A new small SUV called the MG Astor was introduced by MG Motor India. It is the first artificial intelligence-equipped vehicle made in India. It has two engine choices: a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. Along with level 2 autonomous capabilities like adaptive steering, aid, and blind spot recognition, it also offers sophisticated driver assistance features (ADAS). Price ranges for the MG Astor in India range from Rs. 10.82 lakh to Rs. 18.69 lakh (ex-showroom).

My Astor, the newest vehicle from MG that I have recently purchased, is a petrol-powered version of the ZS EV. It has the right ingredients to entice buyers—it has a sharper appearance than the EV, two engine-transmission options, including a 1.5-litre gasoline engine with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic and a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol with a 6-speed automatic—and it has in-vogue features.

 

In this article, I will discuss and share my experience with Astor’s design, interiors, equipment, and first impressions from my prior review:

 

A short preview of MG Astor

 

The Astor SUV is available from MG for a price between Rs 10.82 lakh and Rs 18.69 lakh in India, with the ‘Black Storm’ edition costing between Rs 14.48 lakh and Rs 15.77 lakh. The SUV is available in five trim levels, including an EX version: The Style, Super, Smart, who is Sharp, and Savvy. It has five colours and can accommodate five people. It features a 1.5-litre normally aspirated petrol engine and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Six airbags, a 10.1-inch touchscreen system, and sophisticated driver assistance technologies are all included.

 

 

What is it like to drive the MG Astor?

 

My MG Astor 1,349cc aluminium engine’s refinement, which for a three-cylinder unit is relatively peaceful at idle and cruising speeds and doesn’t get overly noisy or thrummy when spinning faster, leaves a good first impression. And while we’re talking about refinement, save in particularly rough conditions, passengers are adequately shielded from pavement and tyre noise.

 

 

My car’s turbo-petrol engine provides linear performance, and if you need to go quickly, this motor will do so with strong acceleration. For comparison, my car reaches its highest speed of 183 kph (as determined by our GPS kit) after sprinting to 100 kph from a stop in a reasonable 10.23 seconds. Consequently, even though it is rather rapid, it doesn’t ‘feel’ fast because of its leisurely power delivery, and because its maximum revs are 5,600 rpm, it also doesn’t seem very sporty.

 

My motor is paired with a torque converter gearbox from Aisin that has six speeds and changes so smoothly between them that you hardly notice the change in ratio. When driving lightly, it’s lovely and snappy, whereas when you put your foot down, the gearbox will take you off guard. Foot down to make a speedy overtake because downshifts are laborious to make. Even while you’re able to row between the ratios manually using the gear lever, you’ll miss having paddle shifters positioned on the steering wheel for manual intervention in these situations.

 

 

My Astor has the odd characteristic that when you let off the accelerator, the vehicle briefly maintains speed before decelerating gently. It appears like MG deliberately adjusted the engine in this manner, so there is no shock following the lift-off. This trait does require some getting accustomed to for those who are not familiar with it.

 

 

My Astor has a pleasantly progressive brake pedal feel that is simple to get used to, yet despite having discs at every corner, in emergency braking conditions from 80-0 kph, it brakes at the standard distance of 26.24m.

 

Which ADAS security features is the MG Astor equipped with?

 

My Astor’s advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS), which make the particular MG the only vehicle in its class to be outfitted with Autonomous Level 2 capabilities, are one of its selling points. We were able to test a number of the 14 functions in actual driving situations.

 

My MG’s soft suspension system, which focuses on comfort, impresses with its capacity to absorb bumps. Like a significantly more expensive automobile, it smooths out road irregularities and absorbs shocks from the road. On the other hand, because there is considerable vertical movement, the Astor doesn’t feel nearly as stable on the highway as its rivals. Additionally, because of its gentle suspension,

 

My car has a cross-traffic alert, blind spot alerts, lane-keeping assistance, frontal collision warning, automated emergency braking, speed assistance, and adaptive high-beam control, which are just a few of the cutting-edge technologies available on the tiny SUV Astor Astor. While backing out of a parallel parking space, a cross-traffic alarm warns of oncoming cars, and tiny LEDs in the exterior mirrors give blind spot alerts. On well-marked roads, lane-keeping assistance is effective, although it behaves unpredictably on surfaces with imperfect markings. Frontal collision warning warns drivers of approaching cars or pedestrians, and automatic emergency braking can stop the car completely in the event of a collision. The speed assist technology scans traffic signs, alerts the driver about speeding cameras, and gradually reduces speed to the permitted level.

 

My car rolls quite a little when doing corners. The Astor has three steering modes that modify the weight of the battery-powered steering to provide a touch of sportiness. While there is a discernible variation in heaviness throughout the three modes, the steering’s feel and feedback remain the same. The ‘Urban’ steering option makes it seem most comfortable and easiest to twist, which complements the car’s laid-back personality.

 

Similar to conventional cruise control, which allows me to choose a pace and the vehicle will maintain it, adaptive cruise control goes one step further and, even though they aren’t always functional, these add-ons might save lives in some situations, particularly in a society where driver distractions and fatalities have been on the rise.

 

What does the outside of the MG Astor look like?

 

My bigger SUV, the MG Astor, has a heavenly chrome grille, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, and faux twin exhaust housings. The Astor is bigger compared to the Hyundai Creta, but it has less of an SUV appearance and looks more like a crossover. The design of the vehicle gives it a sporty look overall.

 

What’s the inside like of the MG Astor?

My Astor’s cabin will undoubtedly blow you away with its very luxurious atmosphere. Anything that comes to hand is soft and squishy, and the materials utilised are of the highest calibre. The fit and finish are excellent, and several elements of the design, like the steering wheel and the rotating air vents, are shared with some Volkswagen group cars. The elegant “Sangria Red” colour scheme and the enormous, spectacular sunroof that showers the living area with light serve to emphasise the cabin’s high quality.

 

Is it wise to buy the MG Astor?

 

My car, the MG Astor, is a classy midsize SUV with a relaxed personality that appeals to consumers looking for a leisurely ride. It is a popular option among consumers because of its easy controls, powerful engine, and smooth gearbox. With its luxurious interior, top-notch components, and sturdy construction akin to European cars, the Astor stands out. It provides a value proposition compared to competitors with features including LED headlights, a rooftop solarium, and connected vehicle technology.

Things I like

• High-end cabin interior quality
• Modern characteristics include ADAS and an AI assistant
• Strong and sophisticated turbo-petrol engine

 

Things I Don’t Like

• The lack of several high-end amenities, like as warmed seats and a charger that is wireless
• Three persons cannot comfortably fit in the rear cabin.

 

User reviews for MG Astor, scoring a 4.3 overall

• Good Performance And Comfort
• I adore this vehicle. The trip is extremely comfy for me. After travelling 45000 kilometres, I feel brand new.
• Superior Performance
• One of the greatest EVs, with excellent power and performance and respectable mileage. It has the greatest construction available.
• SAFETY OF ASTOR
• Best-in-class feel-good factor, premium materials, and top-notch safety as a result of its premium construction. suitable for families.

 

FAQs

 

Q.What size tyres fit the MG Astor?

A.There are two tyre sizes for the MG Astor: 215/60 R16 and 215/55 R17.

 

Q.What features does the music system have?

A.Touch screen, integrated 2DIN audio, USB & auxiliary input, Bluetooth connectivity, radio, audio equipment remote control, front and rear speakers,Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

Q.Is the climate controlled automatically in the MG Astor?

A.Climate control is automated in the MG Astor.

 

Q.Is there a sunroof on the MG Astor?

A.The MG Astor lacks a sunroof.