Can Mg Astor Compete in the C-suv Market?

MG Astor entered the fiercely competitive C-SUV market in India. Apart from its striking appearance, the Astor boasts numerous features that are yet to be found in any other car in India. One such feature is the AI bot that resides on the dashboard and can react to voice commands. In addition, it has first-in-segment Level 2 autonomous driving assistance.

Thus, the Astor boasts a contemporary cabin that feels and looks luxurious and is equipped for the future. Even with their advanced technological knowledge, MG has chosen to exclude certain features from the car's features list, including a wireless charger, seat ventilation, and an auto-dimming IRVM.

Design

Without a doubt, the Astor looks like an urban SUV. It is an updated version of the ZS, which is marketed as an EV in India. Even its same as ZS with the chrome studded grille, the front design does not demand attention. Along with other gloss-black elements surrounding the bumper and fog lamps, the subtlety of the execution gives it a rather sophisticated appearance. The 17-inch alloy wheels with dual-tone black and silver finish, in contrast, nearly cover up the red brake callipers. LED projectors with DRLs are used for the headlamps, and halogen fog lamps with cornering capabilities are located below.

The Astor feels well-built in addition to having a nice appearance. The sound of the door closing and the sturdy feel of all the body panels. The upholstery matches the padded soft leatherette that envelops the dashboard. The door pad armrest and centre are likewise covered in the same material. The dashboard's upper section is composed of soft-touch plastic. It all feels high-quality to the touch. 

Specifications

Engine and Gearbox

Two engine options are available for the Astor from MG: a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine (110 PS/144 Nm) and a 1.3-liter turbo-petrol engine (140 PS/220 Nm). While the latter comes with a CVT automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox, the former is only mated to a 6-speed automatic.

Performance

The power delivery of the Astor is seamless. This provides you with a smooth and linear acceleration straight out of the truck. When you step on the throttle, the Astor accelerates quickly. Additionally, the torque converter automatic means that there is no turbo lag and you won't have to exert much effort to maintain power while driving through the city. You will experience the same linear acceleration as you apply more pressure to the throttle. Although there isn't much excitement, there is plenty of room for overtakes. It took 10.76 seconds to reach 0-100 kmph on the record.

Features

The MG Astor comes equipped with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a driver seat that can be adjusted six ways using power, cruise control, automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof.

Safety

Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-keeping/departure assist, high-beam assist, and blind-spot detection are standard, along with up to six airbags. In addition, the Astor has an electronic stability programme (ESP) and a 360-degree camera.

Variants

There are five main variants available: Style, Super, Smart, Sharp, and Savvy. There is an EX version for every trim that is devoid of some safety features. Based on its Smart version, the Astor has a new limited edition.

Pros

• Superior quality inside the cabin. 
• Advanced capabilities such as AI assistant and ADAS. 
• Powerful and well-mannered turbo-petrol engine. 
• Elegant appearance. 

Cons

• lacking a few high-end features, such as wireless charging and ventilated seats.
• Not the best width for a rear cabin with three passengers.
• Not available with a diesel engine.

Price

The base price of the MG Astor is Rs. 10.82 Lakh, while the top model costs Rs. 18.69 Lakh. There are 17 different models of Astor available; the Style MT is the base model and the MG Astor Savvy Sangria Turbo AT is the top model.