Akbar Merchant
MG Automotive India Has been continuously expanding its SUV lineup in our market and is launching Hector In India, the SUV brand launched Hectorga, this Gloucester So far, ZS EV has been in operation for 2 years.Next is the gasoline version MG ZS, Now called MG Astor.
Astor is scheduled to hit the road early next month, entering one of India’s most competitive SUV segments.The mid-size SUV category currently has Hyundai Creta, Kia Sertos, Recently launched Skoda Kushak, Volkswagen Taijun (Launched this month), Renault Dust Collector with Nissan kick. Let’s take a closer look at Astor and see what MG’s new competitor brings.
2021 MG Astor: exterior design details
Astor is essentially a ZS EV with very similar design elements.However, compared with the ZS EV sold here, Astor has witnessed a facelift, although it is based on International model It has recently undergone a transformation, with some adjustments unique to India, such as grille design. This hexagonal “celestial body” grid looks very neat, and the outwardly radiating pattern is very eye-catching.
Astor received new LED lights on the taillights and sportier bumpers.
The new front bumper also has a redesigned fog lamp housing and accommodates new headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL). At the back, the rear bumper design is brand new, the LED taillights have fresh lighting features, and there is a striking badge on the tailgate. Later versions are also equipped with stylish 17-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels.
2021 MG Astor: Interior
At first glance Astor, MG put a lot of effort into the interior and cabin quality. The SUV’s cab feels high-end, with extensive use of soft-touch materials, brushed aluminum trim that contrasts with the internal sunshade, and a thick flat-bottomed steering wheel. It offers three interior color schemes, two-tone Sangria, two-tone iconic ivory and tuxedo black.
The interior of Astor feels very high-quality, surrounded by soft tactile materials.
The dashboard is similar to the ZS EV, but it is equipped with a new 10.1-inch touch screen infotainment system, which will be equipped with a Jio e-SIM for connected car functions, Also includes a digital key that can be installed on the phone. With this, you can fully operate Astor without the need for an actual remote control key.
2021 MG Astor: Features
The highlight is the artificial intelligence provided, which includes two broad elements, a comprehensive ADAS settings and a personal robot assistant that can follow voice commands (even Hinglish) and answer queries from online sources. Some people may find it cool, while to others, it may look fancy. Although it works well and has on-board voice commands for basic car operations, such as opening the sunroof and controlling the temperature. The system is supported by Wikipedia and has quite a few local applications built in.
Robot-like devices on the dashboard can even express facial expressions.
In addition, the top models are also equipped with panoramic sunroof, heated ORVM, automatic climate control, rain-sensing wipers, 7.0-inch digital instrument panel, 6-way power adjustment driver seat and other functions.
Astor even installs a USB plug-in near IRVM to install accessories such as dashboard cameras.
In terms of ADAS settings, the Level-2 system uses both camera and radar inputs, and brings a number of unique active safety functions. These include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, lane departure prevention and speed assist.This feature is currently available on SUVs in higher market segments, such as MG’s own Gloster (although this is only a camera-based system) and the new Mahindra XUV700This makes Astor the first model in the mid-size SUV segment to provide this new safety technology.
Astor is the only SUV of its kind equipped with a full set of Level 2 ADAS functions.
2021 MG Astor: engine and gearbox
Powering the new MG SUV is two gasoline engines, instead of diesel engines like Kushaq, Taigun and Kicks SUVs. Also similar to these competitors, there are two engines to choose from-the base is a 1,498cc naturally aspirated gasoline engine that can produce 110hp and 144Nm, and the other is a more powerful 1,349cc turbo gasoline engine that can produce 140hp and 220Nm. The latter is aimed at competitors with high-output, turbo-gasoline variants, such as Creta, Seltos, Kicks, Duster and Kushaq. The 1.5-liter gasoline engine will be equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission and an 8-level CVT automatic transmission, while the 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine will only be equipped with a 6-speed automatic torque converter.
2021 MG Astor: price expectations
MG is tight-lipped on pricing, but we expect Astor’s pricing to be very competitive, while easily defeating competitors such as Seltos and Kushaq. Astor’s market release and price announcement are expected to take place early next month.
See also:
MG Astor Picture Gallery
2021 MG Astor First Video
OLX Autos research shows that MG Hector has best-in-class resale value in OurIndia
Exclusive: MG will develop Brezza, Venue’s competitor
