UV (Utility Vehicle) segment has been growing at very fast pace in the country. Several new SUVs/MPVs are ready to hit Indian roads in the next couple years right from the Tata Punch micro SUV, Jeep Merdian 7-seater SUV to the updated Maruti Suzuki XL6 and MG 360M. Here’re expected launch timeline and details of the upcoming 5 new MPVs.
Updated Maruti XL6
If reports are to be believed, the Indo-Japanese carmaker is planning to launch the updated Maruti Suzuki XL6 in January 2022. The model is likely to receive minor changes inside and out. This time around, the company might bring in the 7-seater version of the XL6 that’s sold as Suzuki XL7 in the Indonesian market. The model has a bench seat for the middle row passengers. It’s likely to come with the newly-designed alloy wheels, slightly wider tyres, contrast black roof and rear spoiler. Under the hood, the 2022 Maruti XL6 might carry the same 105PS, 1.5L K15B petrol engine with manual and automatic gearbox options.
Kia KY
The South Korean automaker has already confirmed that its fourth product for India will arrive in early 2022. While the company hasn’t yet revealed the name and details of the new model, it’s likely to be a compact MPV based on the Seltos’ platform. In fact, its test mules have been caught on camera multiple times. Codenamed Kia KY, the compact MPV will be positioned against the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, Mahindra Marazzo and Hyundai’s upcoming compact MPV. It will be a 7-seater model that will share its features and engines with the Kia Seltos. Reports suggest that the Kia KY will be the first car in its category to provide access to the third row seats via an electronic button.
Hyundai Compact MPV
Hyundai is ready to enter into the compact MPV segment early next year with a new model. It’s surely one of the much-awaited upcoming MPVs that will take on Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Rumour has it that Hyundai Stargazer, which was caught testing in Indonesia and Korea, will make its way to India. The 7-seater MPV will be designed and developed especially for the Southeast Asian market. Hyundai’s Chennai-based plant will serve as production for the domestic and international markets. The Stargazer is likely to measure around 4.5 meters in length and wheelbase equal to the Alcazar. On the engine front, the upcoming Hyundai compact MPV might get a 1.5L petrol (113bhp/145Nm) and a 1.5L diesel (113bhp/250Nm) unit. The Alcazar’s 2.0L petrol engine might also be on offer.
Toyota’s Ertiga-Based MPV
Toyota Kirloskar Motor will soon roll out the re-badged version of the Maruti Suzuki’s Ciaz sedan and Ertiga MPV. The Ertiga-based MPV from the Japanese carmaker will carry a different nameplate along with minor cosmetic changes. Most of the updates are likely to be made at the front end including a newly-designed grille. Toyota’s Ertiga based MPV is likely to come with a new set of dual-tone alloy wheels. No changes are expected to be made inside the cabin and under the hood. The MPV’s rebadged version will source power from the same 104PS, 1.5L, 4-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine. It will come with 4-speed manual and torque convertor automatic gearbox options. As of now, there is no official word on its launch timeline. Though, the new Toyota Ertiga based MPV is likely to arrive by the end of 2021 or early 2022.
MG 360M
MG Motors India showcased the 360M and G10 MPVs at the last year’s Auto Expo. While the former will come as Maruti Ertiga rival, the latter will be put up against the Kia Carnival. The MG 360M is essentially the China-spec Baojun 360 with 2+2+2 seating arrangement. Compared to the Ertiga, the MG MPV is longer and has more cabin space to offer. It comes packed with goodies such as an 8-inch central control screen, a multifunction steering wheel, Bosch’s new-generation electronic stability program, a tyre pressure monitoring system, multiple airbags, an electric sunroof and more. Powering the MG MPV will be a 1.5L petrol engine making power worth 103PS and 135Nm of torque. For performing transmission duties, it will have a CVT automatic gearbox. The MG 360M is expected to hit our roads sometime next year.
