MG Motors has announced a partnership on the Internet of Things (IOT) space with Jio India’s leading digital services provider. The company also confirmed that its upcoming mid-sized SUV will be the first model to feature the IT systems enabled by Jio’s IoT solutions. The upcoming mid-sized SUV will be the petrol derivative of the ZS EV, which is rumoured to be called MG Astor.
Jio will support automotive solutions designed to deliver an array of consumer and enterprise services. The company said that the upcoming MG Astor buyers will “benefit from Jio’s widespread internet outreach, along with the highest quality connectivity, not only in metros but also in small towns and rural areas.”
Jio’s new-age connected car tech is a combination of hardware, software and connectivity. This enable users to access trending infotainment and real-time telematics on the go. Talking about the partnership, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India, said, “Technology and innovation are leading the connected car space in the automobile industry. The current trend focuses increasingly on software-driven devices and our current partnership with a tech-innovator like Jio in the IoT space is a step towards establishing MG Motor as a tech leader in the automobile industry. This partnership will ensure our next mid-sized connected SUV further simplifies the driving experience and ensures safety backed by technology.”
MG Astor – What To Expect?
It is basically the facelifted version of the ZS SUV, which is on sale in select international markets. Internally called the Model K, the new SUV will be positioned against the likes of the Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos and the Skoda Kushaq. The SUV is expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakh to Rs 17 lakh.
The SUV has been spotted multiple times on the Indian roads. The spy images reveal that the petrol model comes with some design changes, primarily at the front, to keep things fresh in the market. It will have a more prominent front grille, re-profiled bumper and new headlamp and tail-lamp. However, the overall profile will remain identical to the electric model.
The cabin will also receive changes in terms of larger touchscreen infotainment system and new upholstery. The SUV will also get a large panoramic sunroof, automatic AC, multi-functional steering wheel and many more. The MG Astor is likely to be the first model in its category to offer ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System).
It will come with two petrol engine options – a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated petrol and a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol. While the naturally-aspirated petrol engine will produce around 120bhp and 150Nm of torque, the turbocharged engine is capable of producing 163bhp of power and 230Nm of torque. Both manual and automatic gearbox options will be on offer.
