Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather ’round for the grand unveiling of the MG Astor – the car that’s here to revolutionize your driving experience and maybe even make you laugh along the way. Picture this: a Chinese SUV strutting down the runway with the confidence of a supermodel and the charm of a stand-up comedian. Yes, folks, it’s the MG ZS Astor!
A History Lesson (But Fun!)
First hitting the roads in 2017, the Astor has been a crowd-pleaser ever since. Fast forward to 2024, and we’re gazing upon the first-generation facelift variant – think of it as the Astor with a fresh new haircut and a cheeky smile. Exclusively a petrol beast, the range starts at a modest INR 10 lakh (ex-showroom), while the top-of-the-line Savvy Pro model demands a princely sum of INR 17.89 lakh.
The Electrifying Twin
Did you know the Astor has a sibling with a green thumb? Meet the ZS EV, starting at INR 19 lakh. It’s the environmentally conscious sibling who’s always reminding you to recycle and turn off the lights when you leave the room.
International Fame
The Astor isn’t just an Indian celebrity; it’s a global sensation! Known as MG ZX, ZST, or VS in various countries, it’s the international equivalent of that friend who has different nicknames in every group. Assembled in India, China, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia, the Astor is a true globetrotter.
Safety Ratings: Mixed Reviews
Safety-wise, the Astor has been through the wringer. Euro NCAP gave it a “meh” 3 out of 5 stars, while ASEAN NCAP showered it with a perfect 5 out of 5. It’s like that one kid in school who gets a gold star from some teachers and a “needs improvement” from others.
The ADAS Extravaganza
MG Astor comes with ADAS Level 2, which is a fancy way of saying it has a bunch of features that make you feel like you’re in a sci-fi movie. Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking – it’s like having a very cautious and somewhat paranoid co-pilot.
Variant Bonanza
Astor now comes in five flavors: Sprint, Shine, Select, Sharp Pro, and Savvy Pro. Think of them as ice cream flavors – each one a little different, but all guaranteed to make your drive deliciously smooth.
Exterior: The Show-Off
With features like fog lamps with cornering function, celestial grille, and automatic full LED hawkeye headlamps, the Astor is basically peacocking on the road. Rain-sensing wipers and power-adjustable, foldable heated mirrors with turn indicators and cameras – it’s like having a tiny butler for your car.
Size Does Matter
At 4.3 meters in length, 1.8 meters in width, and 1.6 meters in height, the Astor is just the right size to make you feel like a road king without the hassle of parking a tank.
Wheels and Brakes: Fancy Feet
Riding on 17-inch dual-tone machined alloy wheels (or 16-inch steel wheels if you’re feeling basic), with disc brakes all around, the Astor is ready to dance. Red brake calipers are the cherry on top for those who like a pop of color. It is equipped with 215/55 R17 94V Goodyear Assurance Triplemax 2 radial tubeless tyres.
Color Me Impressed
Reviewing the Starry Black color, the Astor also comes in white, red, silver, and grey. It’s like choosing your fighter in a video game – each one equally ready to conquer.
Suspension and Body: Smooth Operator
The Astor boasts McPherson strut suspension in the front and torsion beam suspension in the rear. Coupled with an ultra-high tensile steel cage body, it’s built like a fortress on wheels.
Rear Bumper and Lights: Bling Bling
A dual exhaust design rear bumper, rear fog lamp, LED tail lamps with Emergency Stop Signal, rear wiper with washer, and defogger – this car is practically screaming, “Look at me!”
Steering and Safety: The Control Freak
Three steering modes – normal, urban, and dynamic – cater to your every mood. The ADAS Level 2 safety system is like having an overprotective mom who just wants to keep you safe. Six airbags, ABS, EBD, Active Cornering Brake Control, Remote Keyless Entry, Electronic Stability Program, Traction Control System, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, rear parking sensors, seatbelt reminder, 360 degree camera, Security Alarm, Speed Warning Alert, Central Locking, Speed Sensing Auto Door lock, Child Lock, Impact Sensing Door Unlock, Engine Immobilizer, ISOFIX child seat mounting, and a whole lot more acronyms mean you’re covered from every angle.
Tech Savvy: The Nerd
With i-Smart 2.0, you can control over 80 features from your smartphone. Digital key sharing, Anti-Theft Immobilisation, live location sharing, tracking, remote car lock/unlock, find my car, geofence, Smart Drive Information, engine start alarm, Vehicle speeding Alert, Vehicle Status Check, tyre pressure voice alert, and even a remote AC on/off feature – it’s like the car that’s smarter than your average teenager.
Accessories Galore: The Fashionista
door visor, foot step, floor mats, mud flaps, car cover, chrome garnish, spoiler extension, side scoop, hood scoop, illuminated wheel hub, exhaust finisher, body graphics, badges, body side moulding, bull bar, seat cover, scuff plate, key finder, ambient mood lamp, puddle lamp, dash cam and more, the Astor offers more accessories than a high-end fashion boutique. You can pimp this ride to your heart’s content.
Interior: The Cozy Den
With a 488-litre boot space, 16-inch steel spare wheel, and six speakers, the Astor is ready for road trips. White leatherette upholstery, with options for red and black fabric, gives it a stylish edge.
Fancy Features: The Showman
Ventilated seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt steering, dual horn, CVT automatic transmission – the list goes on. Wireless charging, automatic AC, a 10.1-inch HD touchscreen infotainment system with i-Smart 2.0, and a personal AI assistant – it’s like having a mini butler in your car.
The Heartbeat: The Engine
Two engine options: a 1498 cc inline 4-cylinder VTi-Tech petrol engine with 108 horsepower and a 1349 cc inline 3-cylinder 220Turbo petrol engine with 138 horsepower. Both offer decent fuel efficiency and enough power to keep your drive thrilling.
Final Verdict: The Stand-Up SUV
The MG Astor is like that charming friend who’s always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh. It’s packed with features, oozes style, and offers a driving experience that’s both safe and fun. Whether you’re in it for the tech, the safety, or just the sheer joy of driving something that feels like a high-tech chariot, the Astor is ready to be your new best friend on wheels.
