JSW MG Motor had showcased the Magister in the country at the 2025 India Mobility Expo more than a year ago. It was supposed to be a facelift of Gloster, but the company is positioning Magister above Gloster in its portfolio. It is being advertised as India’s first D+ SUV and even test mules bear the line.
Ahead of its launch on February 12, MG Motor is trying to create some buzz about this vehicle and grab the attention of India’s off-road enthusiasts. To do this, the MG Magister has climbed Mount Japfu, the second highest peak in the state of Nagaland. Let us take a closer look.
MG Magister climbs Mount Japfu
With advances in vehicle platforms, the industry has moved away from ladder-frame chassis, favoring modern monocoque architecture. There are only a few large ladder frame SUVs left from mainstream brands in India and the MG Magster is the biggest of the bunch. It is the longest, widest, tallest and has the longest wheelbase, highest ground clearance and other features.
These make it a capable off-roader and MG Motor has been highlighting these strengths ahead of the launch to promote this off-roader. MG Magister has now climbed Mount Japphu, the second highest peak in Nagaland and known for its inaccessible and rugged terrain. This feat has been achieved by MG’s engineering team in collaboration with KAMC (Kohima Adventure Motorsports Club).
We can see the MG Magister navigating steep slopes, rocky roads, narrow forest paths and rugged rugged terrain, highlighting its off-road capability and terrain management systems. The Magister navigated challenging gradients, showcasing its off-road capabilities in extreme real-world conditions.
When compared to the Gloster, the Magister has a more imposing appearance, larger size and is expected to come with a triple locking differential, which none of its rivals come with. On the inside too, the MG Magster will come with a host of features and comfort features along with impeccable materials and fit and finish.
It is expected to have the same 2.0L twin turbo diesel engine, 8-speed torque converter gearbox, 4X4 torque multiplying transfer case and three locking differentials – one at the front, one in the middle and one at the rear.
mg motor statement
Commenting on the achievement, Vinay Raina, Chief Commercial Officer, JSW MG Motor India, said, “MG has consistently been a trend setter in the Indian market, introducing products that redefine expectations in their respective segments. With the MG Magister, we are introducing the D+ segment – a new space for large, capable SUVs built to handle real-world conditions.
The climb of Mount Japphu highlighted MAJESTOR’s engineering, demonstrating its capability, control and readiness for some of India’s toughest terrain. During our trial run, the MG Magister dominated challenging off-road terrains, showcasing the depth of engineering, rigorous testing and capability that went into developing India’s first D+ segment SUV for real-world driving conditions.
