MG Motor India has unveiled MG Astor, India’s first SUV with personal AI assistant and first-in-segment Autonomous (Level 2) technology. Astor is based on the MG’s successful global platform, ZS.
The MG Astor features similar styling to the ZS EV electric SUV. However, as the Astor is powered by a petrol engine, it does feature a few changes, especially to the front. This exterior feature includes: Hawk-eye LED headlamps Chrome-studded grille Split-LED taillamps 17-inch alloy wheels Dual exhaust tips Roof rails and all-around body cladding.
The Astor is loaded with many segment-first and segment-best features. This includes: 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system 7-inch digital instrument cluster, Power adjustable seats, Drive and steering modes, Panoramic sunroof, Electric parking brake, Heated ORVMs, PM2.5 cabin filter, Rear AC vent, Front & rear armrest, Leather interiors.
MG also showcased (CAAP) Car As A Platform with a host of features enabled by the iSmart Hub. This includes a host of subscriptions and services, including maps and navigation with MapMyIndia, Jio connectivity, the first-of-its-kind Blockchain-protected vehicle digital passport by KoineArth and more.
The highlight of the interior has to be the personal AI assistance screen with human-like expressions with a panning display placed on the dashboard. The voice for the AI assistance is provided by the Padma Shri, Khel Ratna Awardee, Paralympic Medalist, Dr. Deepa Malik. AI-assistant features include: Wikipedia access, Chit-chat & joke function, Read news, Navigation, Play Music, Select in-car warning, Critical in-car warning, Understands Hinglish.
The company is also offering Digital Key enabled with Bluetooth technology. This will help the owner to access the MG Astor without the need for a physical key.
The Astor is offered with two petrol engine options. 1.5-litre NA Petrol Engine Max Power: 138bhp Peak Torque: 220Nm Transmission: 6-speed AT 1.3-litre Turbo-Petrol Engine Max Power: 108bhp Peak Torque: 144Nm Transmission: 6-speed MT or 8-Speed CVT The company is also offering multiple drive and steering modes on the Astor. The steering modes include Urban, Normal & Dynamic.
Apart from the Level-2 ADAS, the company is offering 27 standard features on the Astor. Other features: 6 airbags Electric Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TSC), ABS with EBD, Hill Descent Control (HDC) and 360-degree camera.
The MG Astor is certainly the most advanced mid-size SUV that is launching in India. With the Level 2 ADAS, it is also one of the safest cars that will go on sale in the country.
