Could we see the MG Astor in the Philippines?

The MG Astor crossover was recently unveiled in India, and it could be an enticing option should it launch in the Philippines.

While MG Philippines' local lineup includes models like the MG 5 and MG ZS, our market hasn't seen something quite like the Astor. Touted as India's first car with onboard artificial intelligence (AI), the MG Astor boasts a variety of advanced and premium features, some of which are unique in its segment.

The Astor will reportedly come equipped with a level 2 advanced driver assistance system (ADAS), which includes features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a speed assist system. 

MG's newest crossover will get a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There's also a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging capabilities, three steering modes, and a 6-way power-adjustable driver's seat.  The Astor's other notable features include full-LED headlamps, 9-element LED daytime running lights (DRLs), rain-sensing windshield wipers, and six airbags.

MG could reportedly equip the Astor with a 1.3-liter turbo gasoline engine that can produce 160 hp. As for the transmission, only a 6-speed automatic has been confirmed officially. According to reports, a 6-speed manual gearbox could be in the cards as well.

The new MG Astor could launch in India this September with a converted price of around P1,200,000. There's no word on a local release, however. A feature-packed crossover like the Astor would be welcome in the Philippines and could rival offerings from Ford, Geely, and other automakers.

If the Astor does arrive locally, we expect it to come with a higher price tag than in India. This is due to the crossover's advanced tech features that generally command high price points in our market. MG could also release the Astor as a stripped-down version with fewer features and a cheaper price tag. For now, we'll have to wait and see when the Astor is unveiled.