Skip advert
Advertisement

Morgan 3 Wheeler (2012 - 2021) review - engine and gearbox

Thumping American V-twin and slick Japanese Mazda gearbox combine for a truly enthralling drivetrain. And NVH be damned

Evo rating
RRP
from £25,950
  • Looks fantastic, simple clean driving experience, burnouts
  • Understeer and plenty of it, lacks grip, less fun in the wet

The engine and gearbox are two of the 3 Wheeler’s strongest points. American motorcycle engine manufacturer S&S produces the 2-litre V-Twin 'X-Wedge', which is then mated to a sturdy five-speed gearbox from the third-generation Mazda MX-5.

An at-the-rear-wheel power output of 82bhp at 5250rpm might not sound like much (it's measured at the wheel, rather than the crank), but the 3 Wheeler weighs just 525kg, which gives it a power to weight ratio of 159bhp per tonne.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The engine itself is actually quite high tech given the retro looks of the Morgan. It uses a dry-sump, is fuel injected and is air cooled - thanks largely to the fact that it's sat right out open to the elements on the front of the stubby nose section.

We’ve driven multiple 3 Wheelers now and the V-Twin has never disappointed. Driven slowly the thumping pistons puttering and pop at low revs, while the engine note hardens towards the top end. With the optional fishtal exhausts, the sound is part-Spitfire, part Hell's Angels.

You do need to be quite handy with rev-matching in order to enact smooth downchanges, as engine revolutions die quite quickly, but other than that the 3 Wheeler is easier to drive than it looks. The throttle is responsive, the engine torquey, the gearbox snappy and while the clutch is initially heavy, you quickly adapt.

It's worth mentioning that Morgan is also working on developing an electric 3 Wheeler. Currently in pre-production concept form, the car is set to make its debut proper come the end of 2016.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options
Used Porsche 911 Turbo
News

£200k is a lot for a new 911 Turbo so here are some used options

The new 992.2 Turbo S has supercar-slaying performance and a bona fide supercar price. Pay less for a used one and get very nearly as much performance…
11 Sep 2025
Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks
Lotus Emira Turbo SE
Reviews

Lotus Emira Turbo SE 2025 review – a rebranded sports car with detail tweaks

Amidst all the current hullabaloo at Hethel, a faster, sharper Emira four‐cylinder has emerged. Could it be the new pick of the range?
11 Sep 2025