MG Astor: Styled to innovate
When MG founder Cecil Kimber turned out his first car from the small sales outlet and workshop he managed in 1924, he would have needed an extremely vivid imagination to think where his creations would eventually end up. But the connection between then and now isn't quite so untenable. As it was almost a 100 years ago, any car with the MG badge still carries the same ethos of innovation and value.
The MG Astor is the latest example of this. The new mid-sized SUV has completely shaken up its segment with the disruptive technology it packs, at the price that it does it in. But the core British tradition of quality car-building has still been kept intact. Designed at MG's Global Design Centre in London, the Astor makes a striking impression even before you know what's inside. The SUV follows MG's design philosophy of Emotional Dynamism, highlighted by the Celestial Grille. The purposeful stance and the accentuated body lines deliver an elegant yet strong presence, accentuated by the crisp detailing in the LED lighting.
But what has really set the MG Astor apart is the tech it packs. The interiors are spacious and well-appointed but features like the standard 10.1-inch touchscreen with Android Auto/Apple Carplay and the 27 standard safety features make for an elevated experience. Then there is the Level 2 ADAS, a feature not seen in this or even a few segments above this yet. This technology makes driving far more relaxing, the MG Astor uses its many radars and cameras to keep you safe on the road while you enjoy the journey.
A perfect companion then for either your daily commute or on longer road trips with family. Here the potent petrol engines help but the real disruption again is with the industry-first concept of Car-as-a-Platform that brings endless possibilities. The embedded Jio SIM and IoT solutions allow MG Astor users access to real-time connectivity, infotainment and telematics. So whether you want to delve into the vast library of music on JioSaavn or want to pre-book and pre-pay for parking slots via Park+ or want to keep your precious documents safe through the blockchain-secured KoineArth, the MG Astor will do it all for you. For even more convenience, all of these functions are easily accessed via the AI-powered personal assistant on the dashboard. This assistant helps with controlling vehicle functions, searching the web for information or just keeping you engaged in conversation when you are travelling alone.
So the MG Astor makes good on its storied lineage. It's got the presence that comes off clean British design, a spacious and rich interior packed with creature comforts, and most importantly, a level of technological sophistication so far unseen in anything at its price. All aimed at making for a happier and safer journey for its users.
Also read,
2021 MG Astor first look: Interior and tech impressions
MG prices the top spec Astor 'Savvy' variant at Rs 15.78 lakh
