MG Astor Compact SUV: All You Need To Know

The MG Astor compact SUV has been unveiled in India and it is quite advanced on the technology front. Essentially, it is the petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV that was launched in India in 2020 and doesn't look much different in terms of looks both on the outside and inside the cabin. That said, it is loaded to the gills with all the latest bells and whistles and comes with quite a few first-in-segment features and modern tech. Here's everything you need to know about the new MG Astor compact SUV.

Also Read: MG Astor Compact SUV Unveiled In India

1. The new MG Astor is way advanced from the ZS EV or other SUVs in the carmaker's range especially when it comes to technology. It debuts the new Concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP) connected car software which is basically its new software platform, which is incrementing on technologies like Blockchain, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence amongst others.
   

   The new MG Astor will also be high on technology just like other models in the carmaker's portfolio.

2. The new software platform will further enable the development and application of services and subscriptions and eventually the software will trickle down to MG's entire range.
3. MG has also partnered with India's biggest telecom operator, Reliance Jio which will be providing its connectivity suite to provide a best-in-class 4G based connected car stack. Jio's 4G network will provide high-speed in-car connectivity for the Astor. Reliance Jio will provide the e-SIM and IoT tech that provides access to real-time infotainment and telematics.
4. Then, the MG Astor also gets a personal AI assistant system for which Amitabh Bachchan, and Paralympic athlete and Khel Ratna Awardee Dr. Deepa Malik have lent their voice to the system.
5. The MG Astor will be the brand's first model to feature Level 2 autonomous technology along with a bunch of functions under the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
6. The ADAS system also brings in features like, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear drive assist, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot detection among others. In terms of layout, the cabin is similar to what we saw in the ZS EV.
   

   The 10.1-inch infotainment screen in the MG Astor supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

7. It gets a 10.1-inch infotainment screen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 7.0-inch instrument cluster.
8. It also comes with a customised AI assistant, which understands natural language and supports up to 35 Hinglish voice commands. The new system offer more than 80 internet features including wikipedia, jokes, news, festival GIFS, navigation, online music streaming, in-car control and critical in-car warning among others.
9. Similarly, it isn't much different from the ZS EV to look at. The major difference in aesthetics are the radial pattern on the front grille, while the tungsten steel electroplated finish looks very stylish.
   

   Rajeev Chaba, President- MG Motor India with the MG Astor.

10. The wing mirrors are heated which is a segment-first and so is the new digital key with bluetooth technology. Moreover, with features like ventilated and power adjustable front seats, auto-climate control, 360-degree camera view, an in-built air-purifier and a huge panoramic sunroof covering 90 per cent of the roof are among others, it doesn't fall short on creature comforts.
11. It also gets three steering modes- Normal, Urban and Dynamic for enhanced feedback.
    

    The MG Astor gets two engine options- 1.4-litre turbo petrol and 1.5-litre petrol.

12. MG Motor India is offering the Astor with two engine options. First up is the 1.4-litre, (1349 cc) four-cylinder Turbo petrol engine that belts out 138 bhp and 220 Nm of peak torque while the engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
13. Then is the 1.5-litre (1498 cc), four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 108 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque which is mated to either a manual gearbox or an eight-step CVT gearbox.
14. The MG Astor is entering a hotly contested segment in India taking on the likes of the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Renault Duster, Nissan Kicks and the new German dua- the Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun.