MG Reveals Gloster’s Semi-Autonomous Parking Assist Feature

The SUV will be able to parallel-park itself like the Endeavour

Update (08/10/2020): MG has launched the Gloster SUV at a starting price of Rs 28.98 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

• Gloster to get semi-autonomous driver assist systems.

• New teaser showcases the parking assist feature but Gloster is expected to offer segment-firsts like adaptive cruise control and auto emergency braking.

• It also showcases the Gloster’s interiors with captain seats in the middle row.

• The Gloster gets a large coloured display in the instrument cluster and a BMW-like dashboard layout.

• MG is expected to launch Gloster in Diwali 2020.

The premium, full-size SUV segment is about to get a new competitor in the form of the MG Gloster. It was showcased earlier this year at Auto Expo 2020 but not many details were revealed. The carmaker has recently started releasing teasers for the Gloster and the latest one shows off the car’s semi-auto parking assist feature.

This feature allows the car to do most of the parking manoeuvers while the driver simply operates the brakes and drive select to switch between drive and reverse. It works a lot like the feature offered in the Ford Endeavour. As showcased in the video, once the feature is activated using a button on the central console, it will look for a free parallel parking spot and once it finds an adequate space, it alerts the driver to stop. The driver then has to put the gear select into reverse and relinquish the wheel as the car will steer itself into the free parking spot. A driver still needs to apply the brakes when needed and select forward drive in case the car needs to move forwards to complete parking. This feature is particularly handy for tricky parking spots where the car can fit but it would be quite a fuss to do it manually. 

It is just one of the semi-autonomous features that are expected on the MG Gloster. As per a previous teaser, it will also be equipped with segment-first emergency autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control. The latest teaser video also reveals more details of the Gloster’s interior such as the captain seats in the middle row, the plush upholstery, semi-digital instrument cluster with a colour TFT display, and a touchscreen infotainment system (likely a 12-inch unit). It also gives away the Gloster’s kick-to-open feature for the powered tailgate.

The MG Gloster is expected to be offered with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, both mated to an automatic transmission as well as AWD. It will be launched by Diwali 2020 while bookings are unofficially underway. The Gloster will take on the likes of the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Alturas G4 and the upcoming BS6 Skoda Kodiaq. It will likely be priced from Rs 30 lakh onwards (ex-showroom).