About MG Astor

The MG Astor is a midsize SUV from the stable of the Indian subsidiary of the British carmaker MG Motor India. This midsize SUV is built on the same platform as the global MG ZS SUV but has been extensively reworked for the Indian market. The MG Astor competes with popular SUVs in its segment, such as the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq.

One of the highlights of the MG Astor is its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that use artificial intelligence to enhance safety and convenience. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The MG Astor is the first car in its segment to offer these features, usually found in more premium vehicles.

Additionally, the MG Astor is equipped with a host of other features, including a panoramic sunroof, a large touchscreen infotainment system, etc. If you are in the market for a feature-loaded midsize SUV, the MG Astor makes for a good option.

MG Astor: Quick Review

The following sections explain the various aspects of the MG Astor, including its exterior design, interior, features, performance and safety.

Exterior Design

The MG Astor is a midsize SUV with an eye-catching exterior design, with a sporty and sleek profile that gives it a contemporary look. The SUV's front fascia features a prominent chrome studded grille flanked by sharp LED headlamps with integrated DRLs. The sculpted bumper with dynamic lines and a wide air dam adds to the vehicle's aggressive stance.

Moving to the side, the Astor features a bold character line that runs from the front wheel arch to the rear, giving the SUV a dynamic and muscular look. The roofline slopes gently towards the rear, adding a touch of sportiness to the design. The wheel arches are flared and house stylish 17-inch alloy wheels that add to the overall visual appeal of the SUV. The MG Astor’s ground clearance is ample to handle the Indian road conditions, as there are no official figures as of now.

The rear profile of the Astor features sharp split LED tail lamps and a sculpted bumper with a dual-tone finish that adds to the SUV's premium look. The roof-mounted spoiler and the shark fin antenna add to the sporty appeal of the Astor. Overall, the MG Astor's exterior design is aggressive, sporty and premium, and it will grab eyeballs on the road. The MG Astor's dimensions make the SUV look more urban-friendly and sporty.

Interior and Features

The MG Astor's interior design is both modern and stylish, with a range of features that cater to the needs of today's tech-savvy drivers. The cabin features soft-touch materials and a sleek layout that's easy on the eye.

The dual-tone dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system and climate controls, which is a welcome addition to the car's modernity. The instrument cluster is also digital, with a clear and crisp display that's easy to read in any lighting conditions.

The seats of the MG Astor are both comfortable and supportive, with leatherette upholstery providing a luxurious feel to the cabin. The driver's seat is power-adjustable, and the rear seats also offer ample legroom and headroom, making it comfortable for passengers to sit for long periods. The MG Astor's cabin is also equipped with a panoramic sunroof, which adds a sense of spaciousness and allows plenty of natural light to filter through.

The SUV gets premium features like an AI assistant, cruise control, automatic climate control, connected car features, a digital instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and more. Note that some of these features may be limited to top-spec variants.

Overall, the MG Astor's interior design is both practical and sophisticated, making it an excellent option for those looking for a car that offers a premium feel without breaking the bank.

Engine Performance

The MG Astor draws power from a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre petrol engine. The turbo-petrol engine produces 138 bhp and 220 Nm of torque. The engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5-litre petrol engine produces 108.4 bhp and 144 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

In terms of performance, the 1.5-litre engine provides adequate power for daily commuting and occasional highway runs. The 1.3-litre turbocharged engine offers a more spirited driving experience with quicker acceleration and better mid-range performance. The automatic transmissions also provide smooth and effortless gearshifts, adding to the overall driving experience.

The petrol-manual variant of the SUV delivers a mileage of 15.43 kmpl, while the automatic variant returns a fuel economy of 14.85 kmpl. Note that the mileage figures are as per the ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India) rating.

Overall, the MG Astor's engine performance is well-suited for the Indian market, offering a balance of efficiency, power and drivability.

Safety

The MG Astor gets standard safety features like dual front airbags, ABS, EBD, Active Cornering Brake Control, Electronic Stability Program, traction control, hill-hold assist, hill-descent control, rear parking sensors, ISOFIX child seat mounts, etc. The top-spec variants get additional features like six airbags, an electronic parking brake, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), a reverse parking camera, a 360-degree camera, front fog lamps with cornering function and heated outside rearview mirrors.

The top-spec variants of the Astor also get ADAS (Advance Driver Assistance System). The technology provides driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot detection, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, etc.

Pros and Cons of MG Astor

Pros

Sporty exterior design.
Premium interior with the good build quality.
It gets a lot of premium features.
It gets advanced safety features, including ADAS.
The turbo-petrol engine offers refined and peppy performance.

Cons

No diesel engine is on offer.
The rear seat is not best suited for three adult occupants.
It misses out on a few features like ventilated seats, a wireless charger, etc.