3 reasons why I want to replace my 1-yr-old Astor with Seltos or Taigun

The MG feels like a car that won't last and I wish to replace it with a better, more reliable vehicle from the same segment.

BHPian kmrjt1 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Dear BHPians,

I am planning to replace my 1.2-year-old MG Astor (1.3L Turbo AT) with a car in the similar segment that has a peppier engine and have zeroed down to 2 choices:

• VW Taigun GT Plus Edge Matte Edition 1.5L TSI DSG
• Kia Seltos X-Line 1.5L T-GDI DCT

I already own a VW Tiguan (Dec 2022) 4-motion and it has never ever given me any problem till date The shifts with DQ 250 DSG gearbox in Tiguan are the smoothest and most seamless I have ever experienced and the ride/drive stability is out of this world. I love VW and hence, I am guessing the Taigun would be similar. I use my Tiguan mostly for weekend drives and when there are management visits at my workplace.

The Astor is used primarily for the city and around.

My reasons for replacement

1. Engine is a Turbo, but the initial lag is too prominent when you hit the pedal. Takes time compared to other turbos to pick up speed. This causes issues in overtaking and doesn't give me confidence.
2. The mileage I am getting is 5-6 kmpl, worse than my Tiguan which gives me 9-10 kmpl in the city. I use Shell V power petrol in all cars I use, hence, expect them to be in perfect condition internally.
3. Too many gimmicky features that don't work at times - the most notorious being the robot on the dash, very irritating. Sometimes, doesn't follow voice commands properly (Such as 'Hello Astor, increase fan speed' and sometimes it follows, other times it keeps saying 'Sorry'... very flawed implementation by MG). The Infotainment screen is slow 99% of the time and last week when I started booting my car from stop, it wouldn't start even when electronic components started and I could hear the initial cranking of the engine.

All in all, it feels like a car that won't last and I wish to get rid of it for a better, more reliable one in the same segment.

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated!

Here's what BHPian Shreyans_Jain had to say about the matter:

What you need is an EV. Take a test drive of the Nexon EV LR. It is punchier than even your Tiguan in urban conditions and costs next to nothing to run. Its cabin is plusher than the Taigun, feature set is more extensive and ride and handling are also as good in city driving. Also, Tata’s new infotainment screen and cameras are by far the best in the 20L rupee price range.

Here's what BHPian mgastor2022grey had to say about the matter:

Hey man, I was in the same boat for a couple of days. Check my thread.

BHPians suggested me not to replace my car as I would face a heavy depreciation hit. Also, I am having fun in a 1.5L NA CVT, so why not you in your 1.3L Turbo AT? I'd recommend you some changes:

• Start flooring the car. It will give you immense fun and will increase your confidence.
• Clean your car more often. When you have an intimate connection with your car, you will never feel like selling it. Worked for me!
• Test drive a Seltos. Understand the car. Then drive the Astor aggressively. You will find both the cars almost the same, with Astor lagging just a few secs away.

Don't sell the Astor man, it's such a great car! You should try changing your driving style to be a bit more aggressive, and get much more out of your steed!

Good Luck.

Here's what BHPian condor had to say about the matter:

The car is just 1.2 years old and should be under warranty. Have you tried to get it checked and repaired at MG?

You mentioned turbo lag.

• Compare with another Astor
• Ask for a replacement of the turbocharger.

Give it a shot.

Here's what BHPian tharian had to say about the matter:

For point 1, you can check if this engine has a remap from one of the tuners. You can get it tuned as per your requirements if the tuner has that option.

Point 2, the fuel efficiency may increase a bit with a remap, but it also depends on your driving habit.

The reason to go for a remap is because you feel the engine is not powerful enough more so because you are comparing it with a more powerful car and with a remap you can get the Astor somewhere close to it, with no hardware changes.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.