MG Aster : welcome to the mg aster now we’ve already brought you a detailed impression of this car from the booth international circuit and in case you’ve missed that do click on the link on your screen right now to check that out. But driving on a race track and driving in real world road conditions are two different things. So today i’m gonna give you a taste of what the mg is like in its natural habitat on the road.
MG Aster Exterior Overview
Before getting to the drive impressions allow me to quickly give you an overview of the asters exteriors and interiors. MG’s celestial chrome grille with its outward radiating pattern is certainly one of the asters most eye-catching design features. Its smart looking led headlamps and 17-inch alloys also do their bit to spice up its design. While the red brake calipers and fake dual exhaust housings add a touch of sportiness.
But on the whole despite being larger in dimensions than a hyundai creta the aster comes across more like a crossover in appearance. It lacks the butch road presence that suv buyers typically want. Still, the styling is modern and quite premium for its segment.
Premium Interior Experience
The interiors of this car are really impressive now the quality of material juice is excellent and the fit finish is really good. Whatever you touch has a nice soft squeegee feel to it and what accentuates this cabin’s premium quotient is this massive panoramic sunroof. The dark red interior theme also adds a luxurious touch. With a cabin that’s better built than any mg india offering, it feels top class.
The asters interiors feel solid and european in character and make you feel like you’ve spent your money well. Certain interior elements have a volkswagen-like feel such as the steering wheel and vents. Overall cabin ambience is refined and upmarket.
Cabin Space and Seating Comfort
Cabin space and seat comfort are largely good with reasonably comfortable front seats. The rear seat has adequate room even for taller adults and the floor hump is short. There is also an adjustable headrest for the middle passenger. But due to the cabin’s narrow width, three abreast will be a squeeze.
The boot is reasonably sized and you can fold the rear seat 60:40 to liberate more cargo room. Practicality is good for daily family use.
MG Aster Driving Impressions
Featured here is the top spec mg aster with the 1.3 liter turbo petrol engine that makes 140 horsepower and 220 nm torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed torque converter gearbox. For a 3-cylinder unit this aluminum engine is quite refined and remains quiet at idle. Even when you spin this engine to its redline it doesn’t lose its refined character.
It does sound a bit rummy at higher revs but it’s still quieter than some four-cylinder rivals. Sound insulation is very good and you can barely hear sounds from the outside world. Over coarse surfaces you hear some tyre noise filtering in. Power delivery is gradual and easy-going.
Engine Behaviour & Gearbox Performance
The 1.3 turbo doesn’t rev too high and maxes out at 5600 rpm. It isn’t about high rev excitement but about drivability and linearity. It doesn’t deliver that turbo-like mid-range punch but overall performance is smooth. The 6-speed torque converter is one of the smoothest around.
On first impression you could mistake it for a cvt because transitions are barely felt. It’s responsive when driven with a light foot. Downshifts are a bit slow and there are no paddle shifters. This reinforces its relaxed nature rather than a sporty one.
Acceleration & Braking
The aster does 0–100 km/h in 10.23 seconds which is slower than turbo rivals but not slow overall. It’s not the quickest in kickdown acceleration either but performance is satisfactory for everyday use. One peculiarity noticed is that when you lift your leg off the accelerator the car continues to accelerate momentarily. This takes some getting used to.
The brake pedal feel is gradual due to the car’s smooth character. Despite having all-wheel disc brakes, braking performance is par for the course. It is adequate but not sporty.
Suspension & Ride Comfort
Comfort is one of the Aster’s strong points thanks to its softly set suspension. It absorbs road imperfections beautifully and gives a premium ride feel. However at higher speeds you feel vertical movement. This is the trade-off for low-speed comfort.
The steering doesn’t give much feel or feedback and the car rolls around corners. It isn’t really for cornering enthusiasts. But for relaxed driving, it performs very well.
Steering Modes
The aster gets steering modes that change the steering weight. There is a difference between modes but not much change in feedback. Urban mode suits city driving while Dynamic suits higher speeds. The steering remains light and easy to use.
Advanced ADAS Features
One of the big talking points are the advanced driver assistance systems. These features work in the background to prevent accidents. With distracted driving cases rising, such features are extremely valuable. The Aster offers several level-2 ADAS technologies.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive cruise control allows you to set a speed and the aster will maintain it. If the car ahead slows down the aster slows down automatically. When the car accelerates the aster also accelerates and maintains speed. It can even come to a complete halt while keeping a preset distance.
Blind Spot Detection & Lane Assist
Blind spot detection uses orange LEDs in the mirrors to warn you. It is useful in erratic driving environments. Lane departure warning alerts you if you drift out of your lane. Lane keeping assist even corrects your steering and brings you back to the center.
Cross Traffic Alert & Camera Quality
Cross traffic alert helps when reversing from perpendicular parking. It displays a warning triangle on the touchscreen. While the feature is useful, the 360-degree camera quality leaves much to be desired. It could be sharper and clearer.
Other ADAS Features
The aster also offers frontal collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. Speed assist detects speed limit signs and adjusts speed automatically. Intelligent high beam control dips the beam when it detects an oncoming vehicle. These features enhance safety significantly.
Pricing, Features & Value
If you’re willing to pay ₹76,000 to ₹93,000 extra, the ADAS package is worth it. The QTC artificial intelligence robot is another unique feature. It performs voice commands and answers questions using Wikipedia. Kids especially will love this feature.
The aster misses some features like wireless charging, cooled seats, and paddle shifters. But its pricing remains competitive. The sub-10 lakh base variant offers phenomenal value.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the MG Aster?
In summary the mg aster is a refined, smooth and comfortable midsize suv. It isn’t for driving enthusiasts but perfect for laid-back drivers. The controls are light, the engine is likable and the gearbox is smooth. The interiors are premium and the build quality is top class.
Its long equipment list and ADAS features add great value. Considering the price, it deserves to be on your shortlist. The mg aster is a polished, premium and value-packed offering in its segment.