MG Gloster

Expert Review by Maxabout

Introduction

Launched in 2020, the MG Gloster is a rebadged Maxus D90 which was developed by MG Motor India for the Indian market only. MG Motors started its sparkling journey in the country with the introduction of its all-new Hector SUV. With its sophisticated design language and host of features, the Hector was capable of enticing Indian car buyers. The cherry on top was the powerful powertrain and price point of Hector. Therefore, after witnessing a huge success in our country, in 2020, the brand offered the MG Gloster SUV. As with the other MG cars, the Gloster also sports premium-looking cosmetics and features.

MG Gloster Design and Style

Gloster has the traditional powerful SUV style, with a massive grille with three horizontal slats finished in satin silver. The thin design headlights are elegantly sunken into the body and feature twin projector beams and DRLs with a white gleam. The fog lamps are mounted vertically, with 'C' shaped chrome inserts running around them. The massive bonnet has character lines that mark the front appearance.

2023 Gloster's side appearance is once again imposing and traditional SUV-like. It is distinguished by the distinctive chrome band that runs across the lower portion of the windows and joins the roof rails across the D pillar to form a distinctive 'C' design. Other features of this SUV's side sketch include wide wing mirrors, a large glass area featuring a fixed rear quarter glass, and a distinctive satin silver accent set vertically on the fenders.

Turning to the rear profile, the monster continues its hefty dimensions on the tailgate and the rear bumper. The taillights are all LED and nicely sunken, and the tailgate has a spoiler and a chrome strip running throughout the width of the lid. The boot lid also boasts GLOSTER badging that offers the SUV a premium appearance. In terms of body dimensions, the beast is 4985mm in length, 1926mm in width, and 1867mm in height, with an overall wheelbase of 2950mm.

MG Gloster Engine and Gearbox

MG has offered the New Gloster with two powertrain options. The first one is 1996cc, 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that is offered with 2WD variants. This engine has the capability of churning out 163 HP and 375 Nm of torque when coupled to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The other one is a 1996cc, 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine which is offered with 4WD variants. This engine generates 218 HP and 480 Nm of torque when mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

MG Gloster Interior, Instrument Cluster & Boot Space

Step inside the New MG Gloster and you will feel the spaciousness of the cabin. The 12-way powered, electrically adjustable seat offers not only the cooling and heat option but also the massage function. The co-driver seat is also 8-way power-adjustable for enhanced comfort. The Gloster has tan leather upholstery with a distinctive diamond quilt shape stitch that appears luxurious and opulent. The dashboard is wider and large in size and is built of soft rubbery material similar to that seen in premium vehicles and comes in a dual-tone treatment with the top part being black and the lower dash wrapped in brown leather.

The flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in leather and has beautifully crafted large-sized multi-function control buttons with metal inlays. This steering can be adjusted manually for height and reach. The middle row is equipped with two captain seats that may be manually moved forward and adjusted for back support as needed. These seats provide unparalleled comfort, as well as plenty of leg, knee, and headroom. The third-row seats are equally comfortable and offer ample space for the occupants so that even a lean third occupant can sit there freely.

Another highlight is the extra-large panoramic electric sunroof, which allows more light into the cockpit. The instrument cluster is traditional MG, with the needles on the speedometer and tachometer going upwards in opposing directions. A colour TFT display in the cluster's centre reads out all of the pertinent information in a visual format. The SUV comes with a huge 343-litre boot space, which is further expandable up to 1350-litres by folding the seats.

MG Gloster Brakes, Suspension & Tyres

Braking duties in the New MG Gloster are handled by disc brakes on both ends while the suspension is done by Dual Helix Independent Suspension at the front and Five Link Integral Suspension at the rear. The SUV rides on 19-inch alloy wheels that are shod in 255/55 size tyres. The offered spare wheel is also a 19-inch alloy wheel outfitted with 255/55 size tyres for all the variants.

MG Gloster Key Features

2023 MG Gloster comes with a host of features including LED headlamps with auto levelling, LED tail lights, turn indicators on ORVMs, an outside mirror with logo projection, steering assist cornering lamps, diamond-cut alloy wheels, dual barrel twin chrome exhaust, 12-way powered driver seat, wireless charging, panoramic sunroof, intelligent start/stop, 31.2cm touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 12 speakers, hands-free tailgate with kick gesture, LED interior reading lights, 64 colours ambient lighting, premium leather upholstery, 7 driving modes and much more.

As far as passenger safety is concerned, the SUV comes equipped with 30+ standard safety features comprising six airbags, automatic vehicle hold, electro-mechanical differential lock, ABS with EBD & brake assist, traction control system, electric parking brake with auto hold, 360-degree view camera, Hill Hold Control, Hill Descent Control, driver fatigue reminder system, electronic stability programme to name a few.

MG Gloster Top Speed, Acceleration & Mileage

2023 Gloster accelerates from 0-100 kmph within 12.70 seconds and can reach up to a top speed of 177 km/h. As for fuel efficiency, the real-world mileage of the twin-turbo diesel ranges from 8-9 km/l in the city traffic and 10-11 km/l on the highways. However, these figures may vary depending on various factors.

MG Gloster Colour Options

The offered colour scheme of the new MG Gloster consists of four shades called Agate Red, Metal Black, Metal Ash and Warm White.

MG Gloster Ex-showroom Price & On-Road Price

At present, the ex-showroom price for the new MG Gloster starts at Rs 32 lakh. Now, to understand the difference between ex-showroom and on-road prices, the ex-showroom price of a car is the sticker price that does not include the cost of road tax, insurance, and registration. On the other hand, the on-road price includes the previously mentioned costs and the cost of insurance, RC, one-time road tax, extended warranty, and all accessories purchased for the vehicle. It is worth noting that on-road prices in our country vary greatly from state to state.

MG Gloster Competitors

If we talk about the competitors of the MG Gloster in the car market, these are the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, Mahindra Alturas G4, Volkswagen Tiguan, Skoda Kodiaq, Jeep Meridian and the Hyundai Tucson.

Verdict - Should You Buy MG Gloster or not?

With the exception of the price, 2023 MG Gloster appears to be a good purchase for Indian buyers. However, the SUV comes with a plethora of features and a sophisticated design language that justifies the price point. It is strong and swift on the road, with superb on-road characteristics. The off-road modes aren't distractions, and the SUV has a substantial capability when the terrain becomes difficult. If you are looking for a car for your family as well as off-roading and price is no issue for you, you need not give a second thought and buy it.