MG Astor: The compact-SUV segment in India is cut-throat competition where almost every manufacturer is offering something.
But MG Motor India succeeded in creating its own space with the MG Astor — a car that brings together luxury design, cutting-edge features and artificial intelligence (AI) to beat competition its way.
The Astor is being positioned as the petrol-only derivative of the MG ZS EV for urban consumers looking for style and substance.
In terms of design and performance and also techs, the MG Astor looks quite a strong contender against a lot of options that are out there in its segment including the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Skoda Kushaq and even the Volkswagen Taigun.
Design and Styling
Design At first sight, the MG Astor looks neat with its European design cues. At the front, it gets aggressive celestial grille, LED headlamps with DRLs and a neatly designed bumper.
The sides are smooth and the overall lines gracefully flow to the rear where some handsome LED tail lamps and polished chrome trim finish things off.
Unlike some competitors that go for hyperaggro styling, the Astor keeps things restrained and in proportion.
The 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and floating roofline give a touch of premium without going overboard.
With the weight in this car, it feels solidly built, and has good control of the road considering its compact-SUV nature.
Interiors and Features
Open the door of the MG Astor, and you step into a plush cabin that’s a segment above.
The soft-touch materials on the dashboard, the faux leather seats and the panoramic sunroof also contribute to the luxury feel.
The three interior themes—Sangria Red, Iconic Ivory and Tuxedo Black—are on offer for buyers to choose according to their preference.
And one of the coolest features is the dashboard-mounted AI personal assistant.
It can handle things like setting navigation, reading news, controlling in-car functions, and even responding to voice commands with animations.
The large optional 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (the latter only found in top trims), and a 7-inch digital instrument cluster deliver cabin tech-forwardness as well.
There’s also connected car tech, such as remote lock/unlock, live tracking, geofencing, and the like.
Engine and Performance
MG provides the Astor with petrol power in two forms:
1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol (110 PS, 144 Nm) – Can be had with a 5-speed manual or CVT automatic.
1.3L turbo-petrol (140 PS @ 220 Nm) – 6-speed torque converter automatic available only.
The 1.5-liter variant is optimized for driving around town, whereas the 1.3 turbo delivers more responsive output in terms of acceleration as well as for highway cruising.
The ride quality is nice, the steering is light at low speeds and has a firmness to it at high ones due to three-level steering modes.
Mileage is ok in general as around 11–15 km/l can be expected in real-world scenario, this depends on engine and driving.
Safety and Tech
The strong point of the MG Astor: Safety packages.
6 airbags (top variant)
ADAS Level 2 functions (Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Warning)
ABS with EBD
ESP and hill hold control
360-degree camera
TPMS and rear parking sensors
It’s not often found in this price range, and it makes the Astor one of the safest cars in its class.
Pros of MG Astor
Luxurious inside and out
AI assistant and ADAS functions contribute to the futuristic fascination
Comfortable ride quality
Excellent build quality
Feature-heavy and high-tech infotainment
Decent auto transmissions
Cons of MG Astor
No diesel engine option
Rear seat is not the roomiest
Fuel efficiency is average
Paucity of wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay in lower variants
Some rivals have more boot space
MG Astor: Verdict
The MG Astor is much more than just a compact SUV; it is a testament to modern day automotive technology in an affordable price point.
Its plush cabin, bespoke AI assistant and advanced safety features make it a car for those who value comfort, tech and style over aggressive performance or savings at the gas pump.
IF you want a premium SUV in petrol avatar only loaded with intelligent features, Astor deserves a serious look.