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The Astor, unlike its closest competitors, lacks a diesel powertrain. Instead, there are two petrol engines and transmission options. The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine produces 108bhp and 144Nm, and the other option is the one we have here. It has a more powerful 1.3-liter turbo petrol engine with 138bhp and 220Nm of torque.

This engine is now only available with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission, and our initial impressions of this drive-train are very positive. I realize the Aster isn't the type of car you'd drive to a Formula 1 track and run hot laps in, but for what is essentially a family crossover, it performed admirably. Because peak power arrives early in the rpm range, this relatively modest 1.3-liter engine produces outstanding bottom-end and mid-range punch.

The 6-speed automatic transmission combined with this engine isn't the most lively, but it's also not an old-school slushbox. The upshifts are fairly swift, and the gear changes are smooth. It's just that it doesn't handle spirited driving well and responds slowly to throttle adjustments. When driving moderately quickly, you must plan everything.

The Astor is distinguished by its many steering modes for an improved feel. This is a first for the segment, and as it turned out, the BIC was the ideal location to assess how the steering weighted and felt in each mode. The other disadvantage of driving any family car at the BIC is that you can rapidly exceed the limitations of the tyres and comfort-biased suspension setup. When it comes to changing directions and attacking bends, the Astor is naturally soft and sluggish to respond, but for everyday driving, it's a decently quiet and comfortable family vehicle.

The steering modes available vary how it feels, although it's mostly due to how heavy and light it gets in Dynamic and Urban, respectively. It's probably better to leave it at Normal because it will do exactly what it says on the box. We couldn't truly test the Astor's ride quality because our initial drive was limited to the silky-smooth roads in and around the BIC. Nonetheless, the Astor will be back with us soon for a road test, so stay tuned for our thorough road test.

The massively chromed concave grille at the front is the first thing that strikes your eye. It's a one-piece device, and despite its size, it doesn't have an over-the-top appearance, which we think is a positive thing. We particularly appreciate Astor's complete LED headlights, which include daytime running lights in the shape of a boomerang.

Aside from that, there isn't much to distinguish the Astor from the ZS EV, however, you do receive new 17-inch alloy wheels that look extremely cool with the turbine-shaped dual-tone design. When it comes to detailing, the taillights are similar to the ones in the front - you can see the same boomerang-style main light under which you have little segmented light clusters that appear to have been precisely organized.

This being an MG model, there are numerous badges adorning the body panels. In reality, the tailgate features a huge MG emblem, Astor lettering, and ADAS and ZS badges. In addition, certain trim levels receive Brit Dynamic badging on the sides, and AI Inside is written on the front doors regardless of trim level.

When compared to the Hector, the Astor provides a significant increase in perceived quality, which you will notice as soon as you step inside. First and foremost, there's the red and black pattern for the dash, seats, and door pads, which stands out in a sea of black and beige interiors. If you don't like the sporty upholstery and prefer something more opulent, there are two other color options to choose from - ivory and black. Second, MG has used softly padded materials throughout the cabin, so chances are you'll get that nice embellished feel to all of the controls and touch points.

The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system has a layout that is much more traditional than that of the Hector and is conveniently located below the AC vents. When it comes to fluidity and the appearance of the graphics, the touch response and user interface are also better, but they are still not the best in class. You get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for connectivity, and this system also has an embedded Jio eSim that offers a plethora of in-car connectivity features. The AI assistant and connectivity features, which are this car's standout features, will be covered later, but for now, let's climb into the back and experience it for ourselves.

For adults of ordinary size, there are now practically any problems in the back because there is plenty of legroom. The seat itself provides adequate back support, and the backrest angle is also generally accurate. But the high window line and the seat's slight under-thigh support are things we don't like about this place. The two USB ports and low floor hump for the middle passenger are positives, but we wouldn't advocate having three people in this seat because the shoulder room isn't excellent and the backrest is exceptionally harsh, putting the middle passenger at risk of developing back pain on lengthy trips.

The quirky-looking personal AI helper is Astor's USP. Despite how strange it seems, this live dash ornament can hear and respond to a variety of spoken instructions. For instance, you can speak to your automobile to operate features like the sunroof. If you're feeling down, you can also ask for updates on the weather and the most recent news. This interactive feature is really strange to watch as this little person moves and turns to face you in response to your orders.

In-Cabin Features

• A full-size sunroof
• Climate control & rain-sensing wipers
• 7-inch digital instrument cluster
• Fully powered driver's seat
• Automatic parking brake
• USB connector on the side of the internal rearview mirror

Safety Features

• Level 2 autonomous system that uses a camera and radar up front for active safety features.
• Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Departure Prevention, and Speed Assist.
• Six airbags
• 360-degree camera
• Electronic parking brake
• Disc brakes on all four corners
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Blind-spot detection
• ISOFIX child seat mounts.

However, the Aster is missing a few things. Cooled seats, real sun shades, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror are not included. These are all elements that make you feel good that MG could have added, especially given how popular they are right now.

The ZS EV may not have any real competitors, but MG India faces some formidable competition with Astor. We all know how well-selling the Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos are, and now the MG Astor must compete with the Skoda Kushaq and the recently released Volkswagen Taigun, both of which are respectable vehicles in their own right.

Additionally, The Astor has a lot going for it. Given that MG is aiming this car at a younger demographic of buyers, it drives well, looks great, and has all the latest trendy amenities. The fact that the Astor includes multiple segment-first, genuinely useful features, like ADAS and the AI assistant, really works in its favor. The latter may appear gimmicky to some people, but it has great potential, and we are eager to see how this technology advances. So what is left for MG India to do? They have, however, supported what we believe to be a strong product with reasonable prices.