MG Gloster Blackstorm Edition - Expert Review

Among the premium SUVs, one name that does not find much mention is that of the MG Gloster. However, as a product offering this model is quite underrated in comparison to the Toyota Fortuner. To offer the SUV a bit more push MG Motors has introduced the Blackstorm Edition. So what extra does the MG Gloster Blackstorm have to provide what we are here to find out?

MG Gloster Blackstorm - Exterior Design

Over the standard version, this one comes with an all-black colour scheme. The chrome bits have been given a miss and what you get to see are black finished elements. From cladding to roof rails and even the Gloster badging all now comes in black.

Touches of red can be found on the front and rear bumpers while the headlamps offer red inserts alongside red callipers. Overall besides a couple of these editions, the vehicle remains more or less the same.

MG Gloster Blackstorm - Interior Layout

Unlike in the case of any special edition where there are splashes of red, chrome and carbon fibre; this one does not offer much in comparison to the standard option. It thus comes equipped with an all-black interior offering leatherette upholstery. In contrast to the exterior, the seats could have provided red stitching to offer a sportier appeal.

Feature-wise it is loaded to the brim as what you get here is a dual panoramic sunroof, 3 zone climate control, 64 ambient lighting, tyre pressure monitoring system, ventilated front seats, and an air purifier among others.

Its dashboard layout remains the same and offers a 12.28-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The unit is intuitive and responsive allowing the user to control functions without any hindrance. Given the sheer size of the vehicle, there is abundant space on the inside for occupants seated in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd row. Though the last row is apt for accommodating children.

In terms of active and passive safety features, the Blackstorm Edition remains the same as the regular Gloster. It comes equipped with Level 1 ADAS functions such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Parking Assist, Blind Zone Detection, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert among many others.

MG Gloster Blackstorm - Engine and Performance

Mechanically, the vehicle remains the same which is that it comes equipped with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine under the hood. The oil mill is good for producing a maximum power output of 215 bhp with 478 Nm of peak torque. That said, weighing almost two tonnes the powerplant features a bit of a lag but post 1700 rpm it starts to gradually gain momentum and can achieve triple-digit speed in a matter of no time.

Further, the engine compartment is well insulated and therefore does not trouble its occupants by way of performance.  The 8-speed automatic gearbox on board does well to hand out smooth shifts. There are 3 driving modes namely Eco, Auto and Sport. Under each mode, combined the powertrain, transmission and suspension take up an individual characteristic to deliver the required output.

As for ride quality, it does well to soak in potholes and broken roads with utter ease. Handling isn't its strongest point especially at the time of taking on corners, in a straight line it still manages to do well.

Since this is a full-blown SUV, it also has a 4-wheel drive system. The mechanism provides 4-off road modes namely Rock, Mud, Sand and Snow. Each one of them has a specific role and no matter what the terrain is, the heavy-duty machine manages to pull itself through as we figured it out for ourselves.

MG Gloster Blackstorm - Verdict

The addition of Blackstorm to the Gloster line-up is a welcome decision. Its blackout bits on the outside definitely provide the SUV an edge. For those who are seeking a premium full-blown SUV that offers a bit more than practicality and performance, then this could be the vehicle for you given the aura that surrounds it. Having a price tag of Rs 43.87 lakh (ex-showroom), the vehicle delivers a sporty attitude for those looking for city and off-road adventure.