MG Astor to Introduce Segment First AI Assistant, Level 2 ADAS

MG Motor India is gearing up for the launch of the MG Astor SUV in the Indian market. The company has announced that the upcoming MG Astor will come equipped with a personal AI (artificial intelligence) assistant and Autonomous Level 2 Driver Assistance Systems, both of which will be segment-first features.The MG Astor is expected to be equipped with a plethora of high-end technology and smart features. The Astor will be the first global MG model to be equipped with a personal AI assistant that has been designed by American firm ‘Star Design’. The Astor will actually feature an interactive robot on the dashboard for its personal AI assistant.Powered by the i-Smart Hub, the AI assistant can depict human-like emotions & voices and can give detailed information on every topic through Wikipedia. It has been designed to engage with people in the car and even turns to listen to you when you talk to it. It will also serve as a platform for the CAAP-based (Car-as-a-Platform) services.The Astor is the first car that gets the Concept of Car as a Platform (CAAP) software that integrates technologies such as Blockchain, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, thus allowing customers a personalized set of services. It hosts subscriptions and services, including maps and navigation with MapMyIndia, Jio connectivity, etc.The other most notable highlight on the Astor will be its Level 2 ADAS tech, a first for the mid-size SUV segment. Even the MG Gloster from a segment above gets Level 1 ADAS technology. Powered by mid-range radars and cameras, ADAS will bring in features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Rear Drive Assist (RDA) and Speed Assist System amongst others.The MG Astor is essentially a facelifted version of the ZS SUV. The grille features a radial pattern concentrating at the center and is finished in tungsten steel electroplated material which gives it a three-dimensional effect. MG has also teased the dual tone ‘Sangria Red’ interior of Astor, which will be one of the three interior themes available with the mid-size SUV.The new MG Astor SUV will come with a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated petrol mill producing 120hp and 150Nm of torque. Additionally, there will be a 1.3-litre turbo-petrol engine on offer as well, which will pit out 163hp and 230Nm. The Astor’s engines will come mated to either a manual or automatic gearbox.The MG Astor will sit below the hector and compete with the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Nissan Kicks, and Renault Duster.Official price of the MG Astor might be announced in September.