MG Astor: The Indian compact SUV market is so crowded — pack with options — that to get noticed, you don’t need to shout louder, but smarter, like the MG Astor.
Billed as the ICE sibling to the electric MG ZS EV when it was launched, the Astor comes with a striking design, premium interiors and a lot of AI-heavy features you don’t even expect for this price.
In a heavily populated segment that has the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and the Skoda Kushaq, does the MG Astor cut-through the clutter? Short answer — yes. But it has a little different way of doing things.
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Astor such an attractive option for city buyers.
Design: European with Flair, Indian with Road Presence
It’s evident MG didn’t hold back with the design for the Astor either. It’s simple, it’s bold and there’s a hint of premium European SUV about it.
The front is of a Celestial Grille that is almost jewel-like, enhanced by sharp LED hawk-eye headlamps and DRLs that are edgy. It’s modern, but it’s not over the top.
On the side, it has 17-inch dual-tone alloys and some well-contoured lines with the perfect amount of chrome accents. At the rear there are slim LED tail lamps and a robust bumper. It’s the type of S.U.V. that doesn’t look out of place downtown or pulling into a resort for a weekend escape.
Cabin & Comfort: 1 Above
Get inside and the MG Astor is full of surprises — all pleasant. The fit and finish are first-rate for this price range. Ergonomic rides:
Hyundai Grand i10 Hyundai Grand i10 features include Leather wrapped steering wheel, Driver side height adjust, Metal finish crash pad, seat upholstery in 2 tone beige & browns & 3 interior color themes- Dual-tone Beige, Dual-tone red& monotone black.
The dashboard also features a manufacturer specified storage space, so the car feels premium when you sit inside it.
Those at the front are comfortable despite being quite heavily bolstered. The rear seat space is OK — it isn’t the most spacious but should suffice for most average Indian families. You have a 373-litre boot, too, which is not bad for the weekend luggage.
But it’s the AI that really distinguishes the Astor — literally. Out on the dash is a cute little AI assistant robot that can hold a conversation with you, operate car functions, or maybe just throw in some trivia or jokes. It’s a little odd, but unexpectedly fun.
Tech & Feature: Loaded to the Gills
This is the all-out MG when it comes to features. Highlights include:
10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
Fully London UPC: 4514799012-1 .
Panoramic sunroof
5410215670365 6-way power-adjustable driver seat
360-degree camera, connected car tech (i-Smart)
And, saving the best for the last — ADAS Level 2 systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and autonomous emergency braking.
And the addition of ADAS at this price is what truly sets the Astor apart.
Engine: City Sweet, Highway So Drab
Petrol There are two petrol engines on the Astor:
1.5L NA petrol (110 PS/144 Nm)
A 1.3 litre turbo petrol (140 PS, 220 Nm) is also available.
The engine is smooth, fuel-efficient, naturally aspirated — perfect for city use. But if you need more punch — especially for highway jaunts — take the turbo version with a 6-speed torque converter instead.
Ride feel is hard to fault, the suspension munching up potholes and so on, while never feeling in any way unstable at autobahn speeds.
The steering is light, which is great for the stop-and-go of the city, though it could feel slightly numb to the true driving enthusiast.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Gorgeous design, luxurious interiors
Packed with first-in-segment features ( ADAS in particular)
Seamless petrol engines, City-friendly performance suite
Premium material on the inside
Good infotainment and connected car technology
Sunroof This along with a digital cluster for the wow factor.
Cons:
No diesel engine option
Rear seat could do with more thigh support
Turbo is also on the expensive side
No AWD or rugged bones — more urban centric
Some smaller towns have a limited service network.
– There is no doubt the futuristic clashes with the practical.
MG Astor:
The MG Astor offers a compelling option if you want to turn a few heads in the crowded compact SUV space.
It might not be the sportiest or the roomiest, but it excels at design, comfort, tech and, aside from the triangle-shaped steering wheel, creative uses of futuristic features.
If you’re a gadget geek, enjoy AI-based systems and with a taste for city slick, the Astor could be one to buy.
For families or tech fans, or perhaps even first-time SUV buyers — this MG is a car with plenty of charisma and plenty of smarts.
