2021 MG Astor midsize SUV revealed with level 2 autonomy and AI assistant

Tuhin Guha Updated: September 17, 2021, 04:06 PM IST

MG Motor India has revealed its new mid-size SUV, the MG Astor. The MG Astor sits below the MG Hector in the brand's line-up and is expected to become MG's most popular offering going forward. The Astor is the India-spec facelifted MG ZS SUV available internationally and takes its name from the Raytheon Sentinel, a battlefield and ground surveillance aircraft used by the UK.

2021 MG Astor styling, dimensions

When seen alongside the MG ZS EV, the MG Astor gets a redesigned front end. There are slimmer full-LED headlamps, a new hexagonal grille with chrome highlights and chunkier bumpers. The rear has received a similar treatment with sharper LED taillamps, a prominent faux skid plate and new bumpers. A sharper set of alloy wheels have also been added. The MG Astor is 4,323mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,650mm tall, making it one of the larger SUVs in its segment.

2021 MG Astor interiors, features

The interiors are, as expected, carried over from the international spec MG ZS with the 10.1-inch infotainment system as standard with Android Auto,Apple Carplay. The piano style buttons for the climate control functions are visible as is the gear-lever which replaces the rotary-style selector from the EV. For the India-spec SUV, top-spec versions will get a dual-tone red and grey interior theme with a dual-tone grey-ivory and an all-black option also available. There is an onboard Jio 4G connection and the standard JioSaavn music app. Also added is navigation through MapMyIndia, a Blockchain-protected vehicle digital passport by KoineArth as well as a feature that allows owners to reserve a parking spot through the infotainment. Other features include artificial leather upholstery, connected features, 6-way adjustable seats, three steering modes, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, e-brake, heated ORVM, rain-sensing wipers, PM2.5 filter, front and rear armrests and a Bluetooth-operated digital key for locking/unlocking and starting the Astor.

2021 MG Astor Level 2 ADAS and AI assistant, passive safety

The MG Astor's calling card is the segment-first Level 2 ADAS being offered. The system six mid-range radars and five cameras to offer adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning and prevention, intelligent headlamp control, rear drive assist and a speed assist system amongst others. Passive safety features offered are a 360-degree camera, traction control, hill-descent control, ABS with EBD and 6 airbags.

Also debuting here will be the Astor personal AI assistant which works in conjunction with the onboard internet connection, the AI can engage with the driver with human-like conversations and pull up information via Wikipedia. This assistant can also be used to access all of the SUV's functions and services.

2021 MG Astor engine, gearbox

The 2021 MG Astor will be offered with two petrol engines. The base engine to be available with the lower Super and Smart variants is a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated motor making 110PS and 144 Nm. This will pair with a six-speed manual or an 8-step CVT. The top engine is a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol that puts out 140PS and 220 Nm mated to a six-speed AT. This will be offered on the higher Sharp and Savvy trims and will be fitted with a torque converter automatic.

2021 MG Astor production, expected price, bookings, rivals

The MG Astor is expected to be a volume seller for the brand, and the company expects this SUV to increase sales by up to 70 per cent. MG Motor India also hopes to fully utilize the available capacity of its Halol plant with this new SUV. When the MG Astor launches in India, expect it to undercut competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and Skoda Kushaq on price. The range from start from Rs 9 to 10 lakh ex-showroom. Bookings for the MG Astor begin after September 19.