, just to spend some time to think over it (and be sure I'm not falling for FOMO!).


Look forward to ownership reviews of Astor in coming months! All the best!! Cheers

Very valid and rational thoughts. You have done the right thing and glad that you didn't fall for FOMO. I also felt that the Aster shape and size doesn't give a feel of significant upgrade (if one is already driving i20 or sedan) and price tag doesn't help either.