Several new cars have been planned for the next 6 months. Car manufacturers such as Maurti Suzuki, Hyundai, Kia and Jeep aim to begin the New Year with a bang by introducing new 7-seater models that sell like hot cakes in the country. One must note that the carmakers are yet confirm launch date and details of their upcoming SUVs and MPVs. Here’s a brief on the new 7-seater models that are reported to hit showrooms in early 2022.
Maruti Suzuki XL6 7-Seater
According to media reports, the Indo-Japanese carmaker might introduce the 7-seater version of the XL6 MPV in the month of January. The model is already on sale in the Indonesian market as Suzuki XL7. Compared to its 6-seater counterpart, the XL7 measures 5mm longer and 10mm taller. In fact, it offers around 111-litres extra boot space. The model has a bench type seat for the middle row occupants. The MPV could be made available with the 1.5L K15B petrol and the BS6-compliant diesel engine options. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic unit.
Hyundai Compact MPV
With an aim to challenge Maruti Suzuki Ertiga’s dominance, the South Korean carmaker will bring in an all-new compact MPV in early 2022. As of now, there is no official word on the same. Though, the reports suggest that it could be the Hyundai Stargazer 6/7-seater MPV that will be first launched in the Indonesian market. Hyundai’s Chennai-based facility will serve as production hub for the new MPV from where its reported to be exported in Indonesia. Measuring around 4.5 meters in length, the MPV is likely to share its platform with the Alcazar and engines with the Creta.
Kia Compact MPV
Kia will also foray into the compact MPV space early next year. Codenamed Kia KY, the model is reported to be offered with 6 and 7-seats configurations. It could be the first vehicle in its segment to provide access to third row seats through an electronic button. The list of features might also include Kia’s UVO connected car tech, a touchscreen infotainment unit, an electronic sunroof, air purifier, separate AC controls and curtains for the second row occupants and ambient lighting. The new Kia compact MPV is expected to share its platform, design bits, features and engines with the Seltos SUV.
Jeep Meridian
Jeep recently trademark Meridian nameplate in India that’s likely to be used for its upcoming 7-seater SUV based on the Compass. The automaker has already unveiled the model as Jeep Commander for the Brazilian market. The same model will make its way to India with minor cosmetic changes in early 2022. The new Jeep SUV will be around 364mm longer, 41mm wider and 42mm taller than the Compass. It could be offered with 6 and 7-seats layout featuring captain seats and bench-type seat in the middle row respectively. The Meridian is expected to come with the 2.0L twin-turbo diesel engine making power close to 200bhp and over 400Nm of torque.
