Size Matters: MG Gloster First Drive Review

India is in love with SUVs. Don't take my word for it, look at the number of SUVs launched in the last couple of years, look at the sales figures every month or if all that is too much, just look at the cars on the road. Almost everyone wants an SUV and most of them want a big SUV. MG is banking on this sentiment as they enter the full-size SUV segment with their latest, Gloster.

Unlike traditional reviews, lets get the awkward bits out of the way first. Even though the MG Gloster is imposing, I mean it is a big car bigger than the competition for sure, but its looks are an opportunity missed. It does not have a distinct design which would help it stand out in a crowd. There is a kinda generic big SUV vibe to it, if you look up front with a big chrome grille, DRL�s and LED�s. The rear is one mish-mash of badges, which could have been avoided, and quite plain. The fake exhausts are where I draw the line, completely unnecessary.

Since we are on the awkward bits, the engine and the gearbox on the Gloster leave a bit to desire. The engine is a 2.0 litre twin turbo diesel which makes 218 hp and 480 nm, pretty decent numbers I say but it is not enough for a big, full size, body-on-frame SUV. At lower revs, the Gloster feels sluggish and heavy despite a light steering. At city speeds, it is not a fun car to drive and that is something you never want to hear for the most powerful car in the segment. There are driving modes, including a Sport mode, but it doesn't make the car any more fun to drive. On the highways is where the Gloster is comfortable, even at triple digit speeds, munching miles.

On the inside is where the MG Gloster outsmarts the competition, without a doubt. The tan leather dashboard, a 12.3 touch screen, an 8 multi-information display, well laid out central console the Gloster feels more premium than all of its competition. The steering is nice and light, but is a bit busy for my liking. The front seats are power adjustable, with memory function, heating/cooling and a massage function for the drivers seat. The front passenger does not get this luxe treatment, sadly, and only gets a heating option(!). The captain seats in the second row are possibly the best seats in the Gloster. They can be reclined a fair bit and have a decent range of sliding travel, especially with no one in the last row. The cup holders in the second row are quite a neat trick. Even the most die-hard Fortuner/Endeavour fans cannot deny the Gloster has more space and the space has been utilised well. The third row, again best in class, is not just for children which is not something one says about third row seating. There is a panoramic sunroof as well, something people take for granted in an MG car.

Like any MG product, the Gloster has a list of features almost as long as the Great Wall of China. Whether it is safety, technology or comfort, MG has given the Gloster everything a little extra than the competition. There are the usual suspects like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Navigation, Gaana and MGs i-Smart, which is a pretty cool party trick. 360 degree camera is a big boon, considering the size of the car but the late 2000s want their resolution back. The never ending list of features includes a three-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, 12-speaker audio system, 12-colour ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring and an electronic parking brake with auto hold.

If these features are not enough to impress you, the Gloster gets ADAS (Advanced Driver Assisted System) features like blind spot warning, driver fatigue detection, auto parking assist, frontal collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and the mundane stuff like cruise control.

If you are chauffeur driven, the Gloster deserves a serious consideration. It is one step ahead in all areas when compared to the competition. The ride quality is good, there is a lot of space and you won't go wanting for features. At 28.99-35.8 lakh, it is priced well too undercutting the competition. However, if you are someone who spends most of their time driving the Gloster may not be for you.

POWERTRAIN Engine: 1996cc, twin-turbo, diesel Max power: 218 hp@4000 rpm Max torque: 480 Nm@2400 rpm Transmission: 8-speed auto

TYRES F/R: 255/55 R19

DIMENSIONS L/W/H (mm): 4985/1926/1867 Wheelbase: 2950 mm Fuel tank: 75 litres

PRICE: Rs 28.9 - 35.38 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi