MG Astor Pros & Cons Explained: A Must Read Before You Buy!

The MG Astor debuted in India in 2021 as the first car in its segment to offer Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and a personal AI assistant, features that were new to this segment. This year, MG has refreshed the model with the addition of a new entry-level variant. While the Astor has several attractive features, no vehicle is without its drawbacks.

In this article, I'll explore the pros and cons of the MG Astor in detail, helping you understand what it has to offer and where it might fall short. This will provide you with a clear picture if you're considering buying this model. Without further ado, let's dive in, and make sure to join the 91Wheels WhatsApp Channel to never miss out on automotive updates.

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MG Astor Pros

1) Interior with a Premium Feel

The Astor's interior is designed to attract buyers with its sleek and stylish appearance. It features a premium look with a soft dashboard and high-quality leather detailing. The dashboard, door trims, armrests, and centre console are all layered with premium leather, complete with stitching details.

The steering wheel is also wrapped in leather, adding to the luxurious feel. Satin chrome highlights accent the door handles, air vents, and steering wheel. Buyers can choose from a dual-tone interior theme in Ivory and Sangria Red or a Tuxedo Black option. The fit and finish are smooth, and there is ample space for both the driver and passengers, ensuring comfort and roominess.

2) Panoramic Skyroof

The demand for panoramic sunroofs in cars has been growing rapidly, and MG hasn't missed out on this trend. Instead of just offering a basic single-pane sunroof, they provide a full panoramic sunroof, which gives you a wide, clear view of the sky during the day or night. This feature not only adds a touch of luxury but also enhances the overall driving experience by letting in more natural light and offering a better connection with the outdoors.

3) Robust Body Shell with Improved Rigidity

MG cars have often been praised for their solid build quality, and the MG Astor is no exception. It features a robust body shell with impressive integrity and rigidity. In the event of an accident, having a strong build is crucial, as it helps absorb the impact and protect the occupants. A car with poor build quality might not withstand even minor impacts well, potentially leading to more severe damage. On the other hand, a well-built car like the MG Astor is designed to minimize the impact as much as possible, making it a safer choice on the road.

4) Personal AI Assistant: From Organizing Tasks to Entertaining You

Imagine you're driving alone and feeling like having a chat. Since there's no one else in the car, you might feel a bit lonely. But with the new MG Hectors special AI assistant, you have a companion to keep you company. This smart feature not only helps with car controls but also tells jokes, provides news updates, responds to your Hinglish commands, and more. Its like having a little buddy with you on the road, making solo drives more enjoyable and interactive.

5) Level 2 ADAS Features: Safety Without Compromise

The MG Astor was the first car in its segment to offer Level 2 ADAS features. It includes 14 advanced safety technologies, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Departure Prevention (LDP), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), among others. These features help enhance your safety and provide a smoother driving experience.

6) Better Affordable Price Options Compared To Rivals

This year, MG Motors has made the MG Astor more budget-friendly by introducing a new base variant called the "Sprint." With this update, the starting price of the Astor is now Rs 9.98 lakh. At this price point, the MG Astor Sprint offers a cost-effective choice compared to competitors like the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Honda Elevate, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

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MG Astor Cons

1) Absence of 6 Airbags as a Standard Feature

The MG Astor offers many impressive features and standard safety options, but it lacks the 6 airbags that are becoming a popular standard in SUVs. This feature provides an extra sense of security for customers, so its disappointing that the Astor only includes 6 airbags in its top two variants, Sharp Pro and Savvy Pro. It would have been nice if MG had updated this feature with their recent model updates. To stay competitive and meet customer expectations, its important for MG to include this safety feature in more variants soon.

2) Uncomfortable Rear Passenger Floor Design

The MG Astor's interior is generally well-received, but there's a notable issue with the rear seating area. The floor in the middle of the rear legroom has a block-like protrusion, which can be quite inconvenient. This design creates a problem for passengers sitting in the middle seat, as they have to either spread their legs wider to avoid the block or place their feet on it, which can be uncomfortable. This design flaw makes it difficult for three people to sit comfortably in the rear, raising questions about the reasoning behind this layout choice.

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3) Flip Side of Personal AI Assistants: When Your Digital Buddy Becomes A Nuisance

While the addition of a Personal AI Assistant can definitely enhance convenience for riders, it can also have its drawbacks. This AI Box is permanently mounted on the front centre dashboard, so if a rider prefers not to use this feature, they can't remove it without leaving a visible mark in its place. Additionally, since the AI feature is designed to improve over time, it might sometimes misunderstand or catch words you didnt intend to say. This could potentially be a bit frustrating for users who dont want the AIs presence or who experience unintended interactions.

4) Mediocre Engine Performance With Acceptable Mileage

The Astors engine might not meet expectations if you're looking for a punchy, fast ride. Its non-turbo petrol engine isn't very impressive for drivers here. While it might not offer anything extraordinary, its adequate for city driving. It also has a turbo petrol engine, but you might notice a significant lag when you press the pedal. This delay can take away from the excitement of driving.

Additionally, the engine's mileage is just average, so theres no standout efficiency to highlight. Overall, while the engine performs decently, it may not impress those seeking a more dynamic driving experience. Compared to its rivals, which offer better engine performance and efficiency, the Astor falls short.

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