MG Astor

MG Astor Expert Verdict

MG Astor Detailed Review

• Astor Performance

  The Astor from MG Motors has 2 engines and 3 gearbox options. The 1.5-litre petrol engine is supported by a 5-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission. This engine has a maximum power of 108bhp and a maximum torque of 144Nm. The second engine is a turbo petrol engine with 3 cylinders and a displacement of 1,349 ccs. The 6-speed automatic transmission produces a maximum power of 138bhp and a maximum torque of 220Nm. However, the ride at high speeds has mild vibrations but otherwise, the engine is highly refined. The turbocharged engine is adequate at lower speeds but turns seamless at higher torques. The driver needs to have patience for the vehicle to rev since it is not instantaneous. However, the SUV can speed up fast on highways. The overall engine performance of the Astor SUV is decent when compared to the segment rivals. The petrol engine pulls well and the Astor never disappoints on any difficult terrain. Yes, the fuel economy is one of the downers as the Astor is notoriously known for being low fuel efficient. 

  Summary

  Between the two available engine options, it is the 1.3-litre turbo-petrol unit that packs a punch and impresses with the grunt on offer. Sadly, however, there is no diesel engine option available.

• Astor Exterior

  MG Astor SUV is designed in a very elegant and subtle way. The overall design features bold and beautiful curves with apt use of chrome fitments all over the body design. The SUV has a Chrome accentuated dual exhaust design. The roof rails have a smooth satin finish in silver. The car sports a bold celestial grille, chrome highlights on the doors and a glossy black finish. The adjustable Hawkeye headlamps LED-powered have black highlights. There are fog lights in the front as well as the rear. The rearview mirror can be folded electrically and the exterior rearview mirror is power-adjustable. There is also a rear window wiper, washer and defogger. The wheels are made of alloy but unfortunately, they do not have any covers. The car has a sunroof and a moon roof but no power antenna. There are cornering fog lamps and a heated wing mirror. The 215/55 R17 wheels are tubeless and radial. The wheels are made of alloy but unfortunately, they do not have any covers. Additional exterior features such as the Rear bumper with Chrome accentuated dual exhaust design is also displayed. 

  Summary

  The exterior design of the MG Astor is quite conventional but overall, the crossover looks pretty handsome and should have a wide appeal.

• Astor Interior

  MG Astor interiors are one of its stronghold points. The quality of the material used and the fit & finish inside the cabin is of a segment above in the Astor. Additionally, the high-tech features like the AI voice commands, etc., make the Astor cabin experience more memorable. The MG Astor cabins have a dual colour scheme of red and black. This combination gives it a rustic European look. The car sports a bold celestial grille, chrome highlights on the doors, and a glossy black finish. The adjustable Hawkeye headlamps LED-powered have black highlights. There are premium quality leather seats paired with a leather finish for the steering wheel. The leather is also draped on the door pads, gearstick, armrest of the driver, centre console, and the centre of the dashboard. The steering wheel has a small dotted detailing on the leather cover. However, the adjustability of the steering wheel is not extended to reach. Yet, the driver can drive on roads without breaking into a sweat due to the adjustable seats. The seats are not ventilated and there is a chance of elevated humidity in the car on sunny days. The front section of the car sports two placeholders for cups, enough room for storage under the armrest, two USB ports, and large door pads. There is a full digital cluster with a 17.78 cm LCD screen embedded into the instrument console. Even though the wheelbase is small, the legroom is wide in the backseats. 

  Summary

  The interior of the MG Astor is built up of premium materials and high quality plastics. It even offers several segment-first features.

• Astor Ride & Handling

  MG has designed the suspension of the Astor very confidently to provide a cushioning ride. The overall setup of ride and handling is exciting and makes the driving confidence plunge higher. The suspension on the Mg Astor in the front is of the McPherson strut type whereas the rear suspension is of torsion beam. The electronic steering is tiltable and collapsible. The progressive steering has 3 adjustment options i.e., the Urban mode, the Normal mode, and the Dynamic mode. The front and rear brakes are of the disc type. The car masterfully absorbed the rough and irregular brakes at slow speeds. The Urban mode is suitable for city drives, specifically for parking and cruising at low speeds. The Normal mode is the smoothest as it strikes a good balance at this setting. The Dynamic mode is heavier and not suitable for daily city commutes.

  Summary

  The 3 steering settings catering to different drive needs make driving this vehicle a breeze in varying conditions while the ride quality stays quite good on all sorts of tarmacs.

• Astor Safety

  MG is known for introducing some of the segment's first safety tech and the Astor is no different. The MG Astor has an anti-lock braking system with a brake assist paired with a central locking feature as well. The door locks are childproof. The MG Astor has a driver airbag, passenger airbags, and side airbags in the front making it a count of 6 airbags in total. There are no rear-seat airbags. The car has side and front impact beams too. The SUV is equipped with a seat belt warning, door ajar warning engine check warning, crash sensor, engine mobilizer, tyre pressure monitor and electronic stability control, and anti-theft alarm. The headlamps are automatic and the seats are adjustable. The MG Astor exhibits anti-pinch power windows and a speed alert with a speed-sensing auto door lock. The SUV also sports a Driver and Co-driver seat belt with pre-tensioner and load limiter along with IOS FIX Child Anchor. Other advanced safety features include Active CBC, Emergency Stop Signal, Emergency Fuel Cutoff, Automatic Emergency Pedestrian Braking, Rear Drive assist, Intrusion Minimising and Collapsible Steering Column, Intelligent Headlamp Control, and Information Mode. The overall build quality is strong and sturdy of Astor. The introduction of ADAS and strong build makes Astor a very safe car in the segment. 

  Summary

  The MG Astor comes equipped with many advanced active and passive safety features that should keep occupants safe in an event of a crash.