First Drive: Will New MG Majestor Challenge Fortuner?
MG Majestor has come with its mighty technology, rich premium features and the size to challenge the dominant Fortuner in the fiercely competitive Indian car market: Reports
JSW MG Motor has introduced India’s newest flagship full-size SUV, the MG Majestor, undoubtedly to take on the popular Toyota Fortuner, which was launched on August 24, 2009. Several carmakers have tried to unseat the Toyota Fortuner but have failed miserably.
However, now the MG Majestor has come with its mighty technology, rich premium features and the size to challenge the dominant Fortuner in the fiercely competitive Indian car market. We took it for a long spin on the road and off it to check if it is worth the hype and hoopla.
The Exterior
The MG Majestor is the longest (5,046 mm), widest (2016 mm) and tallest (1,870 mm) full-size SUV in its class with a huge 2,950 mm wheelbase, riding on 19-inch alloy wheels. It has also got a bigger road presence than the Fortuner, drawing attention to it with commanding ‘Majestor’ lettering on the tailgate.
It has got a large and prominent front grille and faux silver skid plates, complemented by sleek LED DRLs and vertically stacked tri-beam LED headlights and connected LED tail lights.
The Interiors
As you enter, you notice the smart looking cabin, plenty of soft-touch materials around the dashboard and the door pads and the AC vents et al. Moreover, the fit and finish, including the plastic bits seem built to last.
The car sports an impressive dual 12.3-inch digital screen set up with a crisp resolution and easily accessible information, as well as a ventilation and massaging function for the front seats. It has also got two wireless charging pads, cupholders and dials for the fun off-road stuff, a panoramic sunroof, a wireless smartphone connectivity, three zone climate control, a 12-speaker JBL audio system, and level 2 ADAS. The captain seats are very comfortable for a long drive with the family and friends.
The Drive Experience
As you drive this full-size SUV, you can feel its bulk but its super suspension absorbs speed breakers, potholes and broken roads with ease. Although its 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel delivers 215 BHP and 478 Nm of torque and it is smooth on highways, it does feel lacking that power, especially while accelerating uphill or overtaking vehicles on the highway. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, with the option for 2WD and 4WD. With its Level 2 ADAS and 360-degree camera features, the drive becomes as comfortable as possible.
Undoubtedly, the MG Majestor is a good-off roader vehicle, despite weighing over two tonnes, because of its triple differential locks, that is front, centre and rear, and a rugged ladder-frame chassis. We put the vehicle on a test on a curated off-road route in the jungle in Amby Valley, near Lonavala in Maharashtra.
The vehicle went through tough and interesting challenges such as rocky terrains, rumblers, big articulation zones, positive and negative side inclines as well as pretty steep uphill and downhill sections. During this trip, the MG Majestor’s 10 off-road modes as well as the triple differential locking system were tested successfully while providing stability to occupants inside. The 219-mm ground clearance as well as the 360-degree camera came in handy in navigating tight corners and spots.
Should I Buy One?
Overall, the new MG Majestor, packed with plenty of tech, premium interiors, more space, and a powerful 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine with off-road capability, is a head turner. But what will decide its fate in the market is its pricing which will be announced soon.
