Upcoming MG Astor SUV: 9 Things We Know So Far

Morris Garages India is gearing up to launch the all-new MG Astor SUV on October 11, 2021. It's the fifth SUV from the carmaker in India after the MG Hector, Hector Plus, ZS EV and Gloster. In fact, the new Astor is also one of the company's most tech-loaded SUVs, equipped with its very own Artificial Intelligence or AI-based personal assistant, ADAS with Level 2 autonomous tech and a lot more. We have already driven the upcoming MG Astor, and you can find our detailed review on the carandbike website. However, if you want summarised information, then here are 9 things you need to know about the new MG Astor SUV.

Also Read: MG Astor Review: Compact SUV Big On Tech

1. The MG Astor is essentially an Internal Combustion Engine or ICE version of the all-electric MG ZS EV that is already on sale in India. However, the car coming to India is the facelifted version that was introduced in the UK last year as the MG ZS SUV. In fact, MG has updated the SUV with a host of features specifically designed for the Indian market.
   Also Read: MG Astor SUV India Launch Details Out
   

   The new Astor is also one of the most tech-loaded SUVs from MG Motor India

2. The Astor will also be the first SUV from MG Motor India to employ the company's new 'Car-as-a-Platform' (CAAP) concept. Under this new concept, MG aims to offer a range of technology-driven services to its customer using the SUV itself as a platform. MG is offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard with the new Astor. Additionally, the SUV also gets an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personal assistant as part of its i-Smart hub.
   Also Read: MG Astor Compact SUV: All You Need To Know
3. The personal assistant gets its own display unit that can do a bunch of facial expressions, and it understands natural language and supports up to 35 Hinglish voice commands. You can perform several in-car functions like opening the sunroof, controlling the air-con system and music all by a simple voice command, which can be triggered by saying "Hello Astor". Furthermore, legendary actor, Amitabh Bachchan, and Paralympic athlete and Khel Ratna Awardee Dr. Deepa Malik have lent their voice to the system.
   

   The MG Astor SUV gets an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered personal assistant as part of its i-Smart hub

4. MG has also partnered with the telecom giant, 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.
5. On paper, the MG Astor is also one of the safest SUVs in this segment, featuring Level 2 autonomous technology under the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). 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 Astor also gets Level 2 autonomous technology under the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

6. Visually, the new MG Astor borrows its cues from the ZS facelift that was launched in the UK last year. Up front, the SUV will get a new imposing celestial pattern grille, LED projector headlamps with new boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and a new bumper. The SUV will also get new dual-tone 17-inch alloy wheels, heater ORVMs, and roof rails. At the rear, the SUV will get new LED taillamps and a new rear bumper with faux skid plates.
7. Inside, the Astor will come with 3 interior theme options along with a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system, which serves as the central command centre for all in-car tech and functions. The SUV also gets a multi-functional steering wheel with chrome inserts, power-adjustable front seats, auto climate control, 360-degree camera view, air-purifier, electric parking brake and a huge panoramic sunroof. There is also a very intuitive 7-inch fully digital instrument cluster. It also gets three steering modes- Normal, Urban and Dynamic for enhanced feedback.
   Also Read: New MG Astor Compact SUV: Engine Specifications & Tech Explained
   

   The MG Astor gets a 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system, which serves as the central command centre for all in-car tech and functions

8. MG Motor India is offering the Astor with two engine options. First up is the 1.4-litre, 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. Then there is the 1.5-litre, 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.
   Also Read: MG Expects To Double Its Volumes With The Launch Of Astor: Report
9. While we are yet to get the official information, the upcoming MG Astor will be offered in eight variants - Style, Super, Smart Std., Smart, Sharp Std., Sharp, Savvy and Savvy Red. Upon launch, it will compete with the likes of Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Skoda Kushaq and Volkswagen Taigun. We expect the Astor to be priced between Rs. 9 lakh and Rs. 18 lakh (ex-showroom, India).