MG Gloster Engine & Performance
The MG Gloster comes with two engine options. The first is a 2.0 turbo charged diesel engine that develops 163 hp and 375 Nm of torque. This motor is only available in the Super and Smart variants. The second option is a twin turbo 2.0 litre diesel engine that puts out 218 hp and 480 Nm of torque which is available in the Sharp and top end Savvy variants and is powering our test car as well. The engine comes mated to an eight speed torque convertor automatic gearbox and an on demand 4WD system. There is no low range but it gets a rear e-differential that can be engaged by pressing a button on the centre console. Additionally it also gets a set of off-road modes: Snow, Mud, Rock and Sand.
First up, the engine has great refinement levels and you don’t hear a thing inside the cabin. NVH levels are top notch. Coming to the driving part, with 218 horses on paper you expect it to be quick. But that that is not the case starting off the block. The low end is particularly weak and feels sluggish. Even hard pressing the accelerator doesn’t make a difference. Things get better once 2000 rpm is crossed and there is a good mid-range. The shifts from the gearbox are smooth, but it takes time to respond at the bottom end. But you do have the option to shift manually via the paddle shifters. It also gets Eco and Sport driving modes. Highway cruising ability is excellent and will make long distance driving a pleasure. Power delivery is smooth.
MG Gloster Ride & Handling
One important area where the MG Gloster impresses is the ride quality. It is less bouncier than what you expect from a ladder frame SUV. The suspension is well tuned and all road undulations and potholes are soaked up easily. Body roll is very prominent, being a tall heavy SUV, and its best to ease the Gloster around corners. On the other hand, the steering feels light and makes driving easy in city traffic. Feedback at speed is also nothing to complain about.
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