MG Astor to get segment-first AI assistant, Level 2 ADAS

MG Motor India is gearing up for the launch of the MG Astor SUV in our market, price announcement of which will happen in September 2021. The company has announced today that the upcoming MG Astor will come equipped with a personal AI (artificial intelligence) assistant and Autonomous Level 2 Driver Assistance Systems, both of which will be segment-first features.

• MG Astor to get personal AI assistant and Level 2 ADAS tech
• Will also get embedded Jio e-SIM for internet based features
• Will come with two petrol engine options

MG Astor: technology and features

As we have come to expect from MG SUVs by now, the Astor will be loaded to the gills with high-end technology and smart features. The Astor will be the first global MG model to be equipped with a personal AI assistant that has been designed by American firm ‘Star Design’. The Astor will actually feature a interactive robot on the dashboard for its personal AI assistant. 

Powered by the i-Smart Hub, the AI assistant can depict human-like emotions & voices and can give detailed information on every topic through Wikipedia. It has been designed to engage with people in the car and even turns to listen to you when youb talk to it. It will also serve as a platform for the CAAP-based (Car-as-a-Platform) services.

The Astor is the first car that gets the Concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP) software that integrates technologies such as Blockchain, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, thus allowing customers a personalized set of services. It hosts subscriptions and services, including maps and navigation with MapMyIndia, Jio connectivity, etc.

The other most notable highlight on the Astor will be its Level 2 ADAS tech, a first for the mid-size SUV segment. Even the MG Gloster from a segment above gets Level 1 ADAS technology. Powered by mid-range radars and cameras, ADAS will bring in features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Rear Drive Assist (RDA) and Speed Assist System amongst others.

MG had previously announced that the Astor's infotainment system will come with in-car connectivity features that will be powered by a Jio e-SIM.

MG Astor: India teaser revealed

With this announcement, MG Motor has also officially teased the Astor for India. The MG Astor is essentially a facelifted version of the ZS SUV, which is already on sale in India with an EV powertrain. However, compared to model that’s on sale in Europe, the India-spec MG Astor will come with an unique design for the grille that has been inspired by cosmic lines and forms.

The grille features a radial pattern concentrating at the center and is finished in tungsten steel electroplated material which gives it a three-dimensional effect. MG has also teased the dual tone ‘Sangria Red’ interior of Astor, which will be one of the three interior themes available with the mid-size SUV.

MG Astor: expected engine, powertrain options

The new MG Astor SUV will come with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill that’s good for 120hp and 150Nm of torque. Additionally, there will be a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine on offer as well, which will churn out 163hp and 230Nm. Its key rivals, the Creta and Seltos, get a 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine, while the Kicks and Duster come with a 156hp, 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine. The Astor’s engines will come mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox. 

MG Astor: launch timeline, expected price in India

MG Motor India is planning to position the Astor SUV competitively, as the model will be heavily localised. The Astor measures 4.3m long and will sit below the Hector, which measures in at 4.6m. The incoming MG will directly take on the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks and the Renault Duster.

We expect a pricing of Rs 10-16 lakh for MG’s upcoming Creta rival. Price announcement for the MG Astor will most likely take place sometime in September this year.

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