This afternoon, MG Motor introduced its new 2021 Astor small SUV, India’s first car with AI insight. Essentially a petrol-powered variant of the ZS EV, the SUV will be outfitted with modern technology. This year’s MG Astor SUV is expected to be unveiled over the holiday season, probably in October.
The MG Astor SUV will be the company’s fifth vehicle in India, all of which are owned by Chinese companies. In terms of size, Astor will be slightly smaller than the Hector SUV, with a length of roughly 4,300 mm. The Astor SUV will be positioned below the Hector.
The MG Astor is here
The unique design was brought to us by Carl Gotham, the Design Director at MG, UK. He says that the MG Astor is intentionally sporty. The automaker has already teased the front face of the SUV, which features a novel grille design. Both sides of the hexagonal grill are adorned with LED headlamps, projectors, and LED DRLs that also serve as turn indicators. At the rear are LED taillights.
The side profile of the Astor SUV is partially revealed in the newest teaser from the automaker’s social media accounts. So, it’s safe to say that the MG Astor’s design language will be comparable to the ZS EV. A chrome window lining and a darkened B-pillar are expected.
MG Astor: Interiors and Technology
The SUV will be equipped with many features, such as a sunroof, sunroof screen, digital instrument cluster, and much more on the inside. However, Astor’s industry-first personal AI assistant system and Autonomous Level-2 technology will make it a unique offering in the segment.
They give us a choice between Dual Tone Sangria Red, Dual Tone Iconic Ivory and Tuxedo Black to choose our interior colour schemes. It also comes with a 6-way Power Seat to ensure customer’s comfort. They provide Three driving Modes that include Normal, Urban and Dynamic. It also gets a 10.1 inch HD infotainment and a 7-inch Instrument Cluster enabling easy information access. Electric Parking Brake, Heated ORVM, Rain Sensing Wiper Rear AC Vent and Front and Rear Armrest are among the features. Another feature is the Digital Key with Bluetooth Technology. If you ever forget or lose your physical key, you do not have to worry, they have got you covered.
The Athlete AI
Dr Deepa Malik’s voice will be used in the personal AI help system, which is akin to Apple Siri or Amazon Alexa. She is the first woman to win a Paralympic medal across any sport. Voice instructions should be recognised and tasks such as playing music, making or receiving calls, texting etc. should be performed. An assistant that not only follows our directions but also distributes information from around the world with us via Wikipedia. Keeps us up-to-date on the current news and amuses us with a variety of humour. An assistant who is a true friend
Safety features: The ADAS level-2
Image Source: Firstpost
As part of the Autonomous Level-2 technology, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) capabilities will be available, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention, and Speed Assist. “With Autonomous Level-2 every journey will be safe and comfortable. At MG, we have a vision, where the software will be the differentiator and car will be the platform”, says Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director of MG Motor India.
“We are starting our partnership journey with MapmyIndia’s 4D maps navigation, In-car parking reservation with Park+, In-car entertainment with Jio Saavn and vehicle digital passport with Koinearth. All of this will be connected by India’s best mobile network, Jio”. Astor will also have 80 plus internet features powered by Next-Gen iSmart technology.
In India, the MG Astor will be the third car to use ADAS technology, and the second in the company’s lineup, after the Gloster SUV. Additionally, the recently announced Mahindra XUV700 is equipped with similar features. While this is a new feature for Astor, it might help the SUV carve out a space for itself amid some of the industry’s heavyweights.
MG Astor: Engine and Price
Image Source: Firstpost
The Astor will be powered by two engine options. First, a 1.4L Brit Dynamic 220 turbo-Petrol Engine with 6-speed AT which delivers 220Nm Torque and 140PS power. And a 1.5L Vti – TECH Petrol Engine with Manual Transmission & 8-speed CVT producing 144Nm Torque and 110PS power.
To compete with Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Tata Harrier, among other rivals, the MG Astor is expected to be priced between 10 lakh and 16 lakh.
