MG Astor

USPs of Astor:

• The Astor offers a plush cabin, which feels like it belongs to a car a few segments above it. The red-coloured upholstery makes it feel premium and even the build quality is better than expected.
• You also get a long list of features in the Astor. Apart from the large panoramic sunroof, you get an automatic AC, all-digital driver’s display, electric adjustment for the seats, leatherette upholstery, automatic wiper and headlamps, and an AI bot along with new-age connectivity.
• ADAS – The Astor is the first SUV in the C-segment to introduce ADAS hardware. You get more ADAS features here than the more expensive Hector. It also works brilliantly for the most part.

Negatives:

• The 1.3-litre three-cylinder turbo is not a very fuel-efficient engine as it usually returns real-world mileage in single digits
• Despite being a tech-savvy car, MG has missed out on important feel-good features such as a wireless charger, seat ventilation, and an auto-dimming IRVM from the feature list.

• Apart from the Level 2 advanced driver assist system (ADAS), the Astor comes with six airbags, hill hold and hill descent control, all four disc brakes, tyre pressure monitoring system, blind-spot detection, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, 360-degree camera, traction control system, electric parking brake with auto-hold function, and cornering assist for front fog lamps.
• Although the Global NCAP test is yet to be done on the Astor, the Thai-spec Astor has managed to score a full five stars in the ASEAN NCAP tests.

• With a red-black combination, the Astor’s cabin is thoroughly modern and looks quite upmarket as well. It might not feel as big, but is of the same dimension as some of its direct rivals.
• There are soft-touch materials used all around along with the leather wrap finishes in good amounts.
• Even the seats offer proper support in all the right places but there are no ventilated seats.
• Moreover, the 10-inch touchscreen is tilted towards the driver and is quite easy to reach and operate.
• Along with it, you also get an all-digital driver’s display, which isn’t configurable but gives out useful information.
• As for the second-row seats, the legroom here is impressive despite the car having the shortest wheelbase in the segment.
• Moreover, the large panoramic sunroof gives you a sense of upmarket space in the cabin.
• Even the boot is sufficiently large and usable with 60:40 split-fold seats.