The MG Astor is first compact SUV in India that gets both AI features and Level 2 ASAS safety features, but the these ADAS safety features will be available as an option on the VTi-Tech Sharp CVT and 220 Sharp AT variants. The 2021 MG Astor is the Chinese automaker's fifth model to go on sale in India and it is essentially the petrol-powered version of the MG ZS EV. It is also the brand's most affordable offering yet. The new MG Astor is also the company's first model to feature an AI-based personal assistant and Level 2 autonomous tech with ADAS functions.

The new MG Astor employs a new concept of Car-as-a-Platform (CAAP), under which MG plans to offer a range of technology-driven services to its customer using the Astor as a platform. And eventually, the advanced tech will make its way across MG's model range. The MG Astor doesn't look much different from the ZS EV as it retains the same silhouette and borrows its design cues. The SUV sports a new bold celestial pattern grille, full LED Hawkeye projector headlamps with boomerang-shaped LED daytime running lights and a new bumper. It also gets new 17-inch turbine-inspired machined alloy wheels, heated ORVMs, and roof rails. At the rear, the SUV comes with new LED taillamps, and a new rear bumper with a chrome accentuated dual exhaust design. It will be offered in five exterior colours - Spiced Orange, Aurora Silver, Glaze Red, Candy White, Starry Black.

On the inside, the cabin of the Astor looks similar to its electric counterpart, the ZS EV and gets three interior theme options. It also comes equipped with a 10.1-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch instrument cluster, a multi-functional steering wheel with chrome inserts, power-adjustable front seats, auto climate control, 360-degree camera view, air-purifier, electric parking brake and a panoramic sunroof. It also comes with a customised AI assistant, which understands natural language and supports up to 35 Hinglish voice commands. The new system offers over 80 internet features, including Wikipedia, jokes, news, festival GIFS, navigation, online music streaming, in-car control and critical in-car warning. As for safety, the SUV comes 6 airbags, ISOFIX mounts, TPMS, ESP, traction control, hill descent control, and all four-disc brakes.

Under the hood, the MG Astor SUV will be offered in two engine options. First up is the 1.4-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine that belts out 138 bhp at 5600 rpm and 220 Nm at 3600 rpm and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Then is the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit that comes mated to either a manual gearbox or an eight-step CVT gearbox. This motor is tuned to churn out 108 bhp at 6000 rpm and 144 Nm at 4400 rpm of peak torque.