MG Gloster real world fuel economy tested, explained

The MG Gloster is the largest, comfiest and best-equipped SUV in its segment, as we’ve stated in our mega SUV shootout. This SUV is available with a diesel engine in two states of tune – the entry-level version is available with a single turbo, whereas the top-spec comes with a segment-first twin-turbo diesel engine. We put the latter to the test to find out its real-world fuel efficiency.

• Twin-turbo diesel isn’t a responsive engine

• 8-speed auto has only two overdrive gears

• Weighs a significant 2,518kg

What is the real-world fuel efficiency of MG Gloster?

The MG Gloster twin-turbo diesel managed a fuel efficiency of 8.4kpl in the city and 10.8kpl on the highway. For reference, the efficiency test was conducted in Eco mode, however, we couldn’t discern a tangible difference between engine or gearbox performance across the various drive modes.

Analysis of MG Gloster’s fuel efficiency

The in-house-developed 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine is still the most powerful engine in its class, churning out 218hp. However, with a kerb weight of 2,518kg to haul, the Gloster has its work cut out. With poor low-speed responses, a significant amount of lag, and a constant need to prod the accelerator to get moving, this diesel engine isn’t nicely calibrated. The constant on- and off-boost in city driving conditions certainly take a toll on its fuel efficiency, and the short gearing doesn’t help its case either. Highway fuel consumption isn’t much better, because only the seventh and eighth ratios are overdrive gears. This is great when cruising at a steady speed on an expressway. However, with the engine spinning at just 1,750revs in eighth gear at 100kph, fuel efficiency will drop further when there’s a need to overtake vehicles on a narrower highway, where downshifts to fourth, fifth or even sixth gear are essential. 

Autocar India’s fuel efficiency testing

Before our real-world fuel efficiency test, we fill the tanks of our test cars till the brim and maintain tyre pressures based on the manufacturer’s recommendation. These cars are driven in fixed city and highway loops and we maintain certain average speeds. To keep a check on any untoward variation, we always have a reference car driving along, one that we’ve already tested in the past; periodic driver swaps further neutralise variations in driver patterns. At the end of each cycle, we calculate efficiency by tanking them up till the brim. Throughout our test, there is only one person in each car, running the air-con and other electrical like the audio system, indicators and wipers when required, just like how a regular user would. We take pride in our testing data, which isn’t merely consistent, but also gives users an accurate indication of what they can expect in the real world.

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