Is MG Gloster testing with a petrol engine to take on Fortuner?

MG is having a decent run with its flagship SUV Gloster, which now happens to be the next best contender in the full-size ladder-on-frame SUV segment after the Toyota Fortuner. While the MG Gloster has already impressed many with its road presence and a plethora of features, MG is reportedly working on an update for the new version of the SUV. A test mule of a heavily camouflaged unit of MG Gloster was spied on test runs by 91Wheels. But why is MG is testing the Gloster?

Why MG is testing the Gloster?

The most prominent update which can make its way into the updated MG Gloster is the revised ADAS package. Currently, in the Level 1 stage, the autonomous driving assistance system (ADAS) in the MG Gloster can be upgraded to the Level 2 stage, just like how it is in the smaller MG Astor. The Level 2 ADAS package activates steering-mounted controls to assist the system, apart from performing acceleration and braking functions.

Also read: MG Gloster: Owner exchanges luxurious Jaguar XF to buy the SUV

It means that the updated MG Gloster will get updated versions of ADAS features like lane functions (lane keep assist, lane departure prevention and lane departure warning), rear-drive assist (blind-spot detection, lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert), adaptive cruise control, forward collision prevention (front collision warning, automatic emergency braking and automatic emergency braking for pedestrian), speed assist system (intelligent and manual speed warning) and intelligent headlamp control.

Another speculation which cannot be neglected is the possibility of a new petrol-powered engine. The rising demand for petrol-powered full-size SUVs has risen after the arrival of the Skoda Kodiaq. While the Toyota Fortuner can also be had with an on-demand petrol-powered version, MG could do the same with the petrol version of the Gloster. If it happens, expect the Gloster to come with a 2.0-litre or bigger turbocharged petrol engine.

MG Gloster

Currently, the MG Gloster is available in India as a diesel-only SUV, which comes with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine as standard. The lower-spec Super and Smart variants come with a rear-wheel-drive configuration and a single-turbo version of the diesel engine, which claims 161 bhp of maximum power and 375 Nm of maximum torque.

On the other hand, the top-spec Sharp and Savvy variants feature a four-wheel-drive system and bi-turbo version of the engine, which produces higher power and torque outputs of 215 bhp and 480 Nm. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is offered as standard across the entire range, with the fully-loaded Savvy variant also getting the ADAS package.

Also read: MG Astor compact SUV launch timeline unveiled