2023 going to be super exciting for the Indian automotive industry. We will witness several trend changes right from increasing adoption of the electric and hybrid vehicles to high demand of SUVs and MPVs (family cars). Car manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Toyota are ready to roll out all-new 6/7-seater family cars next year. Here’re some key details of the upcoming models.
Upcoming 6/7-Seater Family Cars (MPVs)
Toyota Innova Hycross
Toyota Innova Hycross will go on sale in India in January 2023. The MPV’s new model carry more SUV-ish stance, thanks to its TNGA-C modular platform replacing the old ladder frame chassis. Unlike the Innova Crysta that has RWD setup, the Innova Hycross will have FWD system. Its major highlight is the ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) suite along with features such as a 10-inch free-standing touchscreen infotainment system, a large dual-pane panoramic sunroof, captain seats with ottoman function and a 360 degree camera. The Innova Hycross will be offered with the 2.0L petrol and 2.0L TNGA petrol with 5th-gen Toyota hybrid system powertrain options. More details here…
New Maruti MPV
The upcoming new Maruti MPV will essentially be the first re-badged Toyota, based on the Innova Hycross. It’s one of the much-awaited upcoming family cars in the country. The carmaker might make a few cosmetic changes (especially at the front) to differentiate it from the Toyota MPV. Besides platform, the model will share its features, components and powertrains with the Innova Hycross. More details here…
Citroen 7-Seater MPV
Citroen is working on a new 7-seater model that will be based on the C3 hatchback. One of its prototypes was recently caught on camera with heavy camouflage. Compared to its younger sibling, the new Citroen 7-seater MPV will be longer and offer more spacious interior. Its wheelbase will be longer and ground clearance will be higher. The MPV is likely to use the same 1.2L naturally aspirated petrol and 1.2L turbo petrol engines, sourced from the C3 hatchback. More details here…
Hyundai Stargazer
If reports are to be believed, the South Korean automaker is planning to enter into the compact MPV segment. The company might bring in the Hyundai Stargazer that’s already on sale in the Indonesian market. Powering the model is a 115bhp, 1.5L MPI petrol engine that can be had with either a 6-speed manual or an IVT (CVT) automatic gearbox. It’s 6-seater version has captain seats in the second row and bench seat in the third row. The Stargazer comes packed with the ADAS, Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car tech, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, automatic AC and wireless charging. More details here…
New-Gen Kia Carnival
The fourth-generation Kia Carnival that made its global debut in mid 2020, might make its way to India sometime next year. The MPV’s new model is bigger and more spacious than before. It measures 5155mm in length, 1995mm in width and 1775mm in height with a wheelbase of 3090mm. Some of its key features include the familiar Tiger Nose grille, high beam headlamp and low beam clusters, 19-inch dual-tone alloys (Limousine variant), newly-designed LED taillamps, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 12.3-inch instrument console, new ‘Rear Passenger View & Talk’ feature and more. In India, the new Carnival is likely to come with the same 200bhp, 2.2L diesel engine and an 8-speed automatic gearbox. More details here…
